Page 430 - Bigotry: The Dark Danger
P. 430
Bigotry:
The Dark Danger
Examination of Verse 155 of Surat an-Nisa'
We lifted up the Mount above their heads in
accordance with the covenant they had made,
and We said to them, "Enter the gate prostrat-
ing," and We said to them, "Do not break the
Sabbath," and We made a binding covenant
with them. (Qur'an, 4:154)
Because of the fact that they broke their
covenant, and rejected God's signs, and killed
the prophets without any right to do so and
said, "Our hearts are uncircumcised," God
has stamped their hearts for their denial, so
they do not have faith except for very few.
(Qur'an, 4:155)
In the preceding verses a community of deniers from among the
People of the Book is described. The promise secured from this com-
munity, who were forgiven by God despite all their excesses, is cited
in verse 154 of Surat an-Nisa'. Verse 155 then reveals they went back
on their word, returned to their denial and killed the prophets. These
are the reasons why they are cursed.
Subsequent verses again refer to a Jewish community, and God
distinguishes between those who are deniers and those who possess
deep faith:
428