Day 88 · Surah Al-A'raf Verses 150-159

Al-A'raf 150–159

Musa's anger at Harun subsides into a prayer for forgiveness, seventy men are chosen to repent, then Allah's promise of mercy points to the characteristics of the unlettered Prophet mentioned in the Torah and Gospel.

• Musa became angry and pulled Harun's head, but Harun explained that the people despised him and nearly killed him, so Musa prayed asking forgiveness for them both.
• The worshippers of the calf are decreed to receive Allah's wrath and disgrace in this world, yet the door of forgiveness remains open for those who repent and correct their faith.
• Musa chose seventy men to repent, and when an earthquake occurred he pleaded that his people would not be destroyed for the deeds of the foolish among them.
• Allah's mercy is mentioned as encompassing all things and is decreed for the God-conscious, those who pay zakat, and those who follow the unlettered Messenger whose name is written in the Torah and Gospel.
• The Messenger is described as commanding the right, forbidding the wrong, permitting the good, prohibiting the evil, and freeing people from the shackles of ignorance.

Verses 150-155 continue the story of Musa with his people. After Prophet Musa returned from receiving revelation and learned of his people's actions, he became angry and rebuked Harun even to the point of pulling his head. Harun said: Do not blame me, for they despised me and nearly killed me. Then Musa prayed: O Allah, my Creator, forgive me and my brother. Admit us to Your mercy. You are the Most Merciful.

It has become a decree from Allah that those who worship the calf or associate partners with Allah will receive His wrath and disgrace in this life. However, those who commit sins, then repent and reform their faith, Allah will forgive them. After Musa's anger subsided, he took the Torah whose contents were guidance and mercy for his people who feared Allah. Then Musa chose 70 people from his people to repent to Allah. However, when an earthquake occurred, he said: O Lord. If You willed, You would have destroyed them and me before this day. Will You destroy us for what the foolish among us did? This is truly a trial from You. By this trial You lead astray or guide whom You will. You are our Protector, and forgive us for You are the Best of Forgivers.

Verses 156 and 157 continue Prophet Musa's previous supplication and his dialogue with Allah: Decree for us good in this life and in the Hereafter. We turn to You, O Allah. Allah says: My punishment will befall those who disobey. While My mercy encompasses all things. I will decree it for the God-conscious, those who pay zakat and believe in My revelation. They are those who follow this unlettered Messenger (Muhammad ﷺ) whose name they found written in the Torah and Gospel. He (the Prophet) commands them to goodness and forbids them from evil, permits for them what is good, prohibits for them what is evil, and frees them from burdens and the shackles of ignorance that bound their necks. Those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light (the Qur'an) sent down to him, they are the successful ones.

Verse 158 commands Muhammad ibn Abdullah to declare his prophethood to all mankind, including the People of the Book (Jews and Christians). He is Allah's Messenger, the Owner of the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. The primary mission of Muhammad's prophethood is to teach mankind that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah Who gives life and causes death. He calls mankind to believe in Allah, His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet who believed in Allah and in Isa. Following him will surely receive Allah's guidance.

Verse 159 explains that among Musa's people there were those who guided people to the path of truth. With that truth they acted justly.

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