Unveiling Divine Wisdom: Command of the Cow Verses 67-68.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:67-68

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تَذْبَحُوا بَقَرَةً ۖ قَالُوا أَتَتَّخِذُنَا هُزُوًا ۖ قَالَ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ {67}

قَالُوا ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّنْ لَنَا مَا هِيَ ۚ قَالَ إِنَّه يَقُولُ إِنَّهَا بَقَرَةٌ لَا فَارِضٌ وَلَا بِكْرٌ عَوَانٌ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ ۖ فَافْعَلُوا مَا تُؤْمَرُونَ {68}

And when Musa said to his people: Surely Allah commands you that you should sacrifice a cow; they said: Do you ridicule us? He said: I seek the protection of Allah from being one of the ignorant.

They said: Call on your Lord for our sake to make it plain to us what she is. Musa said: He says, Surely she is a cow neither advanced in age nor too young, of middle age between that (and this); do therefore what you are commanded.

Divine Command: The Sacrifice of the Cow

In a significant event, Allah commanded Prophet Musa (a.s.) to instruct the people to sacrifice a cow. This was not just a ritual; it was a divine order aimed at resolving a grave situation. A man had been murdered, and his body was abandoned in the streets. By Allah’s command, the sacrifice of the cow would lead to a miraculous event where the dead would come to life, revealing the identity of his killer.

The Oath of the Leaders

Prophet Musa (a.s.) emphasized the importance of accountability among the people. He ordered that the leaders of the locality gather fifty individuals to swear an oath in the name of the God of Bani Israel. They were to declare that they had neither killed the man nor knew the identity of the murderer. This oath served as a means to protect their wealth and avoid punishment. However, if they refused to swear, they would be compelled to disclose the murderer’s identity, who would then face execution for his crime.

Consequences of Non-compliance

The people questioned whether their oath would be sufficient to safeguard their wealth. Prophet Musa (a.s.) clarified that their oath alone would not suffice; it was a command from Allah that needed to be followed. Those who failed to comply with the divine directive would face imprisonment.

The Tragic Tale of Jealousy

The backdrop of this murder involved a woman known for her beauty, virtue, and chastity. Many suitors sought her hand in marriage. Among them were her three cousins, and she chose to marry the one who was wise and virtuous. However, his two jealous brothers conspired against him, leading to his untimely death. They invited him for a meal, where they ultimately killed him and discarded his body in their locality.

The story of Prophet Musa (a.s.) and the challenges he faced regarding the murder case is an insightful lesson in obedience and faith.

The Story of Prophet Musa (a.s.)

The Dilemma of Innocence

In a situation where the people claimed their innocence, they confronted Prophet Musa (a.s.) with the statement: “Neither have we killed him nor know who has.” Prophet Musa (a.s.) reminded them of Allah’s command, emphasizing that they must either take an oath and pay blood money or reveal the identity of the killer. The people questioned the point of this requirement, expressing their frustration at the burden of both swearing and paying compensation.

The Importance of Obedience

Prophet Musa (a.s.) explained that the act of swearing was not just a formality; it was an expression of obedience to Allah’s orders. He highlighted that fulfilling divine commands is essential, regardless of personal feelings about the situation. The people, still struggling with the weight of this responsibility, requested Prophet Musa (a.s.) to pray to Allah for the murderer to be revealed, hoping to alleviate their burden.

Acceptance of Divine Will

Prophet Musa (a.s.) firmly stated that he had already received Allah’s command and it was not appropriate to seek further clarification or changes. He drew parallels to other divine commands, such as the prohibition of working on Saturdays and the unavailability of camel meat. This reinforces the idea that acceptance of Allah’s will is paramount.

A Divine Response

Ultimately, Allah instructed Prophet Musa (a.s.) to accept the people’s request for clarity and to pray for the revelation of the murderer. This response highlights the importance of justice and accountability, ensuring that the innocent are not wrongfully burdened.

Conclusion

The story of Prophet Musa (a.s.) serves as a profound reminder of the significance of obedience to Allah’s commands, the necessity of justice, and the importance of faith in divine wisdom. It encourages believers to trust in Allah’s plan and to fulfill their obligations with sincerity.