The Children of Israel (Bani Israel) in the Quran

They were favored with prophethood, scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel), and were liberated from the oppression of Pharaoh. This status came with great responsibility to uphold Allah's covenant.

"O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds." (Quran 2:47)

This covenant was reinforced through Prophet Musa (AS) and the revelation of the Torah. It was a promise of blessings and continued guidance if they remained obedient.

"And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents, good treatment; and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good words and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing." (Quran 2:83)

This included rejecting prophets, altering scriptures, and prioritizing worldly desires over divine guidance. Their history is marked by a pattern of rebellion after receiving clear signs.

"But because of their breaking their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that by which they were reminded." (Quran 5:13)

This act of idolatry was a severe transgression, demonstrating their impatience and lack of true understanding of monotheism, despite witnessing Allah's miracles.

"And [recall] when We took your covenant and raised over you the Mount, [saying], 'Take what We have given you with determination and listen.' They said, 'We hear and disobey.' And they were made to drink [the love of] the calf into their hearts because of their disbelief." (Quran 2:93)

As a consequence of this arrogance, they were struck by a thunderbolt. Allah then revived them, showing His immense mercy despite their transgressions.

"And [recall] when you said, 'O Moses, we will not believe you until we see Allah outrightly'; so the thunderbolt seized you while you were looking on." (Quran 2:55)

This act of cowardice and disobedience led to their wandering in the desert for forty years, a divine punishment for their rebellion.

"[Moses] said, 'My Lord, indeed I do not possess except myself and my brother, so part us from the defiantly disobedient people.' [Allah] said, 'Then indeed, it is forbidden to them for forty years [in which] they will wander through the land. So do not grieve over the defiantly disobedient people.'" (Quran 5:25-26)

This was one of their gravest sins, demonstrating their extreme rejection of divine guidance and their arrogance towards Allah's messengers.

"Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah and kill the prophets without right and kill those who enjoin justice from among the people - give them tidings of a painful punishment." (Quran 3:21)

This involved changing words, concealing truths, and interpreting verses to suit their desires, leading to corruption of the divine message.

"So woe to those who write the Scripture with their own hands, then say, 'This is from Allah,' in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn." (Quran 2:79)

His story is extensively narrated in the Quran, detailing his miracles, leadership, and the immense trials he faced with his people.

"And We certainly gave Moses the Scripture and followed up after him with messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit." (Quran 2:87)

He ruled with justice and was known for his melodious voice, with which he would glorify Allah, and mountains and birds would join him.

"And David killed Goliath, and Allah gave him the kingship and wisdom and taught him from that which He willed." (Quran 2:251)

His wisdom and vast kingdom are highlighted in the Quran, including his interactions with the Queen of Sheba and the building of the Temple.

"And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning to Allah." (Quran 38:30)

He affirmed the Torah and brought the Injil (Gospel). His mission was to guide the Children of Israel back to the pure worship of Allah.

"And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.'" (Quran 61:6)

Their stories, though sometimes brief, emphasize Allah's continuous guidance and the consistent message of monotheism delivered through various messengers.

"And We gave to him Isaac and Jacob, and each of them We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and from his descendants David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good. And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias - and all were of the righteous. And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot - and all We preferred over the worlds." (Quran 6:84-86)

Disobedience leads to divine consequences, regardless of one's lineage or past favors. It's a reminder that faith is proven by actions.

"Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties in exchange for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Quran. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment." (Quran 9:111)

Their internal disputes and pride led to their downfall and loss of divine favor. It's a lesson for the Muslim Ummah (global community) to remain united and humble.

"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (Quran 3:103)

This emphasizes that the door of repentance is always open for anyone, regardless of past sins, as long as they sincerely turn back to Allah.

"Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves." (Quran 2:222)

Allah's promises are true, and His help comes to those who persevere with patience and reliance on Him.

"And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs." (Quran 33:3)