And so it came to pass.

Some of the early generations remarked that the divine words, “Thus do We recompense those who fabricate [lies]” are a verdict recorded against every proponent of religious innovation until the Day of Resurrection.

Thereafter the Exalted One spoke of His forbearance and mercy toward His creation, and of His grace in accepting the repentance of those who turn back to Him—after He has already turned to them—saying:

“Those who committed evil deeds, then afterward repented and believed—surely, after that, your Lord is Forgiving, Merciful.”

Yet Allah did not accept the repentance of the calf-worshippers except through execution, as He, Most High, has said:

“When Moses said to his people, ‘My people, you have wronged yourselves by taking the calf. So repent to your Maker and slay yourselves; that will be better for you before your Maker.’ Then He turned toward you; indeed, He is the Oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.” (d. 2 AH 54)

It is related that one morning those who had not worshipped the calf took swords in their hands, and Allah cast a thick haze over them so that a man could not recognize either his close relative or his kinsman. They then fell upon the worshippers, striking them down and mowing them like grain. It is said that in that single morning they killed seventy thousand.

Then Allah, exalted is He, said:

“When Moses’ anger abated, he picked up the tablets; in their inscription were guidance and mercy for those who fear their Lord.”

Some commentators have deduced from the phrase “in their inscription” that the tablets had broken, but that inference is debatable; the wording itself offers no proof that they were shattered—and Allah knows best.

Ibn ʿAbbās related in the ḥadīth of al-Fitūn (to be cited later) that their worship of the calf occurred shortly after they had crossed the sea—which is not far-fetched, for as soon as they emerged they said, “Moses, make for us a god just as they have gods.”

The People of the Book likewise hold that their worship of the calf preceded their arrival in the land of the Holy House. When they were ordered to kill those who had worshipped the calf, they slew three thousand on the very first day. Moses then sought forgiveness for them, and it was granted on condition that they enter the Sacred Land.

“Moses chose from his people seventy men for Our appointment. When the earthquake seized them, he cried, ‘My Lord, had You willed, You could have destroyed them and me long before. Will You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done? It is but Your trial: You lead astray with it whom You will and You guide whom You will. You are our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy on us; You are the best of those who forgive. And ordain for us good in this world and in the Hereafter; indeed, we have turned unto You.’ He said, ‘My punishment—I smite with it whom I will; but My mercy encompasses everything. I shall ordain it for those who are mindful of Me, give the zakāh, and believe in Our signs—those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet whom they find written for them in the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right, forbids them what is wrong, makes lawful for them the good things, forbids them the foul, and relieves them of their burden and the shackles that were upon them. Those who believe in him, honor him, support him, and follow the light sent down with him—it is they who will prosper.’” (d. 7 AH 155–157)

Al-Suddi, Ibn ʿAbbās, and others have stated that these seventy men were the scholars of the Children of Israel, accompanied by Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Nadab, and Abihu. They went with Moses—upon him be peace—to present an apology on behalf of the Children of Israel for the worship of the calf by some among them. They had been commanded to perfume themselves, purify themselves, and bathe. When they set out with him and drew near the mountain—and upon it