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:




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