Allah says in Quran: "Say, ‘Shall I inform you of those whose reward with Allah is worse than that? They are those whom Allah has cursed and on whom His wrath has fallen and of whom He has made apes and swine and who worship the Evil One. These indeed are in a worse plight, and farther astray from the right path." (5:61)
In surah Baqrah Jews are described as: "And surely, you have known the end of those amongst you, who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. So We said to them: ‘Be ye apes, despised.’" (2:66)
Are we still reluctant to believe miracles? Please help me to understand your understanding of above 2 ayats. Were or are the Jews transformed into APES? I’ve never ever witnessed man transformed bodily into ape. You? You call us being reluctant to believe in miracles but couldn’t post any example from Quran and Hadith.
We should be rational and well aware if we interpret “miracles” mentioned in Quran.
The word “apes” has been used figuratively meaning that the Israelites became abject and mean like the monkeys, the transformation being NOT in BODY OR FORM but in CHARACTER and SPIRIT. They were not actually transformed into apes, only their hearts were changed. By the use this word it is intended to point out that just as apes or monkey are abject and despised animals, similarly the Jews will always remain humiliated in the world and, in spite of their great resources in wealth and education, will never be able to gain any stronghold on the earth; the root meaning of the word signifying abjectness and humiliation as well as groveling in the dust.
The words „apes“and „swine“have been used here in a figurative sense. Certain traits are peculiar to particular animals, and these cannot be fully described unless the animal to which they are known to belong is expressly named. The ape is noted for its mimicry and the swine is characterized by filthy and shameless habits and also by its stupidity. The expression, “who worship the Evil One,” shows that the words “apes” and “swine” have been used here figuratively.
