Worship of the Calf and the trial for repentance.

Worship of the Golden Calf and the trial for repentance

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 2003, p.228-230) 

Prophet Musa (a.s.) was summoned by Allah for a period of 40 days (30 days during Dhul Qa ‘dah and first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah), after being rescued from Fir ‘awn, to be enlightened and blessed with the Tawrah, the criteria for right and wrong. 

Meanwhile, the Children of Israel began worshipping the calf. Upon returning, prophet Musa (a.s.) announced to them the severity of their error. They realized the wrong and regretted and turned to Allah for repentance. 

Allah’s command to the Children of Israel was that their repentance would be to slay by the sword every person (wrongdoer, who worshipped the calf) without being concerned about whom they kill. Prophets Musa and Harun (Aaron) (a.s.) were unaware of who was guilty and who was innocent. 

When prophet Musa (a.s.) received Allah’s command, he ordered those who had confessed their guilt to sit down and those who hadn’t to arm themselves with knives and stand. A great darkness overshadowed them as they began killing and 70,000 were dead when the dark lifted. 

Allah, the Most Merciful, had forgiven them all, those who died and those who lived. The killing was a great trial for seeking repentance.