Al-Baqarah: (141 - 142) That was a community that has passed away...

Know that the Almighty, when He debated the Jews concerning these Prophets with this verse, did so for several reasons:

1. As a Admonition and Deterrent: So that they would not rely on the virtue of their forefathers, as everyone is held accountable for their own deeds.
2. Establishing the Principle of Changing Laws: Since it is not strange that your current obligation (the law incumbent upon you) differs from their obligation due to differing needs (masalih), it is also not strange that needs differ, leading Muhammad (peace be upon him) to move you from one religious community (millah) to another.
3. Individual Accountability: Since the Almighty mentioned the excellent path of the Prophets cited in these verses, He clarified that the proof is not completed by that alone. Rather, every person is responsible for their own actions. They have no excuse for abandoning the truth by assuming they are adhering to the path of those who came before them. Whether those predecessors were right or wrong does not benefit or harm these people. This is so that it is not assumed that the way of religion is mere imitation (taqlid).

If one asks: Why was the verse repeated? We say there are two opinions:

1. The first verse refers to Abraham and those mentioned with him, and the second refers to the ancestors of the Jews. Al-Jubba'i and Al-Qadi said this view is remote because the ancestors of the Jews and Christians were not explicitly mentioned. The point of doubt in this view is that when the people claimed that Abraham and his sons were Jews, it was as if they were saying they followed the path of our ancestors, the Jews. Thus, their ancestors became included in the ruling of those mentioned, making it permissible to say, "{That was a community that has passed away}" and designate them. However, this is forced. Rather, what was previously mentioned refers to Abraham and his sons, so the statement "{That was a community}" must refer back to them.
2. The second opinion is that when times, circumstances, and locations differ, repetition is not futile. It is as if the Almighty said: These Prophets, whom you cite regarding the religion you are upon, do not permit imitation in this matter. Therefore, cease speaking about that community—to them belongs what they earned—and look at what Muhammad (peace be upon him) has called you to, for that is more beneficial and advantageous for you. You will only be questioned about your own deeds.

7 < { The foolish among the people will say, "What has turned them away from their Qiblah, which they used to face?" Say, "To Allah belong the East and the West. He guides whom He wills to a straight path." } > 7 !

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