Approaching the West — Page 141
A pproaching the West—141 Bartering the Signs of All ā h! “Selling” or “bartering” the Signs of All ā h is another significant phrase used in the Holy Qur’ ā n. O children of Israel! Remember My favor that I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your covenant with Me, I will fulfill My covenant with you, and Me alone should you fear. And believe in what I have sent down which fulfils that which is with you, and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and barter not My Signs for a paltry price, and take protection in Me alone. (2:41-42, [5:45]) Bartering of God’s Signs with something lesser in value means to discard the covenant made with God and, instead, give precedence to worldly life and material objectives that have no real value. And barter not the covenant of All ā h for a paltry price. Surely, that which is with All ā h is better for you if you only knew. (16:96) The Qur’ ā n has very strong words for those who indulge in such a losing business. Those who conceal that which All ā h has sent down of the Book [that is, the Signs] and take in exchange for that a paltry price, they fill their bellies with nothing but fire. All ā h will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. And for them is a grievous punishment. It is they who have taken error in