Surah al-A`raf (The Elevated Places) 7 : 171

Explanatory Note

At the end of the story, as related in this sūrah, an account is given of how God accepted the pledges of the Children of Israel. That covenant cannot be forgotten, because it was taken in unforgettable circumstances. It was taken at a time when God suspended the mountain over the Children of Israel’s heads, just as though it was a shadow. For all intents and purposes, they thought it was going to fall on them. Just prior to that, they were reluctant to give any pledges, but when they experienced that supernatural event, they hastened to make their pledges. That in itself should have prevented any relapse on their part. With such a miracle taking place before their eyes, they were ordered to take their pledges seriously, and to fulfil them conscientiously. They were warned against any slackness or complacency. They must always remember their pledges and work for their fulfilment, so that their hearts soften and remain conscious of God. But the nature of the Israelites remains the same. They soon broke their pledges and sank into disobedience. Thus, they incurred God’s wrath. They proved that they could not be grateful for God’s favours and the grace He had bestowed on them. Hence, they incurred God’s punishment on account of breaking their pledges to Him. God never deals unjustly with anyone.