Salaams. I have read or heard something that humans were transformed into apes because they were cursed. What is the significance of this and does this explain why apes are 98% similar to human beings in their biochemical structure. and what is the significance of this in the Quraan? “When they were too arrogant to [desist from] what they had been forbidden, We said to them, ‘Be you apes, humiliated'” (Qur’an 7:166).
Answer
Sinful people in the past were transformed into apes and swines. However, that belief that that punishment is the inception of all apes and swines is correct. And Allah Ta`ala Knows Best Was salaam Mufti Ebrahim Desai FATWA DEPT.