The characteristics of the Bani Israel form a significant part of history, serving as a mirror for Muslims to reflect on undesired behaviors. The Quran, through Allah SWT’s words, records various traits and behaviors of the Bani Israel, offering them as lessons for humanity. Let’s delve deeper into these characteristics and the lessons we can learn from their stories.
1. The Nature of Hardness and Opposition to the Prophets of Allah
The Bani Israel frequently exhibited violence and opposition towards the prophets sent by Allah SWT to guide them. A notable instance is their resistance and even aggression towards Prophet Moses AS. Despite Prophet Moses AS bringing the true message and guidance from Allah SWT, the Bani Israel refused to obey, choosing confrontation instead.
The Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 87, states:
“And indeed, We gave Moses the book and followed him up with a succession of messengers,” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 87)
This verse highlights that Allah SWT entrusted Moses AS and his brother Aaron with the task of guiding the Bani Israel. However, the Bani Israel’s stubbornness and opposition to Allah’s guidance led them astray from the right path.
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2. The Attitude of Stinginess and Greed
Beyond their propensity for violence, the Bani Israel were also notorious for their stinginess and greed. They pursued worldly wealth and riches without regard for others’ needs. Even when blessed by Allah SWT, they frequently failed to show gratitude, instead displaying greed.
In Surah Al-Baqarah verse 61, Allah SWT recounts:
“And (remember) when you said, ‘O Moses, we cannot endure one kind of food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions.’ [Moses] said, ‘Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement, and indeed, you will have what you have asked.’ And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and [habitually] transgressed.”
This verse illustrates the Bani Israel’s insatiable greed, never satisfied with the blessings given by Allah SWT, leading to their downfall and incurring Allah’s wrath.
3. The Attitude of Excessive Pride
Excessive pride and the belittlement of others, especially the prophets sent by Allah SWT, were other traits of the Bani Israel. They took pride in their lineage, looking down upon those they deemed inferior.
Surah Al-Maida verse 18 conveys:
“And the Jews and the Christians say, ‘We are the children of Allah and His beloved.’ Say, ‘Why then does He punish you for your sins? Rather, you are human beings among those He has created. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, and to Him is the return [of all].’”
This verse challenges the excessive pride and sense of exclusivity of being “children of Allah,” which led the Bani Israel off the right path. It reminds us that all humans are equal in the eyes of Allah.
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Understanding the characteristics of the Bani Israel in the Quran teaches us to shun behaviors such as disobedience, violence, stinginess, greed, and excessive pride. These narratives serve as invaluable lessons for Muslims to constantly strive against these traits and to follow Allah SWT’s guidance with complete awareness and obedience.
As Muslims seeking Allah’s mercy and goodness, we must embody noble character, including justice, generosity, and mutual support for the greater good, emulating the examples set by the Prophets and Messengers before us.
