Violation of laws and constitution; A Habit of Jews

The previous verses (87-90) of Surah Al-Baqarah mention the corruption of the Israelites, who continuously rejected comprehensive religious teachings sent by Allah, contrary to their desires. They were following their whims and desires and hence created divisions and factions in religion. Because of their rebellion against the divine commandments, they were afflicted with layers of wrath from Allah. This criminal offense led them to political and economic humiliation.

The truth evident in verses 91-92 is that the claim of the Jews to have faith in the teachings of the Torah and the Gospel is false. If they truly believed in those sacred books, firstly, they would have believed in their confirmed book of wisdom, the Qur'an, and secondly, despite claiming to have faith in the Torah, they not only killed Israelite Prophets but also violated the covenant and agreement made with Prophet Moses (peace be upon him). All these reasons affirm that their claim of having faith in the Torah is entirely false.

When it is said to them: “Believe in what Allah has revealed,” they reply, “We only believe in what was sent down to us,” and they deny what came afterward, though it is the truth confirming their Scriptures! Ask ˹them, O Prophet˺, “Why then did you kill Allah’s prophets before, if you are ˹truly˺ believers?”

When the Israelites are urged to have faith in the Qur'an, they respond by saying that they have faith in the book (Torah) that was revealed to them and that they will not accept any other book besides it. However, the fact remains that the Qur'an is a true and wise book that confirms the authenticity of the Torah. In this way, the Jews, by claiming to have faith in the Torah, are disregarding the teachings of the Qur'an.

An important question was raised about their claims of faith in the Torah.

Ask ˹them, O Prophet˺, “Why then did you kill Allah’s prophets before, if you are ˹truly˺ believers?”

If they truly had faith in the Torah, then why did they continue to kill the prophets who spread the teachings of the Torah, such as Prophet Zechariah and Prophet John (peace be upon them), among others? Killing the prophets is a clear contradiction to the claim of faith.

The Qur'an, in further substantiation, stated that they not only killed the prophets but also demonstrated laziness and negligence in upholding the teachings of the Torah and the covenant even during the time of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him). In reality, they were the ones who had very weak faith in the teachings of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him). Over time, their faith became so feeble that they ceased to be true believers. Regarding this, in the next verses, it is mentioned that

Indeed, Moses came to you with clear proof, then you worshipped the calf in his absence, acting wrongfully.

It means to recall the incident when Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) came to them with clear signs, but they wrongfully took the calf as an object of worship after he had left them to go to the mountain for a certain period. At that time, where did your faith in Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) go?

And when We took your covenant and raised the mountain above you ˹saying˺, “Hold firmly to that ˹Scripture˺ which We have given you and obey,” they answered, “We hear and disobey.” The love of the calf was rooted in their hearts because of their disbelief.

Narrating another incident that contradicts their claim of faith in the Torah, the Quran presents a complete argument against them. It states that when Allah took from them a solemn covenant to adhere to the comprehensive teachings of the Torah, they, despite acknowledging it, disobeyed this covenant. Due to their disbelief, their hearts became hardened with their love for the calf. Now, explain the connection between this incident and having faith in the Torah.

Say, ˹O Prophet, ˺ “How evil is what your ˹so-called˺ belief prompts you to do if you ˹actually˺ believe ˹in the Torah˺!”

It is being said to the Noble Prophet that you should convey to them that if they claim to have faith in the Torah, then their claim of faith is indeed very evil because their actions are completely contrary to its teachings. They continue to kill the prophets, worship the calf, and blatantly violate the covenant made with Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) for worshipping God and being kind to people. If this is their faith, then it is indeed a very evil faith. The reality is that they are engulfed in the whirlpool of their desires, rejecting all the books revealed by Allah.

The reality is that when the social and political temperament of a nation deteriorates, they no longer adhere to the laws, constitution, and divine teachings. Outwardly, they claim to have faith in them and accept them, but due to the personal and group interests of the epistemic elite and ruling classes, they neither respect the law nor abide by the divine teachings. When attention is drawn towards justice, fairness, and truth, they reject it, knowing that it goes against their interests. They openly manipulate, distort, and misinterpret their accepted laws and divine teachings to suit their agenda. Nations that defy the law are plagued by divine wrath, leading to political humiliation and economic adversity in the world.

Translator: Amna Talat, Lahore