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50
THE QUR'ÂN.
XXI, 49-66.
We did give to Moses and Aaron the Discrimination, and a light and a reminder to those who fear; [50] who are afraid of their Lord in secret ; and who at the Hour do shrink.
This is a blessed reminder which we have sent down, will ye then deny it?
And we gave Abraham a right direction before; for about him we knew. When he said to his father and to his people, "What are these images to which ye pay devotion ?' Said they, 'We found our fathers serving them.' [55] Said he, ‘Both you and your fathers have been in obvious error.' They said, • Dost thou come to us with the truth, or art thou but of those who play ?'
He said, 'Nay, but your Lord is Lord of the heavens and the earth, which He originated; and I am of those who testify to this; and, by God! I will plot against your idols after ye have turned and shown me your backs!'
So he brake them all in pieces, except a large one they had ; that haply they might refer it to that.
[60] Said they, Who has done this with our gods? verily, he is of the wrong-doers!' They said,
We heard a youth mention them who is called Abraham.'
Said they, 'Then bring him before the eyes of men; haply they will bear witness.'
Said they, ‘Was it thou who did this to our gods, O Abraham ?' Said he, Nay, it was this largest of them ; but ask them, if they can speak.'
[65] Then they came to themselves and said, Verily, ye are the wrong-doers.' Then they turned
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