Who was the Samaritan (As-Samiri) in the Quran?

As-Samiri was a man from among the Children of Israel who, during Prophet Musa's absence, fashioned a Golden Calf from their ornaments and incited them to worship it, thus leading them astray. This act is presented in the Quran as a great trial for the Israelites.

How did the Samaritan make the calf seem alive?

According to his own account in the Quran and elaborated upon by commentators like Ibn Kathir, the Samaritan claimed he saw what others did not and took a handful of dust from the messenger's track (interpreted as the Angel Jibril's horse) and threw it into the molten calf, which then made a 'lowing' sound.

What was the Samaritan's punishment?

Prophet Musa cursed the Samaritan, and his punishment in this life was to be a complete outcast, forced to say 'La misas' ('touch me not'). He was also promised a punishment in the Hereafter that he could not escape.

The Samaritan (As-Samiri): The Man Who Misled the Israelites

Samaritan

السامري

Explore Verses Related to Samaritan

🕋Taha20:85 🕋Taha20:87 🕋Taha20:95

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, As-Samiri (the Samaritan) is a Quranic figure who instigated a profound trial for the Children of Israel by fashioning a Golden Calf for them to worship during the absence of Prophet Musa (Moses). Tafsir literature, including the works of Ibn Kathir and At-Tabari, explains that the Samaritan used the Israelites' ornaments to create a calf that made a 'lowing' sound, deceiving them into believing it was their god. The Samaritan's own explanation for this act, as mentioned in Surah Taha, was that he 'saw what they saw not' and took a 'handful of dust from the messenger's track', which he cast into the calf. The Quranic narrative culminates in Prophet Musa's confrontation with the Samaritan and the latter's punishment of being made a lifelong outcast, a powerful lesson on the dangers of misguidance and the importance of steadfastness in faith.

📖 Quranic Context

A pivotal figure in one of the most significant trials faced by the Children of Israel, representing the archetype of the misguiding individual who introduces deviance and idolatry into the community.

Portrayed as a source of misguidance and a test for the faith of the believers.

References: Referenced in Surah Taha (20:85, 20:87, 20:95).

💭 Theological Perspective

Represents the human capacity for deviation and the influence of charismatic figures in leading people astray from divine guidance.

His actions are described as being 'suggested' or 'made fair-seeming' by his own soul ('nafs'), highlighting the internal struggle against misguided desires.

His story serves as a stark warning against idolatry and the dangers of falling into misguidance after receiving clear signs from God. It underscores the importance of steadfastness and adherence to the teachings of the prophets.

The trial of the Golden Calf, instigated by the Samaritan, is a lesson in the fragility of faith and the necessity of constant vigilance against spiritual corruption.

📜 Hadith Perspective

While the primary account is in the Quran, subsequent Islamic tradition and tafsir literature expand on his identity and the nature of his act.

There is a consensus among Islamic scholars that the Samaritan was responsible for creating the Golden Calf and leading a portion of the Israelites to worship it.

💎 Deeper Insights

The Samaritan's punishment, 'La misas' ('touch me not'), is a direct and symbolic retribution for his crime. He took a handful of 'sacred' dust to create a physical idol for people to touch and worship; therefore, his punishment was to be deprived of all physical contact, making him an untouchable outcast. This highlights the divine justice principle of 'jaza' min jins al-'amal' (a recompense of the same nature as the deed).

— Ibn Kathir, General scholarly interpretation

The Samaritan's justification, 'my soul suggested it to me' (sawwalat li nafsi), is a recurring Quranic phrase used by those who commit great sins (e.g., the brothers of Prophet Yusuf). This places the Samaritan within a broader archetype of individuals who, led by their own desires and justifications, commit acts of profound deviation. His story is not just a historical event but a case study in the psychology of misguidance, where the 'nafs' (lower self) beautifies and rationalizes grave sins.

— At-Tabari, Linguistic analysis of the Quran