Repentance of Israel Children from Calf Worshipping by Killing Each Other

(Suleiman bin Ibrahim bin Mohammed hippocampus)

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Abstract

The Holy Quran mentioned various accounts about the Children of Israel status in relation to the messages they had received from Allah the Almighty through His Prophets. Among these positions was their worshipping of the golden calf at the era of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him). Such action enacts Allahs wrath and led to their humiliation and misery. Apparently, the Holy Quran declares that Allah (the Exalted) pardoned them and did not subject them to punishment. Allah said, "And (remember) when we appointed for Moses forty nights, and (in his absence) you took the calf (for worship), and you were wrongdoers. Then after that we forgave you so that you might be grateful." [Meanings of Quran, Sura 1: 51-52]. Some Quran interpretation books pointed out that the pardon they received came only after they had killed the guilty ones among them in repentance of that sin. They did so in compliance with Moses command to them as recorded in the Quran. Allah said, "And (remember) when Moses said to his people: "O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf. So, turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrongdoers among you), that will be better for you with your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance. Truly, He is the One who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful." [Meanings of Quran, Sura 1: 54]. The sources that documented the incident of the Children of Israels killing each other had much suffered exaggeration and fabrication that some went so far to claim that the massacre left 70,000 dead people. The present research intended to challenge these sources and negate their unfounded account. It also showed that the apparent account of the Quran regarding the story testifies that Allahs forgiveness was not in return for their killing one another, rather it was a blessing and clemency, The relevant verses of the Holy Quran had no direct sign of the Children of Israels compliance to Allahs command to kill themselves. Therefore, the interpretation of those verses should not go beyond their explicit meaning. Key Words: Calf worshipping, Children of Israel.
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