And We brought the Children of Israel
(with safety) across the sea, and they came upon a people devoted to some of
their idols (in worship). They said: "O Mûsa (Moses)! Make for us an ilâh
(a god) as they have âlihah (gods)." He said: "Verily, you are a
people who know not (the Majesty and Greatness of Allâh and what is obligatory
upon you, i.e. to worship none but Allâh Alone, the One and the Only God of all
that exists)." (138) [Mûsa (Moses) added:] "Verily, these people will be
destroyed for that which they are engaged in (idols-worship). And all that they
are doing is in vain." (139) He said: "Shall I seek for you an ilâh
(a god) other than Allâh, while He has given you superiority over the 'Alamîn
(mankind and jinn of your time)." (140) And (remember) when
We rescued you from Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) people, who were afflicting you with
the worst torment, killing your sons and letting your women live. And in that
was a great trial from your Lord. (141) And We appointed for Mûsa (Moses) thirty
nights and added (to the period) ten (more), and he completed the term,
appointed by his Lord, of forty nights. And Mûsa (Moses) said to his brother
Hârûn (Aaron): "Replace me among my people, act in the Right Way (by ordering the people to obey
Allâh and to worship Him Alone) and follow not the way of the Mufsidûn (mischief-makers)."
(142) And when Mûsa (Moses)
came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord (Allâh) spoke to him,
he said: "O my Lord! Show me (Yourself), that I may look upon You."
Allâh said: "You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain; if it stands
still in its place then you shall see Me." So when his Lord appeared to
the mountain[], He made it collapse to dust, and Mûsa (Moses) fell down
unconscious. Then when he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to You,
I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers." (143)