فَأَخْرَجَ لَهُمْ عِجْلًا جَسَدًا لَّهُۥ خُوَارٌ فَقَالُوا۟ هَـٰذَآ إِلَـٰهُكُمْ وَإِلَـٰهُ مُوسَىٰ فَنَسِىَ 88
Translations
And he extracted for them [the statue of] a calf which had a lowing sound, and they said, "This is your god and the god of Moses, but he forgot."
Transliteration
Fa-akhreja lahum 'ijlan jasadan lahoo khuwaar faqaaloo haadha ilaahukum wa-ilaahu Moosaa fanaasee
Tafsir (Explanation)
Samiri (the sorcerer) extracted from the golden ornaments of the Israelites a calf idol with a lowing sound, which the people then worshipped, claiming it to be their god and the god of Musa. Ibn Kathir explains that Samiri fashioned the calf using the dust/earth from the footprints of Jibril (Gabriel), giving it a supernatural quality to produce sound, thereby deceiving the people into idolatry during Musa's absence. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes this as a severe test of the Israelites' faith, revealing their susceptibility to innovation (bid'ah) and their quick abandonment of monotheistic principles.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Surah Taha detailing the story of the golden calf incident that occurred when Musa went to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah (the Tablets). The Israelites, left without their leader and growing impatient, were led astray by Samiri into worshipping the calf. This event serves as a profound lesson on the consequences of straying from divine guidance and the ease with which people can be misled into polytheism.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3405): The Prophet Muhammad recited this passage and emphasized the severity of idolatry. Also referenced in various hadith collections regarding the prohibition of crafting idols and representations with souls (living creatures).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah warns believers against the seductive appeal of false gods and innovations in faith, reminding us that even those blessed with divine miracles can fall into idolatry when they lack steadfastness and proper knowledge. It teaches that following charismatic figures or appealing falsehoods without critical thought leads to spiritual destruction, making it essential to maintain unwavering adherence to authentic divine guidance.