Surah Al Ma'ida Notes (78-81)

Allah cursed the disbelievers among the Children of Israel

(5:78 & 79) Allah states that He has cursed the disbelievers among the Children of Israel long ago, and revealed this fact to His Prophets Dawud and Isa, son of Maryam. He cursed them because they disobeyed Allah and transgressed against his creatures. Al Awfi reported that Ibn Abbas said, "They were cursed in the Tawrah, The Injil, The Zabur and The Furqan. Allah then states that during their time, their habit was that, they did not forbid each other from committing sins and the prohibitions.
Allah admonished them for this behavior, so that their behavior would not be imitated.

Hadiths that order enjoining righteousness and forbidding evil

• Hudhayfah bin Al Yaman said that the Prophet said, "By He in whose hands is my soul! You will enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, or Allah will send a punishment on you from Him. Then, you will supplicate to Him, but he will not accept your supplication. - Imam Ahmad

• Messenger of Allah said, " He among you who witnesses an evil, let him change it with his hand, If he cannot do that, then by his tongue, If he cannot do even that, then with his heart and this is the weakest faith. - Muslim

• The Prophet said, "When sin is committed on the earth, then whoever witnesses it and hates: forbids it, will be like those who did not witness it. Whoever was absent from it and agreed with it will be like those who witness it. - Abu Dawud

• Messenger of Allah gave a speech once and said, "Behold! Fear of people should not prevent one from saying the truth if he knows it. - Ibn Majah

Censuring the Hypocrites

(5:80) Hypocrites gave their loyalty and support to the disbelievers, instead of believers. This evil act caused them to have hypocrisy in their hearts and brought them anger of Allah, that will remain with them until the day of return.

(5:81) Had they sincerely believed in Allah, His Messenger, and the Quran, they would not have committed the evil act of supporting the disbelievers in secret and being enemies with those who believe in Allah, the Prophet and what was revealed to him.