In his absence106 the people of Moses made from their ornaments the image of a calf which made sound like lowing. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them in any matter? Yet they took it for a god, for they were wrong-doers.107 But when the enchantment of self delusion was broken and they realized that they had, in fact, gone astray, they said, "If our Lord does not have mercy on us and does not forgive us we shall be losers." In the meanwhile when Moses full of anger and sorrow returned to his people, he said, "Very evil is it that you have done in my place after me! Could you not patiently wait for the Commandment of Allah?" And he threw down the tablets, and, seizing his brother by the hair of his head, dragged him. Aaron said, "Son of my mother, these people overpowered me and were going to kill me: so, let not the enemies gloat over me: do not count me among the people who have done wrong."108 Then Moses said, "O Lord, forgive me and my brother, and admit us to Thy mercy; Thou art the Most Merciful of all." (In response to this Allah said,) "Allah's wrath shall surely overtake those who made the calf a god, and they shall be abased in the life of this world, that is how We punish those who invent falsehood. But those who do evil deeds, then repent after this and believe, will after this repentance and belief most surely find your Lord Forgiving and Merciful." When Moses' anger was allayed, he took up the tablets in whose writing was guidance and mercy for those who fear their Lord. And Moses chose from among his people seventy men (to accompany hall) to attend a meeting appointed by Us.109 When a severe earthquake seized them, Moses prayed, "My Lord, if Thou hadst willed, Thou could have destroyed them and me before this: wouldst Thou destroy rill of us for the offense committed by some foolish people from among us? This was a trial set by Thee, whereby Thou leads astray whom Thou wilt and guides whom Thou wilt.110 Thou alone art our Protector; so forgive us and have mercy on us for Thou art the best of all forgivers! And ordain for us what is good in this world as well as in the world to come; we have turned to Thee". He replied, "As to punishment, I inflict it on anyone I will, but My mercy embraces everything.111 So I will prescribe it for those who will refrain from disobedience, pay the Zakat, and believe in My Revelations." (So. now mercy has been assigned to those) who follow this Messenger, the Ummi Prophet112 whose mention they shall find in the Torah and the Gospel with them.113 He enjoins them to follow virtue and forbids them from evil: he makes pure things lawful for them and impure things unlawful.114 He relieves them of their burdens and frees there from the shackles that bound them.115 For this reason those alone who believe in him and support hire and succor him and follow the light that has been sent down with him, shall attain "success". O Muhammad, say, "O mankind, I am a Messenger to all of you from Allah to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and tire earth. There is no deity but He. He bestows life and ordains death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi Prophet, who believes in Allah and His Commandments. Follow him: it is expected that you will be guided aright."