The Attitude of Banu Isra’il Towards Musa (AS): Breach of Promises and Hesitation
Authored by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)
❖ Question:
How did Banu Isra’il treat Musa (AS)?
❖ Answer:
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿وَقَالُوا يَا أَيُّهَ السَّاحِرُ ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ بِمَا عَهِدَ عِندَكَ إِنَّنَا لَمُهْتَدُونَ ﴾ [الزخرف: 49]
"And they said: ‘O sorcerer, supplicate for us to your Lord by what He has promised you; indeed, we shall surely be guided.’"
Imam Ibn Jarir (رحمه الله) said:
Here the word «السَّاحِرُ» means «العالم» (the scholar). In their time, scholars were commonly referred to as sorcerers. This was not considered blameworthy nor did it imply harm from their side; rather, it was seen as a form of respect in their perception, though the meaning does not truly befit.
The real issue was that they repeatedly promised Musa (AS) that they would believe and that they would send Banu Isra’il with him, but every time they broke their covenant.
