السامري

Core meaning

Proper noun. The text defines him by his acts: the one who leads the people of Moussa astray in his absence, brings forth for them a lowing calf, and claims to have seen clearly what the others did not see. The translation writes "as-Samiri", and "Samiri" when addressed.

Uses

1. ٱلسَّامِرِىّ, يَٰسَٰمِرِىُّ → "as-Samiri", "Samiri" : the man who leads the people astray during Moussa's appointment.

   • «وَأَضَلَّهُمُ ٱلسَّامِرِىُّ» — "and as-Samiri has led them astray" (20:85)
   • «فَمَا خَطْبُكَ يَٰسَٰمِرِىُّ» — "And what is your case, Samiri?" (20:95)

Evidence from the text

The account of 20:85-97 follows him step by step: he leads the people astray (20:85), throws in his turn (20:87), brings forth for them "a calf, a body that lowed" (20:88). Questioned, he answers: "I saw clearly what they did not see" (20:96).

The sentence answers the act: he will have for his lot to say "Touch me not", and the fabricated deity to which he remained attached will be burned and then scattered into the deep (20:97).

See also

عجل (the calf) · ضلل (to lead astray) · موسى (Moussa)