Quran Chapter 2
Introduction (1) – Surah ‘Al-Baqarah (The Cow) (L–13)
Suratul-Baqarah is the second Chapter of Holy Qur’an. It was revealed in Madinah. This Surah is the longest Chapter of Holy Qur’an. It contains 286 verses and 40 sections. Baqarah means “the Cow”. It has been named, ‘Al-Baqarah because a story concerning ‘A Cow’ has been described in it.
The most important teachings regarding beliefs and deeds have been included in it. It is stated that Umar (May God be pleased with him), a Companion of Messenger (ﷺ), took many years to understand this Surah. It does not mean “learning by heart”, but “learning and understanding the Commandments and Instructions mentioned in it”. An abstract of its subjects has been explained as under:
1. At first, it has been described in this Chapter that Holy Qur’an is Guidance for those people who fear God and there is a foundation of abstinence in their hearts.
2. After hearing the Commandments mentioned in Holy Qur’an, three kinds of people will grow as it happens in the world in relation to every new movement. First, the Believers, who will have full faith in it. Second, the Infidels, who will oppose it, and the third, such Hypocrites, who will show themselves as believers but actually their hearts will deny it.
3. After that, the first commandment for the entire people is that they should worship God only, and that the Truth concerning Holy Qur’an has been proved.
4. In the fourth section, Birth of Adam (Peace be upon him), his entitlement as a Viceroy of God on the earth has been mentioned. Then, from fifth section to onward, recitation in respect of a big dynasty’s life “The Children of Israel” begins. Hundreds of Prophets and Messengers (Peace be upon them) were born in this dynasty. God narrated the circumstances of this dynasty “as a lesson to be taken” and it was also described that this nation did not remain capable of God’s viceroy due to its evil deeds and wickedness.
5. From section 5 to 15, many incidents of the history of the Children of Israel have been stated; for example, their covenants and agreements, splendour of God on the Mount Sinai, the incident of the Day of Saturday (Sabbath), the event of The Cow, circumstances of slaying the Prophets (Peace be upon them), impure efforts of enchantment, charm and magic, unfair conduct of disgracing the Prophets (Peace be upon them), false faiths about forgiveness and deliverance on the Day of Judgement etc.
6. With effect from the section-16 to onward, more events and incidents in respect of the Children of Israel, birth of The Last Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ) in Arab from the descendants of Adam (Peace be upon him) have been explained. Moreover, there is also recitation on The Square Building of Makkah (Masjid ul Haraam) (the Inviolable Place of Worship). And the higher grades in respect of the Martyrs in the Way of God have been explained here.
7. In section-20, the Signs of the Power of God have been discussed along with the matters relating to the Forbidden and Lawful things.
Introduction (2) – Surah ‘Al-Baqarah (The Cow) (L–14)
8. In the twentieth Section of Surah ‘Al-Baqarah, it is commanded that what the actual Goodness is. After this section, up to the section # 26, the matters concerning inheritance, revenge, supplication, fasting, pilgrimage to Makkah, Jihad (to try and strive), sacrifice of wealth in the Way of God have been described including orders and instructions for them.
9. With effect from section 27, the matters of family and social life have begun, i.e. marriage, divorce, menstruation, Iddat, second marriage, bringing up and looking after the children and Haqq mahr (the money or its value incumbent on the husband) etc.
10. In section 32, again the matter of Jihad has been discussed. And in the example, war of Saul (Peace be upon him) against Goliath has been described. God commanded: Victory or defeat does not depend; either on war equipment or decrease and increase of the manpower. Usually small Armies overcome large Armies.
11. In 34th Section, there is ‘Aayat ul Kursii, in which many Attributes of God as; the Living, the Eternal etc. have been mentioned. And that there is no compulsion for anyone to accept Islam because its excellence, signs and proofs are obvious.
12. After that, some instructive events in respect of Prophet Abraham (Peace be upon him) have been discussed here. Up to the section-39, commandments about Alms-giving and charity, abstinence, prohibition from usury and interest, laws and instructions regarding evidence and some principles of trade have been explained.
13. At the end of this Surah in section-40, summary of Belief and Islam have been described including a perfect supplication. Last words of this supplication are, “Fan-sur-naa-‘alal-Qawmil-kaafiriin” (So give us victory over the disbelieving folk). It is the result of the invitation by Holy Qur’an, as though, which nation will grow with the teachings of Holy Qur’an, by means of such nation, the Law of God will overcome the infidelity. Consequence of the Believers of God and infidels has been narrated here that the believers will get success, whereas the infidels will fail and be subdued, as the end of the Surah is; just like its beginning.
14. It must not be forgotten that this abstract is only to show a concept of its subjects. Otherwise, it is impossible for anyone, to summarise the facts and excellence of the Speech of God in a few words.
15.
We must think and care for the Commandments and Instructions of God, mentioned in this Surah.
We must understand its philosophy and grip up our loins to act upon its
instructions. Our Lord! Give us knowledge and power for it.
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