Discover the Holy Quran, Surah 2 Al Baqarah Verses 144-163

[taul]

Re: Discover the Holy Quran, Surah 2 Al Baqarah Verses 133-163

Verses from 133-163


--In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.


133-Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: "What will ye worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship Thy Allah and the Allah of thy fathers, of Abraham, Isma'il and Isaac,- the one (True) Allah. To Him we bow (in Islam)."

134-That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your case!

135-They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah."

136-Say ye: "We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam)."

137-So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

138-(Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah. And who can baptize better than Allah. And it is He Whom we worship.

139-Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that We are sincere (in our faith) in Him?

140-Or do ye say that Abraham, Isma'il Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah. Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah. but Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!

141-That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and ye of what ye do! Of their merits there is no question in your case:

142-The fools among the people will say: "What hath turned them from the Qibla to which they were used?" Say: To Allah belong both east and West: He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.

143-Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (From the Faith). Indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.


144- We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heavens): now shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.

145- Even if thou went to bring to the people of the Book all the Sings (together), they would not follow Thy Qibla; nor art thou going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qibla. If thou after the knowledge hath reached thee, Wert to follow their (vain) desires,-then wert thou indeed (clearly) in the wrong.

146- The people of the Book know this as they know their own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.

147- The Truth is from thy Lord; so be not at all in doubt.

148- To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) Towards all that is good. Whereever ye are, Allah will bring you Together. For Allah Hath power over all things.

149- From whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from the Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.

150- So from whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; and wheresoever ye are, Turn your face thither: that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people, except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I may complete My favours on you, and ye May (consent to) be guided;

151- A similar (favour have ye already received) in that We have sent among you an Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new knowledge.

152- Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.

153- O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.

154- And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah. "They are dead." Nay, they are living, though ye perceive (it) not.

155- Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.

156- Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return":-

157- They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they the ones that receive guidance.

158- Behold! Safia and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good, -be sure that Allah is He Who recogniseth and knoweth.

159- Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, - on them shall be Allah.s curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse,-

160- Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare (the Truth): To them I turn; for I am Oft-returning, Most Merciful.

161- Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- on them is Allah.s curse, and the curse of angels, and of all mankind;

162- They will abide therein: Their penalty will not lightened, nor will respite be their (lot).

163- And your Allah is One Allah. There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.


Subhan-Allah, May Allah help us follow the truth and act upon the guidance we receive from the Holy Quran.

 

[patriot]

2:133 But you (yourselves, O Children of Israel) bear witness that when death approached Jacob he asked his children, Whom will you serve after me? They answered, We will serve your God, the God of your forefathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac - the One God. And unto Him we will surrender ourselves.
[Grammatically, since the word Am in the beginning of this verse is unconnected with the previous verse, it does not necessarily carry the interrogative sense which is so commonly given to it]

2:134 That was a community that has passed on. Theirs is what they earned, and yours is what you earn. And you will not be asked about what they did.
[The dogmas of the Chosen People, Original Sin and Blood Atonement were invented by the followers of these prophets. But the Divine Law stresses individual responsibility. Every person is accountable only for ones own deeds. 6:164, 39:7, 53:38- 39]

2:135 They say, Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided. Say, Nay! Ours is the Creed of Abraham the upright. He turned away from all that is false, and he was not an idolater in any sense.
[And he was neither a Jew nor a Christian (3:67). Mushrik = Idolater = Pagan = Anyone who ascribes divinity to other than the One True God = Who associates partners with Him = Who prefers manmade tenets = Who worships idols in any form such as statues, own desire, forces of Nature, any of Gods creation = One who uncritically follows what others do = A blind follower = One who considers men as authorities instead of the Divine Revelation = Anyone who makes lists of Halaal (Permissible) and Haraam (Forbidden) from outside the Quran = One who believes in clergy against the Divine Revelation = Who adores saints, political or religious leaders = Who bows or prostrates physically or mentally before a creation = Who promotes books, dogmas and tenets contrary to the Quran. Shirk = The act of being a Mushrik]

2:136 (O You who have chosen to believe) Say, We believe in God, and the Revelation that has been given to us, and (the surviving Truth) in what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, as well as the Tribal Israelite prophets - and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to all prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among them (since all of them were one in Purpose and they got their Guidance from the One True God). And for Him, we are Muslims.
[About my interpolation the surviving Truth, see 2:101. Asbaat = The prophets raised among the twelve Israelite Tribes, frequently called the Patriarchs. No distinction = All of them were commissioned by God and they were one in Purpose, although their times and places varied. They were given the Message emphasizing the social needs of their respective nations. Humanity is now able to receive the Final Revelation that embraces all Truth and sorts out the human touch in the previous Scriptures. 2:101, 6:34, 6:91, 6:115-116, 10:64, 15:9 18:27, 41:53, 75:16-19. 'No distinction' also indicates that we do not deny some and accept some of the prophets named in the Quran. A misconception recently trying to hold grounds should probably be addressed here: It is God alone Who is Impeccable and there is none like unto Him. And no two human beings are identical in every respect. The apostles of God were made to excel one another concerning their specific duties relevant to the times and places of their advent. "We have caused some of them to excel others." (2:253). "But, indeed, We caused some prophets to excel the others." (17:55). However, they were all one in Purpose, so we make no distinction among them on that account, and we do not accept some and deny some of them]

2:137 So if they come to believe as you believe, then they will be rightly guided. But if they turn away, then they are in opposition (to the Message of the aforementioned prophets). However, God will suffice you, for, He is All Hearing, All Knowing.

2:138 Hue of God! And who can give a better hue (to life) than God? And it is He alone Whom we serve.
[Hue of God = We take our hue from God. Nearest to God are those who have adopted His Sibghah = Hue or Color = His attributes in the human capacity. 83:28. That means adopting the Divine Attributes in our limited human capacity such as:
kindness empathy - creativity mercy - forgiveness turning to people in love and affection (attaining) wisdom knowledge (learning) compassion clemency taking care - peacefulness remaining informed and aware sense of duty - determination justice protecting others generosity unity - self-control leniency - approachability - appreciation moral strength patience - showing light guiding - independence truthfulness maintenance of people and things keeping pledges resolve benefiting others beautiful designing providing listening observing being worthy of trust nobility of character giving sense of responsibility. Interestingly, people can make a self-assessment by this spectrum as to where they stand on the ascending ladder of Tazkiah = Self-actualization or personal development]

2:139 Say (to the People of the Book), Do you argue with us concerning God? But He is our Lord as well as your Lord and we are responsible for our deeds and you are responsible for your deeds; and to Him alone we are devoted.
[The criterion of honor in the Sight of God is character, and not race, color, nationality, religion or genealogy. Some people think that God is only interested in the Children of Israel when He is the Lord of all humanity. And some think that God begot a son and sacrificed him to forgive their sins. But it is the Law of Requital that is operative in the entire Universe. So, there is no such thing as Original Sin. Every human being is born with a clean slate and is accountable only for ones own doings. 1:1, 2:111, 2:123, 2:135, 2:211, 17:70, 49:13, 53:38-39, 114:1]

2:140 And you claim that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribal Israelite prophets were Jews or Christians! Say, Do you know better than God? Ah, who could be more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from God? But God is not unaware of what you do.
[Amazingly, the Quran is alluding to a historical fact that was unanimously accepted from research done centuries later! Scholars of the Bible know that the concept of Jewry came into being long after the Patriarchs and after Moses. Likewise, the term and the doctrine of Christianity were unknown during the life of Jesus]

2:141 Nevertheless, they were a community that has passed on. Theirs is what they earned, and yours is what you earn. And you will not be asked about what they did.

2:142 Those of little understanding among people say, What has turned them from their Qiblah which they (the Jews) were used to? Say, Unto God belong East and West. He guides to the Straight Path whoever wills (to be guided).
[Qiblah = Center of devotion = Symbol of uniform Ideology = Center for the unity of mankind. The Children of Israel have considered Jerusalem as their Center of devotion. But God is the Lord of all humanity. He makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. And now the Quran invites all mankind to become one community. His Final Message is not confined to a particular tribe, nation or group of people. Kabah erected by Abraham, the first ever House of monotheism, has now been appointed as the Qiblah for all humanity. 2:213, 3:96, 4:170, 6:91-92, 7:158, 10:19, 12:104, 21:107, 22:49, 34:28, 38:87, 57:25, 114:1]

2:143 Thus We have made you a Balanced Community that you might be witnesses to all mankind, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves. It is We Who have appointed the Direction that you have now adopted (O Messenger) in order to distinguish him who follows the Messenger, from him who turns about on his heels. In fact, it has been a momentous change except for those who follow Gods Guidance. For, it is never Gods purpose to let your faith go vain. Indeed, God is the eternal Source of Compassion and Mercy to all mankind.
[Ummah = Community = Specifically, the Community based on Divine Ideology. Turns about on his heels = Goes back to his old ways = Succumbs to traditional beliefs. 2:142, 4:88, 29:25]

2:144 We have seen your eagerness (O Messenger), therefore, We now make you turn to the Qiblah that is dear to you (for its Sublime objective). Hence, keep your Purpose focused on the Masjid of Security, and all of you believers, wherever you are, keep your Purpose focused toward it. And indeed, those who have been given the Scripture before know that this (Revelation) is the Truth from their Lord. And God is not unaware of what they do.
[The verse is not commanding people to turn their faces, as usually misunderstood. See 2:177. Wajh = Face = Countenance = Whole being = Purpose. Qiblah = Direction = Center of devotion = Masjid of Security = Source of peace and security for all humanity = The Symbol of a uniform Ideology = Symbol of pure Monotheism = Source of the unity of mankind. 2:142, 2:213, 3:96, 4:170, 6:91-92, 7:158, 10:19, 12:104, 21:107, 22:49, 34:28, 38:87, 57:25, 114:1]

2:145 Even if you were to place all evidence (verses) together to the People of the Book, they will not follow your Qiblah, and neither may you follow their Qiblah, nor will they even follow each others Qiblah. If you followed their errant views after the knowledge has come to you, you will surely be among the wrongdoers.
[Qiblah = Direction = Focal Point = It is the tangible structure for unity of mankind. People honor the temples of their choice. They will recognize the Kabah as their own Qiblah when evolution of human civilization brings them to the right conclusion. 2:158, 3:97, 4:170, 6:84-91, 22:23-28]

2:146 Those to whom We gave the Scripture before, recognize this (Revelation) as they recognize their own children but, most certainly, some of them (their scholars) conceal the Truth which they themselves know.
[The advent of Prophet Muhammad from the Ishmaelite descendants of Abraham has been foretold in the Bible. Genesis 21:13-18. Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, 16:7. See QXP 2:125. Historically, the Gospel of Saint Barnabas, which was accepted and widely read in the churches, had Muhammad in the exact Arabic form. But Pope Gelasius banned that Gospel in 496 CE for finding the Arabic name distasteful. It was only in the 16th century when the Italian translation of Barnabas was discovered in Vienna, Austria. But, obviously, translations can never be as reliable as the original text]

2:147 This (Quran) is the Truth from your Lord, so never be of those who waver.

2:148 (Mere rituals carry no importance even though people pursue their self-appointed interests.) Each one has a goal toward which he turns. Then strive together toward all that is good. Whatever stand you take, God will bring you all together. Indeed, God is Able to do all things.
[Innallaha ala kulli shayin Qadeer = God is Able to do all things = He is the All Powerful Appointer of His Laws = He has assigned due proportion for all things and events. 2:177, 57:20, 83:19-28, 102:1-2. Shayi = Thing = Derived meaning, event. The real objective for you is to compete with one another in human welfare and develop your innate capacities. God will bring you all together under the banner of One Ideology, and ultimately gather you on the Day of Resurrection]

2:149 From wherever you start forth (whichever way you proceed, and whatever you are preoccupied with), keep yourself focused on the Masjid-il-Haraam (the Sacred Masjid, the Ultimate Center for the unity of all mankind.) This is indeed the Truth from your Lord. And God is not unmindful of what you do (with your life).

2:150 Again, regardless of wherever you are and whichever way you are proceeding, you must keep yourself focused on the Masjid-il-Haraam (the Center for all humanity). If you abide by (this Command) it will leave no grounds for people to dispute against you except the unjust fault-finders among them. Hence, be not intimidated by them, but stand in awe of Me so that I may perfect My Grace upon you, and that you may be rightly guided.
[2:6, 5:2-3. The blessed results of Unity in diversity will become a living witness to their objections]

2:151 To this end, We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, conveying unto you Our revelations and helping you grow in goodness. And he empowers you with the knowledge of the Book and Wisdom, and thus, he teaches you what you knew not.

2:152 Therefore, raise My Name and I shall raise your name giving you eminence! Be grateful to Me, and deny Me not!
[2:177, 2:186, 2:220, 15:49, 21:10, 21:23-24, 23:70, 38:24, 43:44. Azkurni = Remember Me = Raise My Name. Azkurkum = I will remember you = I will give you eminence. Shukr = Being grateful in word and action = Sharing Divine Bounties with others = Opposite of Kufr whenever Kufr denotes concealing = Returning more than receiving = Holding a benefactor in high esteem. Note that lack of Shukr or gratitude in the Quranic sense is Kufr, denying the Giver! Tazkiah = Growth of the self = Self-actualization]

2:153 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Seek help in patiently following the Divine Commands. Surely, God is with the steadfast.
[Salaat = Following Gods Commands closely 2:3. Wa in the middle of this verse merges with Salaat as indicated by God being with the steadfast, without mentioning Salaat in the end]

2:154 (True believers are steadfast in self-defense. 2:190.) Do not call those who are slain in Gods Cause, They are dead! Nay, they are living, but you do not perceive.
[Death is like a prolonged state of sleep until the Resurrection Day (36:52). However, those who lay their lives in the Cause of God, themselves, undergo an emergent evolution, and instantly find themselves in a state of bliss of the Next Life. And they get honorable provision from their Sustainer. 3:169]

2:155 (Adversity is a great barometer of the strength of personality.) Certainly, We will cause you to go through such tribulations as fear and hunger, loss of wealth and person, and of the fruit of your labor, so that you may test your mettle. Nevertheless, give glad tidings to those who remain unwavering in their resolve.

2:156 When a calamity befalls them, they do not waver. Rather, they say in word and attitude, "To God we belong, dedicated to His Cause, and every step of ours will advance in the direction shown by Him." [9:59]

2:157 Such are they on him are their Lords blessings and Grace. And it is they who have been rightly guided. [33:43, 33:56]

2:158 Indeed, (Mount) As-Safa and (Mount) Al-Marwah are among the Symbols of God. So, there is no blame on a pilgrim or a visitor to go around them. If anyone volunteers to do acts of welfare, then most certainly, God is Appreciative, Knower.
[Abraham and Ishmael worked in the region of Mount Safa and Mount Marwah in Makkah, building the Kabah. There is nothing wrong in honoring such historical relics (2:177, 22:28). God has appointed the Kabah as the focal point for all humanity. And that is the real purpose behind the annual Hajj convention and, when announced by the Islamic Central Authority, the Umrah conferences. 2:148, 2:196, 3:96, 22:27-28. Khair = Good things = Acts of benevolence = Community welfare = Peace and security = Betterment in both lives = Selfless service]

2:159 Indeed, those who conceal anything of the evidence and the Guidance that We have revealed after We have made it clear unto mankind through this Book; such are the ones whom God will condemn and whom all who have discernment will condemn. [God has defined the objectives of the Hajj in this Book 22:28. Those who conceal the sublime purpose of these assemblies by making them senseless rituals, deprive humanity of a phenomenal blessing. Lanah = Condemnation = Rejection = Curse = Deprivation from Grace. Laainoon = Those endowed with the sense of distinguishing right from wrong, and thus able to condemn. Related non-Quranic word, 'Al-la'een' = Scare-crow repelling the birds]

2:160 Except those who repent and reform and openly proclaim (the Truth that they were hiding). To them I turn - for, I am the Acceptor of repentance, Most Merciful.
[Taubah = Repentance = Turning to God = Returning to the Right Path. Salah = Corrective action = Reform = Making amends]

2:161 But, those who reject Faith and die while they are rejecters, upon them is Gods condemnation, and of the angels, and of all mankind.
[Condemnation of God = Deprivation of His Grace. Condemnation of angels = Harm incurred for violating Universal Laws. Condemnation of mankind = Suffering at the hands of other nations]

2:162 In this state shall they abide. Their penalty will not be lightened for them, nor will they be given a break.

2:163 Remember, your God is One God. There is no god but He, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
[It is only His Laws that are operative in the entire Universe, and any nations falling in conflict with His Laws will suffer ultimate self-destruction. 1:1-2, 6:45. Al-Ilah = God = The Sovereign = The One Worthy of service, obedience and worship = The Supreme Master. Ilah = Refers to the One True God = It also indicates a false god, depending upon the context]