They should also bear in mind that when they are delivered of their enemies...

They should also bear in mind that when they are delivered of their enemies, they should not tread the path of the Israelites which they adopted after their liberation from the slavery of the Egyptians. Take for instance their behaviour, when they were ordered to slaughter a cow. Here is a.

lesson for the, Muslims that in carrying out the Divine injunctions they should not seek the refuge of lame excuses but obey the behests under all circumstances with the spirit of ready compliance and with a willing heart. The principle laid down for them is expressed in two meaningful words: Sama'na wa Ata'na, i.e., we have heard and we obey.

In the course of the history of Moses the Qur'an has pointed out the main traits of the character of the Israelites with the object of warning the Muslims lest they take to a similar path and meet the same fate which the Israelites had come to. Let us briefly note what the Qur'an has said about them. (1) Sectarianism. The People of the Book were divided into many sects and each sect was condemning the other out of their mutual jealousies, even though they possessed the same scriptures.

The Qur'an warns the Muslims in these words: "Surely they who divided their religion into parts and became sects, you have no concern with them." (6:160) Again: "Be not of those who divide their religion and became parties, every sect rejoining in what they have with them." (30:32) Or: "Hold fast by the cable of Allah all together and be not disunited." (3:102) And also: "Allah revealed the Book with truth and those who differed in the Book have drifted away from it." (2:176) (2) Interpolations in Divine Scriptures: They used to make changes to suit their whims and fancies.

The Qur'an points out their mischievous dealings in these words: Those who were unjust changed the word into other than what was given them." (2:59) Or: "Woe to those who transcribe the Book corruptly with their hands and say it is from God in order that they may sell it for some price.

Woe then to them for the gains they have made thereby." (2:79) Again it is said: "here is a party of them who used to listen to the word of God and yet knowingly perverted it and they knew what they were doing." (2:81) (3) Suppression of Truth: They used to hide the truth that was revealed in their scriptures.