A brief look at Moosa (peace be upon him)

We would like a brief description of Moosa (peace be upon him) and his people.

Praise be to Allaah.
· Allaah sent revelation to Moosa ibn 'Imraan (peace be upon him) and sent him to the Children of Israel to call them to worship Allaah alone, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And indeed We sent Moosa (Moses) with Our Ayaat (signs, proofs, and evidences) (saying): "Bring out your people from darkness into light, and remind them of the annals of Allaah" [Ibraaheem 14:5].
{وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَى بِآيَاتِنَا أَنْ أَخْرِجْ قَوْمَكَ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ وَذَكِّرْهُمْ بِأَيَّامِ اللّهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَاتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ}
Transliteration: Wa Laqad 'Arsalnā Mūsá Bi'āyātinā 'An 'Akhrij Qawmaka Mina Až-Žulumāti 'Ilá An-Nūri Wa Dhakkirhum Bi'ayyāmi Allāhi 'Inna Fī Dhālika La'āyātin Likulli Şabbārin Shakūrin

· And Allaah sent Haaroon the brother of Moosa as a support to Moosa when He wanted to send him to Pharaoh, to call him to worship Allaah. This was in response to the request of Moosa:
"And We granted him his brother Haaroon (Aaron), (also) a Prophet, out of Our Mercy"[Maryam 19:53].
{وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُ مِن رَّحْمَتِنَا أَخَاهُ هَارُونَ نَبِيّاً}
Transliteration: Wa Wahabnā Lahu Min Raĥmatinā 'Akhāhu Hārūna Nabīyāan

· At that time, the Children of Israel were in Egypt, under the rule of Pharaoh, who had enslaved and humiliated them. He used to let their women live but he killed their sons:
"…weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them: killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon (i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants" [al-Qasas 28:4].
{...يَسْتَضْعِفُ طَائِفَةً مِّنْهُمْ يُذَبِّحُ أَبْنَاءهُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيِي نِسَاءهُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ}
Transliteration: ...Yastađ`ifu Ţā'ifatan Minhum Yudhabbiĥu 'Abnā'ahum Wa Yastaĥyī Nisā'ahum 'Innahu Kāna Mina Al-Mufsidīna

· Moosa was born in Egypt, and Allaah willed that he should be brought up in the house of Pharaoh… So his mother put him in a box which she threw into the river, and it was picked up by the family of Pharaoh. His wife Aasiyah rejoiced over him and forbade them to kill him… When he grew up and attained his full strength, Allaah gave him wisdom (Prophethood, right judgement of affairs) and knowledge (of the religion of his forefathers, i.e., Islamic monotheism). (cf. al-Qasas 28:14)

· One day a man from among the Children of Israel sought Moosa's help against his enemy. Moosa struck him with his fist and killed him (cf. al-Qasas 28:15). Then Moosa regretted it, and sought the forgiveness of his Lord, and He forgave him. Then he became afraid, looking about in the city (waiting to see the result of his crime of killing) (cf. al-Qasas 28:18). The next day, Moosa found that man fighting another enemy. He asked Moosa to help him again, and Moosa became angry with him. The man thought that he was going to kill him, so he said to him: {أَتُرِيدُ أَن تَقْتُلَنِي كَمَا قَتَلْتَ نَفْساً بِالْأَمْسِ}
Transliteration: 'Aturīdu 'An Taqtulanī Kamā Qatalta Nafsāan Bil-'Amsi
" 'Is it your intention to kill me as you killed a man yesterday?"" [al-Qasas 28:19].

· That enemy told the people of Pharaoh about that, and they started to look for him in order to kill him. A righteous man came and told Moosa what the people were plotting against him. He advised him to leave Egypt:
"So he escaped from there, looking about in a state of fear. He said: 'My Lord! Save me from the people who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers)!'"[al-Qasas 28:21].
{قَالَ رَبِّ نَجِّنِي مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ}
Transliteration: Qāla Rabbi Najjinī Mina Al-Qawmi Až-Žālimīna

· Moosa headed for the land of Madyan (Midian), where he married the daughter of a noble shaykh in return for working for him for eight years. When that time was over, Moosa travelled with his family towards Egypt. When he came to al-Toor (Mount Sinai), Allaah wanted to single him out, to honour him with Prophethood and to speak with him. Moosa lost his way, then he saw a fire…
"… he said to his family: 'Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire.'
And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: 'O Moosa (Moses)!
Verily, I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.
And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you).
Verily, I am Allaah! Laa ilaaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As‑Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑Salaah) for My remembrance.
Verily, the Hour is coming and I am almost hiding it that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives" [Ta-Ha 20:10-15].
{فَقَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ امْكُثُوا إِنِّي آنَسْتُ نَاراً لَّعَلِّي آتِيكُم مِّنْهَا بِقَبَسٍ أَوْ أَجِدُ عَلَى النَّارِ هُدًى (10) فَلَمَّا أَتَاهَا نُودِي يَا مُوسَى (11) إِنِّي أَنَا رَبُّكَ فَاخْلَعْ نَعْلَيْكَ إِنَّكَ بِالْوَادِ الْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى (12) وَأَنَا اخْتَرْتُكَ فَاسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَى (13) إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي (14) إِنَّ السَّاعَةَ ءاَتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخْفِيهَا لِتُجْزَى كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا تَسْعَى}
Transliteration: Faqāla Li'hlihi Amkuthū 'Innī 'Ānastu Nārāan La`allī 'Ātīkum Minhā Biqabasin 'Aw 'Ajidu `Alá An-Nāri Hudáan, Falammā 'Atāhā Nūdī Yā Mūsá, 'Innī 'Anā Rabbuka Fākhla` Na`layka 'Innaka Bil-Wādi Al-Muqaddasi Ţūáan, Wa 'Anā Akhtartuka Fāstami` Limā Yūĥá, 'Innanī 'Anā Allāhu Lā 'Ilāha 'Illā 'Anā Fā`budnī Wa 'Aqimi Aş-Şalāata Lidhikrī, 'Inna As-Sā`ata 'Ātiyatun 'Akādu 'Ukhfīhā Litujzá Kullu Nafsin Bimā Tas`á

· Then Allaah showed him some of the miracles. He commanded him to throw his stick on the ground, and it turned into a snake; then to put his hand into his garment, and it came out white. Then He told him to go with these two miracles to Pharaoh, so that he might accept admonition or fear Allaah, for he had transgressed all bounds in oppression and corruption. And He sent with Moosa his brother Haaroon. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
" 'Go, both of you, to Fir'awn (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant).
And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allaah).'
They said: 'Our Lord! Verily, we fear lest he should hasten to punish us or lest he should transgress (all bounds against us).'
He (Allaah) said: 'Fear not, verily, I am with you both, hearing and seeing.
So go you both to him, and say: "Verily, we are Messengers of your Lord, so let the Children of Israel go with us, and torment them not; indeed, we have come with a sign from your Lord! And peace will be upon him who follows the guidance!"'" [Ta-Ha 20:43-47].
{اذْهَبَا إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَى (43) فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلاً لَّيِّناً لَّعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَى (44) قَالَا رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَن يَفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَا أَوْ أَن يَطْغَى (45) قَالَ لَا تَخَافَا إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَى (46) فَأْتِيَاهُ فَقُولَا إِنَّا رَسُولَا رَبِّكَ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَلَا تُعَذِّبْهُمْ قَدْ جِئْنَاكَ بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكَ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى مَنِ اتَّبَعَ الْهُدَى}
Transliteration: Adh/habā 'Ilá Fir`awna 'Innahu Ţaghá, Faqūlā Lahu Qawlāan Layyināan La`allahu Yatadhakkaru 'Aw Yakhshá, Qālā Rabbanā 'Innanā Nakhāfu 'An Yafruţa `Alaynā 'Aw 'An Yaţghá, Qāla Lā Takhāfā 'Innanī Ma`akumā 'Asma`u Wa 'Ará, Fa'tiyāhu Faqūlā 'Innā Rasūlā Rabbika Fa'arsil Ma`anā Banī 'Isrā'īla Wa Lā Tu`adhdhibhum Qad Ji'nāka Bi'āyatin Min Rabbika Wa As-Salāmu `Alá Mani Attaba`a Al-Hudá

· Moosa and Haaroon (peace be upon them) went to Pharaoh and conveyed the message to him. Pharaoh asked Moosa:
"Fir'awn (Pharaoh) said: 'And what is the Lord of the 'Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)?'
Moosa (Moses) said: 'The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to be convinced with certainty'"[al-Shu'araa' 26:23-24].
{قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ وَمَا رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ (23) قَالَ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا إن كُنتُم مُّوقِنِينَ}
Transliteration: Qāla Fir`awnu Wa Mā Rabbu Al-`Ālamīna, Qāla Rabbu As-Samāwāti Wa Al-'Arđi Wa Mā Baynahumā 'In Kuntum Mūqinīna

· Then Pharaoh asked Moosa for a sign to prove that he was speaking the truth:
"[Fir'awn (Pharaoh)] said: 'If you have come with a sign, show it forth, if you are one of those who tell the truth.'
Then [Moosa (Moses)] threw his stick and behold! it was a serpent, manifest!
And he drew out his hand, and behold! it was white (with radiance) for the beholders" [al-A'raaf 7:106-108].
{قَالَ إِن كُنتَ جِئْتَ بِآيَةٍ فَأْتِ بِهَا إِن كُنتَ مِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ (106) فَأَلْقَى عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا هِيَ ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِينٌ (107) وَنَزَعَ يَدَهُ فَإِذَا هِيَ بَيْضَاء لِلنَّاظِرِينَ}
Transliteration: Qāla 'In Kunta Ji'ta Bi'āyatin Fa'ti Bihā 'In Kunta Mina Aş-Şādiqīna, Fa'alqá `Aşāhu Fa'idhā Hiya Thu`bānun Mubīnun, Wa Naza`a Yadahu Fa'idhā Hiya Bayđā'u Lilnnāžirīna

· When Pharaoh and his people saw that, they accused Moosa of sorcery. They brought the sorcerers together and offered them a great reward. Then they gathered the people together on a feast day. The sorcerers threw down their sticks and ropes:
"…So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them, and they displayed a great magic" [al-A'raaf 7:116].
{...فَلَمَّا أَلْقَوْاْ سَحَرُواْ أَعْيُنَ النَّاسِ وَاسْتَرْهَبُوهُمْ وَجَاءوا بِسِحْرٍ عَظِيمٍ}
Transliteration: Falammā 'Alqaw Saĥarū 'A`yuna An-Nāsi Wa Astarhabūhum Wa Jā'ū Bisiĥrin `Ažīmin

· Then Allaah supported Moosa against the sorcerers and exposed the falsehood of their plots. Then the sorcerers believed in the Lord of the Worlds:
"And We revealed to Moosa (Moses) (saying): 'Throw your stick,' and behold! It swallowed up straight away all the falsehood which they showed.
Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect.
So they were defeated there and returned disgraced.
And the sorcerers fell down prostrate.
They said: 'We believe in the Lord of the 'Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
The Lord of Moosa (Moses) and Haaroon (Aaron)'" [al-A'raaf 7:117-122].
{وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى مُوسَى أَنْ أَلْقِ عَصَاكَ فَإِذَا هِيَ تَلْقَفُ مَا يَأْفِكُونَ (117) فَوَقَعَ الْحَقُّ وَبَطَلَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ (118) فَغُلِبُواْ هُنَالِكَ وَانقَلَبُواْ صَاغِرِينَ (119) وَأُلْقِيَ السَّحَرَةُ سَاجِدِينَ (120) قَالُواْ آمَنَّا بِرِبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (121) رَبِّ مُوسَى وَهَارُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Awĥaynā 'Ilá Mūsá 'An 'Alqi `Aşāka Fa'idhā Hiya Talqafu Mā Ya'fikūna, Fawaqa`a Al-Ĥaqqu Wa Baţala Mā Kānū Ya`malūna, Faghulibū Hunālika Wa Anqalabū Şāghirīna, Wa 'Ulqiya As-Saĥaratu Sājidīna, Qālū 'Āmannā Birabbi Al-`Ālamīna, Rabbi Mūsá Wa Hārūna

· When the sorcerers believed in Allaah, Pharaoh cut off their hands and feet on opposite sides and crucified them. But they bore that with patience and paid no heed to his threats, until they met Allaah as Muslims. Then the chiefs indicated that Moosa and his people should be killed, lest they spread corruption in the land. So they killed their sons, and let their women live. Moosa urged the Children of Israel to have patience. Then Pharaoh could no longer bear to see Moosa , so he decided to kill him:
"Fir'awn (Pharaoh) said: 'Leave me to kill Moosa (Moses), and let him call his Lord (to stop me from killing him)! I fear that he may change your religion, or that he may cause mischief to appear in the land!'"[Ghaafir 40:26].
{وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ذَرُونِي أَقْتُلْ مُوسَى وَلْيَدْعُ رَبَّهُ إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَن يُبَدِّلَ دِينَكُمْ أَوْ أَن يُظْهِرَ فِي الْأَرْضِ الْفَسَادَ}
Transliteration: Wa Qāla Fir`awnu Dharūnī 'Aqtul Mūsá Wa Līad`u Rabbahu 'Innī 'Akhāfu 'An Yubaddila Dīnakum 'Aw 'An Yužhira Fī Al-'Arđi Al-Fasāda

· Whilst they were thinking of killing Moosa, chivalry caused a believing man from among the family of Pharaoh, who was concealing his faith, to defend Moosa. He said, "If he is lying, he cannot harm us, and if he is telling the truth, then some of that of which he is warning you will befall you." This man continued to advise Pharaoh and his people, but they did not respond to him:
"… Fir'awn (Pharaoh) said: 'I show you only that which I see (correct), and I guide you only to the path of right policy!'"[Ghaafir 40:29].
{...قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ مَا أُرِيكُمْ إِلَّا مَا أَرَى وَمَا أَهْدِيكُمْ إِلَّا سَبِيلَ الرَّشَادِ}
Transliteration: Qāla Fir`awnu Mā 'Urīkum 'Illā Mā 'Ará Wa Mā 'Ahdīkum 'Illā Sabīla Ar-Rashādi

· Moosa continued to call Pharaoh and his people, preaching in a good manner, but it only made them more arrogant in the land and caused them to oppress and persecute the believers even more. So Moosa prayed against them, and Allaah punished them with drought, famine, and failure of the harvest, that they might receive admonition. But they did not submit, rather they persisted in their evil deeds and transgression. So Allaah punished them with other kinds of afflictions, so that they might return to their senses:
"They said [to Moosa (Moses)]: 'Whatever Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) you may bring to us, to work therewith your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you.'
So We sent on them: the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood (as a succession of) manifest signs, yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were Mujrimoon (criminals, polytheists and sinners)'" [al-A'raaf 7:132-133].
{وَقَالُواْ مَهْمَا تَأْتِنَا بِهِ مِن آيَةٍ لِّتَسْحَرَنَا بِهَا فَمَا نَحْنُ لَكَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ (132) فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الطُّوفَانَ وَالْجَرَادَ وَالْقُمَّلَ وَالضَّفَادِعَ وَالدَّمَ آيَاتٍ مُّفَصَّلاَتٍ فَاسْتَكْبَرُواْ وَكَانُواْ قَوْماً مُّجْرِمِينَ}
Transliteration: Wa Qālū Mahmā Ta'tinā Bihi Min 'Āyatin Litasĥaranā Bihā Famā Naĥnu Laka Bimu'uminīna, Fa'arsalnā `Alayhimu Aţ-Ţūfāna Wa Al-Jarāda Wa Al-Qummala Wa Ađ-Đafādi`a Wa Ad-Dama 'Āyātin Mufaşşalātin Fāstakbarū Wa Kānū Qawmāan Mujrimīna

· When the transgression of Pharaoh intensified, there came the divine command to seek a way out. Allaah commanded Moosa to leave Egypt with the Children of Israel, in secret. When Pharaoh found out, he gathered a great army to catch up with Moosa and his people before they reached Palestine. Pharaoh and his troops set out, leaving behind them gardens and wealth. They caught up with Moosa and his people at sunrise, on the shores of the Red Sea. Allaah saved Moosa and his people, and drowned Pharaoh and his troops, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And We revealed to Moosa (Moses), saying: 'Depart by night with My slaves, verily, you will be pursued.'
Then Fir'awn (Pharaoh) sent callers to (all) the cities.
(Saying): 'Verily, these indeed are but a small band.
And verily, they have done what has enraged us.
But we are a host all assembled, amply forewarned.'
So, We expelled them from gardens and springs,
Treasures, and every kind of honourable place.
Thus [We turned them (Pharaoh's people) out] and We caused the Children of Israel to inherit them.
So they pursued them at sunrise.
And when the two hosts saw each other, the companions of Moosa (Moses) said: 'We are sure to be overtaken.'
[Moosa (Moses)] said: 'Nay, verily, with me is my Lord. He will guide me.'
Then We revealed to Moosa (Moses) (saying): 'Strike the sea with your stick.' And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like a huge mountain.
Then We brought near the others [Fir'awn's (Pharaoh's) party] to that place.
And We saved Moosa (Moses) and all those with him.
Then We drowned the others.
Verily, in this is indeed a sign (or a proof), yet most of them are not believers.
And verily, your Lord, He is truly, the All‑Mighty, the Most Merciful" [al-Shu'araa' 26:52-68].
{وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى مُوسَى أَنْ أَسْرِ بِعِبَادِي إِنَّكُم مُّتَّبَعُونَ (52) فَأَرْسَلَ فِرْعَوْنُ فِي الْمَدَائِنِ حَاشِرِينَ (53) إِنَّ هَؤُلَاء لَشِرْذِمَةٌ قَلِيلُونَ (54) وَإِنَّهُمْ لَنَا لَغَائِظُونَ (55) وَإِنَّا لَجَمِيعٌ حَاذِرُونَ (56) فَأَخْرَجْنَاهُم مِّن جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ (57) وَكُنُوزٍ وَمَقَامٍ كَرِيمٍ (58) كَذَلِكَ وَأَوْرَثْنَاهَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ (59) فَأَتْبَعُوهُم مُّشْرِقِينَ (60) فَلَمَّا تَرَاءى الْجَمْعَانِ قَالَ أَصْحَابُ مُوسَى إِنَّا لَمُدْرَكُونَ (61) قَالَ كَلَّا إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ (62) فَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى مُوسَى أَنِ اضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ الْبَحْرَ فَانفَلَقَ فَكَانَ كُلُّ فِرْقٍ كَالطَّوْدِ الْعَظِيمِ (63) وَأَزْلَفْنَا ثَمَّ الْآخَرِينَ (64) وَأَنجَيْنَا مُوسَى وَمَن مَّعَهُ أَجْمَعِينَ (65) ثُمَّ أَغْرَقْنَا الْآخَرِينَ (66) إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَةً وَمَا كَانَ أَكْثَرُهُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ (67) وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الرَّحِيمُ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Awĥaynā 'Ilá Mūsá 'An 'Asri Bi`ibādī 'Innakum Muttaba`ūna, Fa'arsala Fir`awnu Fī Al-Madā'ini Ĥāshirīna, 'Inna Hā'uulā' Lashirdhimatun Qalīlūna, Wa 'Innahum Lanā Laghā'ižūna, Wa 'Innā Lajamī`un Ĥādhirūna, Fa'akhrajnāhum Min Jannātin Wa `Uyūnin, Wa Kunūzin Wa Maqāmin Karīmin, Kadhālika Wa 'Awrathnāhā Banī 'Isrā'īla, Fa'atba`ūhum Mushriqīna, Falammā Tarā'á Al-Jam`āni Qāla 'Aşĥābu Mūsá 'Innā Lamudrakūna, Qāla Kallā 'Inna Ma`iya Rabbī Sayahdīni, Fa'awĥaynā 'Ilá Mūsá 'Ani Ađrib Bi`aşāka Al-Baĥra Fānfalaqa Fakāna Kullu Firqin Kālţţawdi Al-`Ažīmi, Wa 'Azlafnā Thamma Al-'Ākharīna, Wa 'Anjaynā Mūsá Wa Man Ma`ahu 'Ajma`īna, Thumma 'Aghraqnā Al-'Ākharīna, 'Inna Fī Dhālika La'āyatan Wa Mā Kāna 'Aktharuhum Mu'uminīna, Wa 'Inna Rabbaka Lahuwa Al-`Azīzu Ar-Raĥīmu

· Thus Pharaoh and his troops were destroyed. When he was drowning, he believed, but that was of no benefit to him. Allaah preserved his body to be a lesson to those who came after him. The punishment of Pharaoh's family in this world was drowning in the sea, and in the Hereafter, theirs is a painful torment:
"…while an evil torment encompassed Fir'awn's (Pharaoh) people.
The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon. And on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): 'Cause Fir'awn's (Pharaoh) people to enter the severest torment!'" [Ghaafir 40:45-46].
{فَوَقَاهُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِ مَا مَكَرُوا وَحَاقَ بِآلِ فِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ الْعَذَابِ (45) النَّارُ يُعْرَضُونَ عَلَيْهَا غُدُوّاً وَعَشِيّاً وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ أَدْخِلُوا آلَ فِرْعَوْنَ أَشَدَّ الْعَذَابِ}
Transliteration: Fawaqāhu Allāhu Sayyi'āti Mā Makarū Wa Ĥāqa Bi'āli Fir`awna Sū'u Al-`Adhābi, An-Nāru Yu`rađūna `Alayhā Ghudūwāan Wa `Ashīyāan Wa Yawma Taqūmu As-Sā`atu 'Adkhilū 'Āla Fir`awna 'Ashadda Al-`Adhābi

· The Children of Israel witnessed the miracles of Moosa, the last of which was their being saved and the destruction of their enemy. These miracles were sufficient to eradicate the last traces of idolatry from their hearts, but they still returned to it sometimes, and Moosa was faced with great difficulties in bringing them back to the worship of Allaah alone. For example:
When they had crossed the sea, they passed by some people who worshipped idols. They asked Moosa to give them an idol which they could worship like those people did. Moosa said to them:
" 'Verily, you are a people who know not (the Majesty and Greatness of Allaah and what is obligatory upon you, i.e. to worship none but Allaah Alone, the One and the Only God of all that exists).'
[Moosa (Moses) added:] 'Verily, these people will be destroyed for that which they are engaged in (idols, worship). And all that they are doing is in vain.'
He said: 'Shall I seek for you an ilaah (a god) other than Allaah, while He has given you superiority over the 'Aalameen (mankind and jinn of your time)?'"[al-A'raaf 7:138-140].
{قَالَ إِنَّكُمْ قَوْمٌ تَجْهَلُونَ (138) إِنَّ هَـؤُلاء مُتَبَّرٌ مَّا هُمْ فِيهِ وَبَاطِلٌ مَّا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ (139) قَالَ أَغَيْرَ اللّهِ أَبْغِيكُمْ إِلَـهاً وَهُوَ فَضَّلَكُمْ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ}
Transliteration: Qāla 'Innakum Qawmun Tajhalūna, 'Inna Hā'uulā' Mutabbarun Mā Hum Fīhi Wa Bāţilun Mā Kānū Ya`malūna, Qāla 'Aghayra Allāhi 'Abghīkum 'Ilahāan Wa Huwa Fađđalakum `Alá Al-`Ālamīna

The Children of Israel were headed towards the Holy Land, and on the way they suffered from thirst. They complained to Moosa, who prayed to his Lord and He gave them water:
"We revealed to Moosa (Moses) when his people asked him for water (saying): 'Strike the stone with your stick', and there gushed forth out of it twelve springs, each group knew its own place for water"[al-A'raaf 7:160].
{وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى مُوسَى إِذِ اسْتَسْقَاهُ قَوْمُهُ أَنِ اضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ الْحَجَرَ فَانبَجَسَتْ مِنْهُ اثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ عَيْناً قَدْ عَلِمَ كُلُّ أُنَاسٍ مَّشْرَبَهُمْ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Awĥaynā 'Ilá Mūsá 'Idh Astasqāhu Qawmuhu 'Ani Ađrib Bi`aşāka Al-Ĥajara Fānbajasat Minhu Athnatā `Ashrata `Aynāan Qad `Alima Kullu 'Unāsin Mashrabahum

On their journey, they complained about the intense heat of the sun, and the lack of food. So Moosa prayed to his Lord and He shaded them with clouds, and provided them with good things (to eat), but they did not appreciate that, and they demanded something else.
"We shaded them with the clouds and sent down upon them Al‑Manna and the quail (saying): 'Eat of the good things with which We have provided you.' They harmed Us not but they used to harm themselves"[al-A'raaf 7:160].
{وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الْغَمَامَ وَأَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَنَّ وَالسَّلْوَى كُلُواْ مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَمَا ظَلَمُونَا وَلَـكِن كَانُواْ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa Žallalnā `Alayhimu Al-Ghamāma Wa 'Anzalnā `Alayhimu Al-Manna Wa As-Salwá Kulū Min Ţayyibāti Mā Razaqnākum Wa Mā Žalamūnā Wa Lakin Kānū 'Anfusahum Yažlimūna

Then they complained and said:
" 'We cannot endure one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Foom (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions"" [al-Baqarah 2:61].
{لَن نَّصْبِرَ عَلَىَ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ فَادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُخْرِجْ لَنَا مِمَّا تُنبِتُ الأَرْضُ مِن بَقْلِهَا وَقِثَّآئِهَا وَفُومِهَا وَعَدَسِهَا وَبَصَلِهَا}
Transliteration: Lan Naşbira `Alá Ţa`āmin Wāĥidin Fād`u Lanā Rabbaka Yukhrij Lanā Mimmā Tunbitu Al-'Arđu Min Baqlihā Wa Qiththā'ihā Wa Fūmihā Wa `Adasihā Wa Başalihā

Allaah had promised Moosa that He would send down to him a Book containing commands and prohibitions for the Children of Israel. When Pharaoh was destroyed, Moosa asked Allaah his Lord for that Book. Allaah commanded him to fast for forty days. He appointed his brother Haaroon as his deputy to be in charge of his people, and he fasted for those days. Then Allaah revealed the Tawraat (Torah) to him at the mountain of al-Toor (Sinai), in which there were lessons and explanations of all things. When he came back to his people, he found them worshipping the calf, which al-Saamiri had made for them from their jewellery and had told them, "This is your god and the god of Moosa."
"Then he took out (of the fire) for them (a statue of) a calf which seemed to low. They said: 'This is your ilaah (god), and the ilaah (god) of Moosa (Moses), but he [Moosa (Moses)] has forgotten (his god).'
Did they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer), and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?
And Haaroon (Aaron) indeed had said to them beforehand: 'O my people! You are being tried in this, and verily, your Lord is (Allaah) the Most Gracious, so follow me and obey my order.'
They said: 'We will not stop worshipping it (i.e. the calf), until Moosa (Moses) returns to us'"[Ta-Ha 20:88-91]
{فَأَخْرَجَ لَهُمْ عِجْلاً جَسَداً لَهُ خُوَارٌ فَقَالُوا هَذَا إِلَهُكُمْ وَإِلَهُ مُوسَى فَنَسِيَ (88) أَفَلَا يَرَوْنَ أَلَّا يَرْجِعُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَوْلاً وَلَا يَمْلِكُ لَهُمْ ضَرّاً وَلَا نَفْعاً (89) وَلَقَدْ قَالَ لَهُمْ هَارُونُ مِن قَبْلُ يَا قَوْمِ إِنَّمَا فُتِنتُم بِهِ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ فَاتَّبِعُونِي وَأَطِيعُوا أَمْرِي (90) قَالُوا لَن نَّبْرَحَ عَلَيْهِ عَاكِفِينَ حَتَّى يَرْجِعَ إِلَيْنَا مُوسَى}
Transliteration: Fa'akhraja Lahum `Ijlāan Jasadāan Lahu Khuwārun Faqālū Hādhā 'Ilahukum Wa 'Ilahu Mūsá Fanasiya, 'Afalā Yarawna 'Allā Yarji`u 'Ilayhim Qawlāan Wa Lā Yamliku Lahum Đarrāan Wa Lā Naf`āan, Wa Laqad Qāla Lahum Hārūnu Min Qablu Yā Qawmi 'Innamā Futintum Bihi Wa 'Inna Rabbakumu Ar-Raĥmānu Fa Attabi`ūnī Wa 'Aţī`ū 'Amrī, Qālū Lan Nabraĥa `Alayhi `Ākifīna Ĥattá Yarji`a 'Ilaynā Mūsá

When Moosa came, he got angry with them and rebuked them, and explained the truth to them. Then he burned the calf, and threw it into the sea. He punished al-Saamiri and he subsequently felt pain from anything he touched.

The Children of Israel regretted having worshipped the calf. Moosa chose from among them seventy men and took them to the Mountain (al-Toor/Sinai) to worship Allaah and show their regret for what they had done. There Allaah spoke to Moosa, but some of them did not believe that Allaah was the One who had spoken to Moosa. So they disobeyed him and said, Show us Allaah plainly.
"And (remember) when you said: 'O Moosa (Moses)! We shall never believe in you until we see Allaah plainly.' But you were seized with a thunderbolt (lightning) while you were looking.
Then We raised you up after your death, so that you might be grateful"[al-Baqarah 2:55-56].
{وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَا مُوسَى لَن نُّؤْمِنَ لَكَ حَتَّى نَرَى اللَّهَ جَهْرَةً فَأَخَذَتْكُمُ الصَّاعِقَةُ وَأَنتُمْ تَنظُرُونَ (55) ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَاكُم مِّن بَعْدِ مَوْتِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Idh Qultum Yā Mūsá Lan Nu'umina Laka Ĥattá Nará Allāha Jahratan Fa'akhadhatkumu Aş-Şā`iqatu Wa 'Antum Tanžurūna, Thumma Ba`athnākum Min Ba`di Mawtikum La`allakum Tashkurūna

When Moosa came back to the Children of Israel with the Tawraat, they refused to accept it and complained about its rulings. So he threatened them, then they accepted it, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And (O Children of Israel, remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying): 'Hold fast to that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).
Then after that you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allaah upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers"[al-Baqarah 2:63-64].
{وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَكُمْ وَرَفَعْنَا فَوْقَكُمُ الطُّورَ خُذُواْ مَا آتَيْنَاكُم بِقُوَّةٍ وَاذْكُرُواْ مَا فِيهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (63) ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَلِكَ فَلَوْلاَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَكُنتُم مِّنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Idh 'Akhadhnā Mīthāqakum Wa Rafa`nā Fawqakumu Aţ-Ţūra Khudhū Mā 'Ātaynākum Biqūwatin Wa Adhkurū Mā Fīhi La`allakum Tattaqūna, Thumma Tawallaytum Min Ba`di Dhālika Falawlā Fađlu Allāhi `Alaykum Wa Raĥmatuhu Lakuntum Mina Al-Khāsirīna

Then Moosa commanded the Children of Israel to go with him to the Holy Land in Palestine, so they went with him, then they became afraid of its powerful inhabitants, so they disobeyed Moosa and rebelled against him:
"They said: 'O Moosa (Moses)! We shall never enter it as long as they are there. So go you and your Lord and fight you two, we are sitting right here'"[al-Maa'idah 5:24].
{قَالُواْ يَا مُوسَى إِنَّا لَن نَّدْخُلَهَا أَبَداً مَّا دَامُواْ فِيهَا فَاذْهَبْ أَنتَ وَرَبُّكَ فَقَاتِلا إِنَّا هَاهُنَا قَاعِدُونَ}
Transliteration: Qālū Yā Mūsá 'Innā Lan Nadkhulahā 'Abadāan Mā Dāmū Fīhā Fādh/hab 'Anta Wa Rabbuka Faqātilā 'Innā Hāhunā Qā`idūna

So Moosa prayed against them, and Allaah answered his prayer. He told him that the Holy Land was forbidden to them, and they would wander in the land for forty years, so he should not grieve over them:
"He [Moosa (Moses)] said: 'O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the people who are the Faasiqoon (rebellious and disobedient to Allaah)!'
(Allaah) said: 'Therefore it (this holy land) is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction they will wander through the land. So be not sorrowful over the people who are the Faasiqoon (rebellious and disobedient to Allaah)'[al-Maa'idah 5:25-26].
{قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي لا أَمْلِكُ إِلاَّ نَفْسِي وَأَخِي فَافْرُقْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ الْقَوْمِ الْفَاسِقِينَ (25) قَالَ فَإِنَّهَا مُحَرَّمَةٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً يَتِيهُونَ فِي الأَرْضِ فَلاَ تَأْسَ عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْفَاسِقِينَ}
Transliteration: Qāla Rabbi 'Innī Lā 'Amliku 'Illā Nafsī Wa 'Akhī Fāfruq Baynanā Wa Bayna Al-Qawmi Al-Fāsiqīna, Qāla Fa'innahā Muĥarramatun `Alayhim 'Arba`īna Sanatan Yatīhūna Fī Al-'Arđi Falā Ta'sa `Alá Al-Qawmi Al-Fāsiqīna

· Moosa bore with patience the many complaints of the Children of Israel. During that period of wandering, Haaroon died, then Moosa died, and most of them also died. When that time came to an end, Yoosha' ibn Noon (Joshua the son of Nun) led them into the Holy Land and besieged it until he conquered it. He commanded them to enter the land prostrating, but they did not obey him, and entered it on their backsides.

· Allaah bestowed great blessings upon the Children of Israel. He saved them from Pharaoh, and provided them with good things to eat. He made Prophets and kings from among them, and favoured them above all other people, but they were ungrateful for those blessings and did not appreciate them:
"And (remember) when Moosa (Moses) said to his people: 'O my people! Remember the Favour of Allaah to you: when He made Prophets among you, made you kings and gave you what He had not given to any other among the 'Aalameen (mankind and jinn, in the past)'" [al-Maa'idah 5:20].
{وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَى لِقَوْمِهِ يَا قَوْمِ اذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ جَعَلَ فِيكُمْ أَنبِيَاء وَجَعَلَكُم مُّلُوكاً وَآتَاكُم مَّا لَمْ يُؤْتِ أَحَداً مِّن الْعَالَمِينَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Idh Qāla Mūsá Liqawmihi Yā Qawmi Adhkurū Ni`mata Allāhi `Alaykum 'Idh Ja`ala Fīkum 'Anbiyā'a Wa Ja`alakum Mulūkāan Wa 'Ātākum Mā Lam Yu'uti 'Aĥadāan Mina Al-`Ālamīna

· The Jews say and do evil things which bring upon them the wrath and anger of Allaah.

· They accused Allaah of being stingy:
"The Jews say: 'Allaah's Hand is tied up (i.e. He does not give and spend of His Bounty).' Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for what they uttered. Nay, both His Hands are widely outstretched. He spends (of His Bounty) as He wills" [al-Maa'idah 5:64].
{وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ يَدُ اللّهِ مَغْلُولَةٌ غُلَّتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَلُعِنُواْ بِمَا قَالُواْ بَلْ يَدَاهُ مَبْسُوطَتَانِ يُنفِقُ كَيْفَ يَشَاءُ}
Transliteration: Wa Qālati Al-Yahūdu Yadu Allāhi Maghlūlatun Ghullat 'Aydīhim Wa Lu`inū Bimā Qālū Bal Yadāhu Mabsūţatāni Yunfiqu Kayfa Yashā'u

· By virtue of this serious lie, they became disbelievers:
"Indeed, Allaah has heard the statement of those (Jews) who say: 'Truly, Allaah is poor and we are rich!'" [Aal 'Imraan 3:181].
{لَّقَدْ سَمِعَ اللّهُ قَوْلَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ فَقِيرٌ وَنَحْنُ أَغْنِيَاء}
Transliteration: Laqad Sami`a Allāhu Qawla Al-Ladhīna Qālū 'Inna Allāha Faqīrun Wa Naĥnu 'Aghniyā'u

· They attributed a son to Allaah; Allaah's curse be upon them, how they are deluded away from the truth!
"And the Jews say: 'Uzayr (Ezra) is the son of Allaah…" [al-Tawbah 9:30].
{وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ عُزَيْرٌ ابْنُ اللّهِ}
Transliteration: Wa Qālati Al-Yahūdu `Uzayrun Abnu Allāhi

· When the Tawraat reached them, most of them disbelieved in its rulings. They turned away from the path of Allaah, and regarded wrongdoing as permissible, so Allaah punished them for their sins. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"For the wrongdoing of the Jews, We made unlawful for them certain good foods which had been lawful for them - and for their hindering many from Allaah's Way;
And their taking of Riba (usury) though they were forbidden from taking it and their devouring of men's substance wrongfully (bribery). And We have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful torment" [al-Nisaa' 4:161].
{وَأَخْذِهِمُ الرِّبَا وَقَدْ نُهُواْ عَنْهُ وَأَكْلِهِمْ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ مِنْهُمْ عَذَاباً أَلِيماً}
Transliteration: Wa 'Akhdhihimu Ar-Ribā Wa Qad Nuhū `Anhu Wa 'Aklihim 'Amwāla An-Nāsi Bil-Bāţili Wa 'A`tadnā Lilkāfirīna Minhum `Adhābāan 'Alīmāan

· Among their lies is their claim that they are the sons and the beloved of Allaah:
"And (both) the Jews and the Christians say: 'We are the children of Allaah and His loved ones.' Say: 'Why then does He punish you for your sins?' Nay, you are but human beings of those He has created" [al-Maa'idah 5:18].
{وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ وَالنَّصَارَى نَحْنُ أَبْنَاء اللّهِ وَأَحِبَّاؤُهُ قُلْ فَلِمَ يُعَذِّبُكُم بِذُنُوبِكُم بَلْ أَنتُم بَشَرٌ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقَ}
Transliteration: Wa Qālati Al-Yahūdu Wa An-Naşārá Naĥnu 'Abnā'u Allāhi Wa 'Aĥibbā'uuhu Qul Falima Yu`adhdhibukum Bidhunūbikum Bal 'Antum Basharun Mimman Khalaqa

· And among their lies is the following:
"And they say, 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' These are their own desires. Say (O Muhammad), 'Produce your proof if you are truthful'"[al-Baqarah 2:111].
{وَقَالُواْ لَن يَدْخُلَ الْجَنَّةَ إِلاَّ مَن كَانَ هُوداً أَوْ نَصَارَى تِلْكَ أَمَانِيُّهُمْ قُلْ هَاتُواْ بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ}
Transliteration: Wa Qālū Lan Yadkhula Al-Jannata 'Illā Man Kāna Hūdāan 'Aw Naşārá Tilka 'Amānīyuhum Qul Hātū Burhānakum 'In Kuntum Şādiqīn

· And among their fabrications is the following:
"And they (Jews) say, 'The Fire (i.e. Hell-fire on the Day of Resurrection) shall not touch us but for a few numbered days.' Say (O Muhammad to them): 'Have you taken a covenant from Allaah, so that Allaah will not break His Covenant? Or is it that you say of Allaah what you know not?'"[al-Baqarah 2:80].
{وَقَالُواْ لَن تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ إِلاَّ أَيَّاماً مَّعْدُودَةً قُلْ أَتَّخَذْتُمْ عِندَ اللّهِ عَهْداً فَلَن يُخْلِفَ اللّهُ عَهْدَهُ أَمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللّهِ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa Qālū Lan Tamassanā An-Nāru 'Illā 'Ayyāmāan Ma`dūdatan Qul 'Āttakhadhtum `Inda Allāhi `Ahdāan Falan Yukhlifa Allāhu `Ahdahu 'Am Taqūlūna `Alá Allāhi Mā Lā Ta`lamūna

· An example of their plots and betrayal is the way in which they distorted their Book, the Tawraat:
"Among those who are Jews, there are some who displace words from (their) right places…" [al-Nisaa' 4:46].
{مِّنَ الَّذِينَ هَادُواْ يُحَرِّفُونَ الْكَلِمَ عَن مَّوَاضِعِهِ}
Transliteration: Mina Al-Ladhīna Hādū Yuĥarrifūna Al-Kalima `An Mawāđi`ihi

· Among their crimes are their disbelief in the signs of Allaah and their killing the Prophets unlawfully, so Allaah will punish them for their sins. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the Wrath of Allaah. That was because they used to disbelieve the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations etc.) of Allaah and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allaah, i.e. commit crimes and sins)" [al-Baqarah 2:61].
{وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ وَالْمَسْكَنَةُ وَبَآؤُوْاْ بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُواْ يَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ النَّبِيِّينَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ ذَلِكَ بِمَا عَصَواْ وَّكَانُواْ يَعْتَدُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa Đuribat `Alayhimu Adh-Dhillatu Wa Al-Maskanatu Wa Bā'ū Bighađabin Mina Allāhi Dhālika Bi'annahum Kānū Yakfurūna Bi'āyāti Allāhi Wa Yaqtulūna An-Nabīyīna Bighayri Al-Ĥaqqi Dhālika Bimā `Aşaw Wa Kānū Ya`tadūna

· Because the Jews have committed so many wrongful actions and evil deeds, fabricated so many lies and spread so much corruption on earth, Allaah has created hatred and enmity among them, and they will never have lasting power until the Day of Resurrection:
"We have put enmity and hatred amongst them till the Day of Resurrection. Every time they kindled the fire of war, Allaah extinguished it; and they (ever) strive to make mischief on the earth. And Allaah does not like the Mufsidoon (mischief‑makers)" [al-Maa'idah 5:64].
{وَأَلْقَيْنَا بَيْنَهُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاء إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ كُلَّمَا أَوْقَدُواْ نَاراً لِّلْحَرْبِ أَطْفَأَهَا اللّهُ وَيَسْعَوْنَ فِي الأَرْضِ فَسَاداً وَاللّهُ لاَ يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Alqaynā Baynahumu Al-`Adāwata Wa Al-Baghđā'a 'Ilá Yawmi Al-Qiyāmati Kullamā 'Awqadū Nārāan Lilĥarbi 'Aţfa'ahā Allāhu Wa Yas`awna Fī Al-'Arđi Fasādāan Wa Allāhu Lā Yuĥibbu Al-Mufsidīna

· The Jews are weak and divided, each of them with different desires:
"They fight not against you even together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Their enmity among themselves is very great. You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are a people who understand not" [al-Hashr 59:14].
{لَا يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ جَمِيعاً إِلَّا فِي قُرًى مُّحَصَّنَةٍ أَوْ مِن وَرَاء جُدُرٍ بَأْسُهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ شَدِيدٌ تَحْسَبُهُمْ جَمِيعاً وَقُلُوبُهُمْ شَتَّى ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا يَعْقِلُونَ}
Transliteration: Lā Yuqātilūnakum Jamī`āan 'Illā Fī Quráan Muĥaşşanatin 'Aw Min Warā'i Judurin Ba'suhum Baynahum Shadīdun Taĥsabuhum Jamī`āan Wa Qulūbuhum Shattá Dhālika Bi'annahum Qawmun Lā Ya`qilūna

· The Jews are the most hostile of all people towards those who believe. Because of their transgression and corruption, the Jews hate death because they fear what comes after death. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Say (O Muhammad): 'O you Jews! If you pretend that you are friends of Allaah, to the exclusion of (all) other mankind, then long for death if you are truthful.'
But they will never long for it (death), because of what (deeds) their hands have sent before them! And Allaah knows well the Zaalimoon (polytheists, wrongdoers, disbelievers)'" [al-Jumu'ah 62:6-7].
{قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ هَادُوا إِن زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّكُمْ أَوْلِيَاء لِلَّهِ مِن دُونِ النَّاسِ فَتَمَنَّوُا الْمَوْتَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ (6) وَلَا يَتَمَنَّوْنَهُ أَبَداً بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالظَّالِمِينَ}

· The Jews persisted in their corruption, transgression and deviation. Allaah sent many Prophets and Messengers to the Children of Israel, to bring them back to the Straight Path, and some of them believed in them and some disbelieved… until Allaah sent 'Eesa ibn Maryam (peace be upon him) to them.

From: Usool al-Deen al-Islami, by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwayjri
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