Once upon a time, in the town of Aylah, nestled between the Arabian Peninsula and a beautiful coastline, there lived a community of Jews who thrived on their fishing business. They cast their nets and reeled in plentiful catches, providing for their families and enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Allah, in His infinite wisdom, selected Friday as a sacred day, a day to be devoted to Him and to worship. He commanded the people of Aylah to honor and observe Friday as a day of rest and reflection. However, the people, being stubborn and heedless, disregarded Allah's decree and instead chose Saturday for themselves as their holy day.

In response to their disobedience, Allah decided to test them. He commanded them to refrain from fishing on Saturdays, the day they had chosen to sanctify. Now, it so happened that Saturdays were a day when the fish would swim close to the water's surface in great abundance, making it an ideal day for fishing. The people of Aylah were mesmerized by the sight of the teeming fish, but they were bound by the divine instructions.

Time passed, and whispers of temptation reached the town of Aylah. As-Shaytan, the deceiver and tempter, slithered his way into the hearts of the people. He cunningly revealed a way to manipulate the instructions given by Allah. As-Shaytan whispered to them, "Place your fishing nets in the water on Friday, and retrieve them on Sunday with an abundant catch of fish. By doing so, you will have both your desired wealth and the appearance of obedience."

Some among the people, including the Prophet Dawud (David), warned them of the consequences of their actions. They advised against the deceit and pleaded for them to return to the path of righteousness. However, the people of Aylah, enticed by their greed and arrogance, rejected the warnings and even dared to challenge the possible wrath of their Lord.

Gradually, the town of Aylah became divided into three distinct groups. The first group consisted of those who staunchly refused to participate in the manipulation and looked upon the doers with disapproval and disappointment. The second group comprised those who did not partake in the manipulation themselves but remained silent, failing to condemn the actions of the doers. And finally, the third group comprised the culprits, the ones who persistently engaged in the deceitful practice.

As time went on, the town became segregated, with the doers living in one section and the non-doers in another. They grew apart, both physically and morally. And then, a day came when the wrath of Allah descended upon the doers in their region. As a consequence of their transgressions, they were transformed into apes. Helpless and bewildered, they could no longer recognize their own kin or distinguish between themselves and the righteous people who had refrained from such deceit.

Days turned into weeks, and the once-deceivers turned apes remained lost in their pitiful state. Their transformation was a lesson for all, a stark reminder of the consequences of defying the commandments of Allah. Eventually, in His infinite justice, Allah wiped them away, removing their presence from the town of Aylah.
The story of the people of Aylah serves as a timeless reminder that the path of righteousness and obedience is the only path to success and salvation. It warns against the allure of deception and greed, reminding us of the importance of upholding the divine commandments and staying steadfast on the righteous path.
Reference: Qur'an 7: 163-166