Surah Al-A'raf — Verse 162

Word Meanings:

• Baddala – They changed, substituted, or altered.
• Qawlan ghayr alladhi qeela lahum – A saying different from what was commanded to them.
• Rijzan – A punishment, scourge, or torment; a divine chastisement.
• Min al-sama' – From the heaven; indicating a calamity sent down from above.
• Bima kanoo yazlimoon – Because of the injustice and wrongdoing they persistently committed.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse continues the story of the Children of Israel who were commanded by Allah, through His Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), to enter a certain town in a state of humility and submission, saying a specific word of repentance and seeking forgiveness: "Hittah" (meaning: O Allah, forgive our sins). They were also instructed to enter the gate prostrating themselves in gratitude and humility.

However, the wrongdoers among them – those who had hardened their hearts and rebelled against the divine command – deliberately and mockingly changed the word they were ordered to say. Instead of the humble plea for forgiveness, they twisted it into a sarcastic, distorted phrase, turning it into something meaningless and even insulting. They also altered the prescribed manner of entry: instead of entering with heads bowed in humility and reverence, they entered crawling backwards on their buttocks, dragging themselves in a contemptuous and defiant manner.

This was not a mere slip or oversight; it was a deliberate act of arrogance and mockery toward Allah's command. They thought they could outsmart the divine decree with their childish games, but Allah is not mocked. Because of their persistent wrongdoing, transgression, and insolence, Allah sent down upon them a severe punishment from the sky – a devastating plague or torment that wiped them out as a consequence of their injustice.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse carries a profound lesson for every believer: the importance of sincere obedience and the danger of arrogance and mockery toward Allah's commands. When Allah commands us to do something – whether it is prayer, fasting, honesty, or seeking forgiveness – He knows what is best for us. The Children of Israel thought they could alter the command to suit their whims, but they only brought destruction upon themselves.

How often do we, as Muslims today, find ourselves "altering" Allah's commands to fit our desires? We may say the words of prayer but let our hearts wander; we may fast but continue in gossip and backbiting; we may claim to seek forgiveness but persist in sin. Let this verse be a wake-up call: Allah's commands are not suggestions to be modified according to our tastes. They are a mercy and a protection for us.

The good news is that Allah is Most Merciful and Most Forgiving. He accepts sincere repentance from anyone who turns back to Him with a truthful heart. The door of tawbah (repentance) is always open. Do not be like those who mocked and were destroyed; instead, be like those who submit wholeheartedly, for in submission lies true peace, success, and salvation in this life and the Hereafter.