Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. 62 Remember the day We made the covenant with you and exalted you on the Mount and said: "Hold fast to what We have given you, and remember what is therein that you may take heed." 63 Then you turned away after that. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would have been among the losers. 64 You are aware of those who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath, whereupon We said to them, "Be as apes, despised!" 65 and set them up as a warning example for their time and for all times to come, as well as an admonition to all who are conscious of God. 66 And recall what time Musa said unto his people: verily Allah commandeth you that ye slaughter a cow. They said: makest thou a jest of us? He said: I take refuge with Allah that I should be of the ignorant. 67 'Call on your Lord' they said, 'to make known to us what she shall be.' He said: 'He says: "she is a cow neither old, nor virgin, middling between both." Therefore, do as you have been ordered' 68 They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us what is her color." He said, "He says, 'It is a yellow cow, bright in color - pleasing to the observers.' " 69 They said: "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what she is: To us are all heifers alike: We wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills." 70 He replied: 'He says: "She is a cow, neither worn out plowing the earth nor watering the field, one kept secure free from any blemish."' 'Now you have brought us the truth' they answered. And they slaughtered her, after they had been reluctant to do so. 71