What the Holy Qur'an says about the Jewish Nation
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Among the revealed religions, Judaism is the oldest. Generally, "Jews" refer to the followers of the Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him). This community, known as Bani Isra'il, originally believed in the oneness of Allah but later distorted their religious texts.
The Holy Qur'an contains extensive discussions about the Jewish people, describing their qualities, lifestyles, and various actions.
The Attributes of Bani Isra'il as Described in the Qur'an:
Identity of Bani Isra'il:
Allah sent numerous prophets and messengers for the guidance of jinn and humankind. Among them, He sent Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) to the city of Babel in Iraq. Ibrahim (A.S.) later moved with his wife Sarah to the city of Al-Khalil in Palestine.
There, his son Ishaq (Isaac, A.S.) was born. Ishaq’s son was Yaqub (Jacob, A.S.), who was also called Isra'il. His descendants are called Banu Isra'il (Children of Israel).
In the Holy Qur'an, various virtues and faults of the Jews are mentioned. The key points are as follows:
1. Status as the Best Nation:
Allah once made the Jewish nation the best among the nations of their time. However, due to their habitual sinfulness, arrogance, and pride, they became disliked and turned into one of the most oppressed peoples on earth.
Allah says:
"O Children of Israel! Remember My favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over all the worlds."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 47)
2. Hostility towards Believers:
Bani Isra'il has shown persistent enmity towards believers. The Qur'an warns the Prophet (PBUH) about their hatred:
"You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers to be the Jews and those who associate others with Allah; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, 'We are Christians'."
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 82)
3. Deceitfulness and Greed:
The Qur'an describes Bani Isra'il as deceitful and overly greedy for wealth. Allah says:
"In fact, you (believers) arouse greater fear in their hearts than Allah; that is because they are a people who do not understand."
(Surah Al-Hashr, Ayah 13)
4. Betrayal:
Breaking promises is one of their common traits. The Qur'an warns to be cautious when making treaties with them:
"So is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, a party among them throws it away? But most of them do not believe."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 100)
5. Spreading Corruption:
Bani Isra'il frequently engaged in corruption and discord whenever they had the opportunity.
Allah says:
"Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah extinguishes it; and they strive to spread corruption throughout the land. Allah does not like those who spread corruption."
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 64)
6. Desire for Longevity:
Jews have an intense desire for a long life.
Allah says:
"You will surely find them the most greedy of people for life — even more than those who associate others with Allah. Every one of them wishes to be granted a life of a thousand years, but even a prolonged life would not save them from the punishment. And Allah is Seeing of what they do."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 96)
7. Accusing Allah:
Bani Isra'il is the only group that has insulted Allah in various ways. They once even called Allah "poor."
Allah says:
"Allah has certainly heard the statement of those who said, 'Indeed, Allah is poor, while we are rich.' We will record what they said and their killing of the prophets without right and will say, 'Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire'."
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ayah 181)
8. Claiming to be God's Children:
The Jews claim they are the children and beloved ones of Allah.
Allah says:
"The Jews and the Christians say, 'We are the children of Allah and His beloved.' Say, 'Then why does He punish you for your sins? Rather, you are human beings among those He created'."
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 18)
9. Showing Arrogance towards Others:
Jews consider themselves superior and look down on others.
Allah says:
"Among the People of the Book is he who, if you entrust him with a great amount of wealth, will return it to you; but among them is he who, if you entrust him with a single silver coin, he will not return it to you unless you are constantly standing over him. That is because they say, 'There is no blame upon us concerning the unlettered.' And they speak lies against Allah while they know it."
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ayah 75)
10. Allah’s Curse:
Due to their misdeeds, Allah's wrath descended upon them, and they were permanently humiliated.
Allah says:
"They were struck with humiliation wherever they were found, except for a covenant from Allah and a rope from the people. They incurred anger from Allah and were struck with poverty. That was because they disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were habitually transgressing."
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ayah 112)
11. Repeated Punishment:
Bani Isra'il faced repeated divine punishments. They lived under oppressive rulers and suffered disgraceful lives.
Allah says:
"And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed that He would surely send against them until the Day of Resurrection those who would afflict them with the worst torment. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful."
(Surah Al-A'raf, Ayah 167)
12. Killing the Prophets:
Bani Isra'il killed numerous prophets and messengers.
Allah says:
"Indeed, those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah and kill the prophets without right and kill those who order justice from among the people — give them tidings of a painful punishment."
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ayah 21)
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