UNDERSTANDING AL-QURAN Surah 2: AL – BAQARAH: The Cow Period of Revelation: Though it is a Madani Surah (revealed at Madinah), it follows naturally a Makki Surah (revealed at Makkah). Al-Fatiha, which ended with the prayer: “Guide us to the Right Way.” This Surah begins with the answer to that prayer, “This is the guidance that you have asked for.” The greater part of Al-Baqarah was revealed during the first two years of the Prophet’s life at Madinah. Major Issues, Divine Laws and Guidance: Claim of the Qur’an: “This is the book which contains no doubt.” Creation of Adam, man’s nature, and his destiny. The children of Israel and the People of the Book (Jews and Christians). Israelites’ sin of worshipping the statue of the calf. Punishment of Israelites violation of Sabbath. Nature of Jews’ belief. Allah orders not to prevent the people from coming to Masjid. Abraham (Ibraheem) and his sons were neither Jews nor Christians but were Muslims. Abraham (Ibraheem), Ishmael (Isma’il), and their building of Ka’bah. Change of Qibla (direction in prayers) towards Ka’bah in Makkah. Allah orders not to profess any faith blindly. The moon is created to determine the time periods i.e. months and years. Hypocrisy vs. True faith. Ayat-ul-Kursi (Verse of the Throne of Allah). Allah orders the believers to enter into Islam completely. Punishment of a murtad (a Muslim who becomes a Non-Muslim). It is unlawful to marry a mushrik (who worship someone besides Allah). Victory is not by numbers but by Allah’s help. Confrontation of Ibraheem and Namrud (the king of his time). What makes charity worthless. Taking usury is like declaring war against Allah and his Rasool. All business dealings relating to deferred payments must be in writing. Retaliation against oppression. On compulsion in religion. Believers supplication to Allah Divine laws are promulgated relating to the following categories: - Food, Fasting, Charity - Retribution, Bribery, Evidence, Drinking, Gambling - Wills, Self-defence, Jihad, Pilgrimage, Bloodwit - Menstruation, Nursing, Alimony, Usury - Oaths, Buying on Credit, Pledge/Mortgage, Debt, Loans - Marriage, Orphans, Divorce, Widows Guidance is also provided concerning social, cultural, economic, political and legal issues through addressing the Jews who were acquainted with the Unity of Allah, Prophet hood, Revelation, the Hereafter and Angels. The Jews professed to believe in the law which was revealed by Allah to their Prophet Moses (عليه السلام). In principle, their religion was the same (Islam) that was being taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Although they were originally Muslims, they had swerved from the real Islam and made innovations and alterations to their religion. As a result, they had fallen victims to hair splitting and sectarianism, so much so that they had even given up their original name “Muslim” and adopted the name “Jew” instead, and made religion a monopoly of the children of Israel. This was Jews religious condition when the Prophet went to Madinah and invited them to the True Religion. More than one third of this Surah (Chapter) addresses the Children of Israel. A critical review of their history, moral degeneration and religious perversions has been made, to draw clear lines of demarcation between the essentials and nonessentials of the True Religion. The Jews are warned not to mix up the Truth with Falsehood. During this period, a new type of Muslims called “Munafiqun” (hypocrites) had emerged. There were some who had entered the fold of Islam merely to harm it from within. There were others who were surrounded by Muslims, and became “Muslims” to safeguard their worldly interests. They, therefore, continued to have relations with the unbelievers so that if they became successful, their interests would remain secure. Allah has, therefore, briefly pointed out the characteristics of the hypocrites in this Surah. Later on when their mischievous deeds became manifest, detailed instructions were given in Surah-At-Tauba. In brief, this Surah is an invitation towards the Divine Guidance. All stories, examples and incidents mentioned in this Surah revolve around this central theme. This Surah particularly addresses the Jews and cites many incidents from their history to admonish and advise them that accepting the Guidance revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is in their best interest. They should, therefore, be the first to accept it, because this Message is basically the same as was revealed to the Prophet Musa (عليه السلام). #mdkush
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:57:12 +0000
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