One Mistake That Made Things Harder

Surah Al-Baqarah 67–72

English Translation

2:67

And (remember) when Moses said to his people, “Indeed, Allah commands you to slaughter a cow.” They said, “Are you making fun of us?” He said, “I seek refuge in Allah from being among the ignorant.”

2:68

They said, “Call upon your Lord for us to clarify what kind it is.” He said, “He says: It is a cow neither old nor very young, but of middle age. So do what you are commanded.”

2:69

They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us its color.” He said, “He says: It is a yellow cow, bright in color, pleasing to those who look at it.”

2:70

They said, “Call upon your Lord to make clear to us what it is, for all cows seem alike to us. And indeed, if Allah wills, we will be guided.”

2:71

He said, “He says: It is a cow not trained to plow the earth or water the fields, sound and without any blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” So they slaughtered it, though they were almost not going to do it.

2:72

And (remember) when you killed a man and disputed among yourselves about it, but Allah was to reveal what you were hiding.

Explanation

These verses describe an incident from the time of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel.

Allah commanded them to sacrifice a cow, but instead of obeying immediately, they kept asking unnecessary questions about its age, color, and description. Each question made the task more difficult.

This teaches that:

Delaying obedience makes things harder.

Too many unnecessary questions can complicate simple commands.

Allah exposes hidden truths and injustice.

The story is connected to a murder case among the Children of Israel, which Allah later revealed through this event.

Description

This passage highlights human behavior when faced with divine commands. Instead of trusting and obeying immediately, people sometimes doubt, argue, or delay. The verses also show Allah’s power to reveal truth and bring justice.

It is one of the most famous stories in the Quran, explaining why the chapter is named Al-Baqarah (The Cow).

Summary

Allah ordered the Israelites to sacrifice a cow.

They questioned the command repeatedly.

The description became stricter because of their delay.

Eventually they obeyed reluctantly.

The story relates to a hidden murder that Allah exposed.

Lesson

Important lessons from these verses:

Obey Allah without delay.

Avoid unnecessary arguments about clear commands.

Faith requires trust in divine wisdom.

Truth always comes out, even if people try to hide it.

Allah’s commands contain wisdom and justice.

Short Note of the Full Story

During the time of Prophet Musa, a man was mysteriously murdered. People began accusing each other. Allah commanded them to sacrifice a cow. After many questions and delays, they finally slaughtered it. Through this event, Allah revealed the truth about the crime and demonstrated His power and justice.

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Surah Al-Baqarah 67–72 explains the story of Prophet Musa and the cow, highlighting lessons about obedience, faith, and divine wisdom in the Quran.