IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
The Opening (Bismillahir Rahman-nir-Rahim)
Surah Fatihah Allah’s Precious Gift along with the Glorious Quran {Separa-1 (Alif Lam Mim) to Separa 30 (Amma)}
Oh Our Lord (Allah)!
Flag 1: The supplication not to be outstripped by any other (Surah Fatihah)
> ” We have given you the seven oft-repeated (verses), and the glorious Quran”
(Hijr-15: 87)
Note:
- Al Fatihah: the essence of Quran: An integration of Allah’s entire message into one.
- Must be remembered by heart and repeated as often as possible.
- None of the living beings would fail to admire the glory and meaningfulness of this verse; be amongst faithful or otherwise.
- A submission before starting any work seeking Allah’s help in completion of the task.
- The supplication is in the name of Allah seeking His ‘Divine’ beneficence and mercy.
- On the authority of the holy Prophet: Anything done without invoking divine grace by reciting bismillah first is not approved by Allah.
- The accomplishment of any task without recitation of bismillah goes without earning Allah’s pleasure.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
FATIHAH-1: 01-07
> ” In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful”: (01)
Flag 2: The Opening (Bismillahir Rahman-nir-Rahim): (Fatihah-1: 01)
Note:
(i) Invoking the conscience of mankind towards the sole nourisher and seeking His unfailing mercy unconditionally.
(ii) To those who invoke love of Allah; shall not fail to receive dividend in the form of ‘Love for All’ (no exceptions).
> ” Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds”: (02)
Flag 3: Undisputed Owner of the Praise (Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-Alamin): (Fatihah-1: 02)
Note:
(i) None else but Allah is praise worthy and owner of the praise.
> ” Praise be to Allah>>>: ” His is the praise in hereafter>>>”
(Saba-34: 01)
> ” Praise be to Allah, the originator of the heavens and earth>>>”
(Fatir-35: 01)
> ” Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth glorifies Allah. He is ever-prevalent, all-wise”
(Saff-61: 01)
> ” Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth glorifies Allah. His is the kingdom and His is the praise, and He has power over everything”
(Taghabun-64: 01)
>>> ” All praise be to Allah, the lord of the worlds”
(Zumar-39: 75)
> ” The beneficent, the merciful (ArRahman-nir-Rahim)”: ( 03)
Flag 4: The singular Nourisher and the benevolent (ArRahman-nir-Rahim): (Fatihah-1: 03)
Note:
(i) Allah is Rahman (beneficient) to all His creations alike: Believers & disbelievers, obedients & disobedients, Ibrahim & Namrud, Musa & Firawn, Muhammad & Abu Lahab, others without any exceptions.
(ii) Allah is Rahim (merciful) to faithfuls. Mercy being an appreciation to their doing good.
> ” Yet, verily your Lord – to those who do an evil in ignorance, then turn repentant to Allah after that and make amends – verily your Lord is oft forgiving, most merciful”
(Nahl-16: 119)
” Say (O Muhammad) to My servants who have been immoderate against there own souls: Do not despair of the mercy of Allah; verily Allah forgives all sins. Verily He is oft-forgiving, most merciful”
(Zumar-39: 53)
> ” We sent you (O Muhammad) but (as) a mercy unto the worlds”
(Anbiya-21: 107)
(iii) Allah’s overwheming mercy, and that through His last Prophet (Muhammad), is not limited to this earth alone, but encompasses the entire Universe (Worlds); which may include many earths like ours.
> ” Master of the day of judgement (Malike-Yumiddin)”: (04)
Flag 5: The Absolute owner of the ‘Day’ and the ‘Judgement thereon (Malike-Yumiddin): (Fatihah-1: 04)
Note:
(i) Disbelief and beliefs and the entire account of doings of each individual will be laid thread bear on the day of judgement.
(ii) Allah’s absolute justice on the day of judgement shall be the order of the day and shall prevail.
> ” What shall make you know what the day of judgment is”?
(Infitar-82: 17)
>>> ” and the (supreme) command that day shall be Allah’s”
(Infitar-82: 19)
> ” Verily, Allah does not do injustice (even) to the weight of an atom>>>”
(Nisa-4: 40)
> ” Is not Allah the most just of all judges”?
(Tin-95: 08)
(iii) The statement of accounts shall stand approved in the light of evidence provided by the physical witnesses {(Quran, Prophets, Imams, Angels, Organs (Skin, hands, legs, etc)}.
(iv) The recompense ( reward or punishment) will be announced by the Lord (Allah).
(v) Thereafter, both categories shall be in implementation of the pronouncements of the Lord (Malike-Yawmiddin).
> ” You (alone) we worship and from You (alone) we seek help”: (05)
Flag 6: The absolute negation of (Shirk) & adherence to the Celestial and Earthly Covenant (Tawhid: Allah’s Oneness): (Fatihah-1: 05)
Note:
(i) Verse (Fatihah-1: 05) constitutes total negation of (Shirk) in any form, manner and/or concept.
> ” Did I not enjoin on you, O children of Adam, that you should not worship Shaytan – verily he is your avowed enemy”
(Yasin-36: 60)
> “And that you should worship Me? This is the right path (Sirat-e-Mustaqeem)”
(Yasin-36: 61)
(ii) Sirat-e-Mustaqeem is discarding the worship of Shaytan and submitting/surrendering to the worship of Allah (God) alone.
(iii) The important aspect which needs to be noted closely is the emphasis on discarding worship of Shaytan which precedes worship of Allah (Ibadat).
(iv) The order of priority is the same as in Allah’s very first commandment: La ilaha ill-Allah (There is no god but God). It is, therefore, necessary to discard false gods before accepting Allah’s (Oneness).
(v)) Shaytanic Challenge: Subverting children of Adam from the concept of Allah’s Oneness (Tawhid) which is singular latent (hidden) as well as manifest covenant and has been universally applicable for all times (past/present/future).
(vi) The knowledge of Allah’s unity (Oneness:Tawhid) lies in the original human nature (fitra).
(vii) The prophets were sent to remind them of what they already know. To betray (Tawhid) is to betray human nature and even to leave the domain of human existence.
(viii) Each soul, arriving in this world, lands with a celestial promise with the Lord that it will exist only to fulfil the will of the Lord, and never shall rebel against His authority. This is known as the original or the latent (hidden) covenant.
(ix) (Iyyaka Na-Budu) which is an integral part of each compulsory prayer stands as a confirmation of the latent covenant with Allah.
> ” Keep us (O Lord) on the right path”: (06)
Flag 7: O our Lord (Allah! Let us not astray but continue to traverse on the right path (Sirate Mustaqeem): (Fatihah-1: 06)
Note:
(i) Even before the coming of the holy Prophet into this world, Iblis recognised Allah’s devoted servants on whom he will have no authority.
(ii) The existence of the holy celestial entities in the pre-Adam era stands confirmed as highlighted in the Quran in multiple verses.
> ” Except the sincerely devoted servants of Yours from among them”
(Hijr-15: 40)
(iii) Allah confirmed that the path of His devoted servants is the ‘Straight path’:
> “(Allah) said: This is the straight path that leads to Me”
(Hijr-15: 41)
(iv) The recognition of Allah’s devoted servants (free from sins altogether) is also confirmed as below:
> ” Then by your power, I will certainly beguile them, every one”
(Sad-38: 82)
> ” Save those of Your servants among them who have been freed (from sins altogether)”
(Sad-38: 83)
(v) Allah confirmed the existence of such individuals as below:
> ” (Allah) said: Then it is truth, and what I say is the truth”
(Sad-38: 84)
(vi) Who are Allah’s servants on whom Shaytan has no authority being infallible?
(vii) The holy Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt (inclusive of their twelve Imams in an uninterrupted chain) are the those thoroughly purified by Allah Himself:
>>> ” Verily Verily Allah intends but to keep off from you (every kind of) uncleanliness, O you the people of the house (Ahlul Bayt), and purify you (with) a thorough purification”
(Ahzab-33: 33)
(vii) Even Iblis acknowledged the infallibility of the thoroughly purified by Allah Himself: (Ahzab-33: 33)
> ” The path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your bounties; not (the path) of those inflicted with Your wrath, nor of (those) gone astray”: (07)
Flag 8: O Allah! May you save us from your wrath and not let us straddle from your straight path (Siraate Mustaqeem): (Fatihah-1: 07)
Note:
(i) Allah unequivocally declares the path of thoroughly purified (Ahzab-33: 33) is the ‘Straight Path’.
(ii) Allah’s Confirmation of the path of the ‘Thoroughly Purified’ being the straight path to whom ‘Anamta Alaihim’ (Fatihah-01: 07) & ‘Urwatul Wuthqa’ (Baqarah-2: 256) are applicable.
Alhamdulillah
The highlighted listing of the first Separa (Alif Lam Mim) follows. An attempt has been to cater to the requirements for those who need to quickly find the desired information easily. At the outset, it is necessary to acknowledge innumerable sources used in the compilation of this effort. No attempt is made to list the references, but sincere thanks are due to all, individually and collectively.
Road-Map:
- The list of (Flags) below is a subject-wise identification
- Each (Flag) refers to the corresponding (verse or verses) and identifies (explanatory note) if any
- Quranic verses of this (Separa) are listed and marked in a conventional way
- For example (Baqarah-2: 05) refers to the fifth Ayat of Surah Baqarah which is the second Surah of the Holy Quran
- Each verse commences and ends marked as (> “—–“: (number of the verse)
- >>> ” denotes the subject of the verse is continuing into the next verse
- All notes are numbered in parenthesis as ( i), (ii) and so on
- All a reader needs to do is review the listed (Flags) and choose the desired subject and proceed to the indicated (Ayat)
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
Separa 01 (Alf Lam Mim)
BAQARAH-02: 01-141
“ALF LAM MIM”: (01)
” This is the Book; There is no doubt in it, (it is ) a guidance to those who safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws (Muttaqin)”: (02)
” Who believe in unseen and establish the prayers, and spend (in the way of their Lord) out of what We have given them”: (03)
” And believe in that which has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), and that which was revealed to (other messengers) before you and are sure of hereafter”: (04)
Flag 1: The Book & Muttaqin: (Baqarah-2: 02-04)
Note:
- The above criteria/essence concerning (the Book and the Muttaqin) in verse (Baqarah-2: 1-4) as indicated above fully define the requirements outlined by Allah. The details/procedures/background/concepts/orders/prohibitions/limits/elaborations and more are covered in the holy book (Quran) separately.
- Accordingly, meeting the above description not only qualifies for being called a Muslim but also Muttaqi.
” These are on the right path (guidance) from their Lord, and these shall be successful”: (05)
Flag 2: The Successful (Al-Muflehoon): (Baqarah-2: 05)
Note:
- A successful end for (Muttaqin) has been guaranteed by Allah Himself (Baqarah-2: 05)
” Verily (as for) those who disbelieve, it is all the same if you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe”: (06)
“Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and there is covering over their eyes, and for them is a great punishment” : (07)
Flag 3: Those whose hearts have been sealed: (Baqarah-2: 06-07)
” And there are some people who say: ‘We believe in Allah and in the last day’: (in reality they are not the believers (at all): (08)
” They (desire to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, but they do not perceive”: (09)
” There is a disease in their hearts, and Allah increases their disease; for them is a painful punishment because they lied”: (10)
” And when it is said to them: ‘Do not make mischief in the land’: they say: ‘Verily we are only peacemakers’! (11)
” It is said to them: ‘Believe as the other people believe’: they say: ‘Shall we believe as the fools believe’?: Verily they themselves are the fools, but they do not know: (13)
” And when they meet those who believe, they say: ‘We believe!’: but when they are alone with the devils (their friends), they say: ‘Surely we are with you. Verily we were only mocking’!”: (14)
” Allah will turn their mockery against them, and allow them to wander bewildered in their wickedness”: (15)
” These are those who purchase error for guidance, so their bargain does not profit them, nor are the followers of the right direction”: (16)
” Their likeness is like the illustration of one who kindles a fire, and when it lights all around him, Allah takes away their light, and leaves them in darkness – they do not see” (17)
” Deaf, dumb, blind – hence they shall not return (from the darkness)”: (18)
” Or like rain pouring from the sky in which is darkness, thunder, and lightning – they put their fingers into their ears for safety against the thunderclaps, for fear of death; and verily, Allah encompasses the disbelievers”: (19)
“The lightning almost snatches away their sight – as often as it flashes on them they walk in it, and when it becomes dark to them they standstill. If Allah willed, He could take away their hearing and their sight. Verily Allah has power over all things”: (20)
Flag 4: The mischief-makers (Munafiqun/Hypocrites): (Baqarah-2: 08-20)
Note:
Inhere the Munafiqun (Hypocrites) are described as self-deceivers: deaf, dumb, blind they shall not be able to return from the darkness:
- Many commentators wrongly refer to Abdullah bin Obay and his associates whenever Munafiqun are discussed in the Quran, as a scapegoat substitute for, all and any, in this category. Whereas many other, the really dangerous hypocrites, whose activities were far more dangerous remain under the veil.
- The Quranic verses concerning hypocrites are more applicable to the people of Quraysh than to any other group. Included in Munafiqun are those who are not fully convinced, due to lack of wisdom, may not oppose and go astray, but manage to keep themselves from denying the faith.
- Another class included in Munafiqun are those who profess the faith in a hypocritical manner, with a rigid antagonistic attitude of mind and heart. They are those whose hearts, hearing, and sight have not yet been sealed and for them, the hope of coming out of the wavering may exist.
- The group which played a waiting game till after the departure of the Holy Prophet and became centers for intrigues, grab of wealth and power were also Munafiqun in the garb of peacemakers.
- (Ankabut-11) revealed in Makka when Abdullah ibn Ubay and his partisans did not appear on the scene, Munafiqun was used to identify, in general, one and all, in any age, who may possess this evil.
- The extensive revelations concerning Munafiqun Quranic verses (Baqarah-2: 8-20:Imran-3: 121-128, 140-159, 166-168;Nisa-4: 60-63 & 65:
Bara-at-9: 25-27, 61,63, 64-66, 71,73, 79, 80,86, 87, 89, 92 & 94:Mujadilah-58:14-21:Munafiqun-63:1-8) are referred. - It needs to be noted that vigorous emphasis on countering Munafiqun by the Quran was almost entirely forgotten after the departure of the Holy Prophet and came to the forefront again only during the Caliphate of Ali ibn Abu Talib.
” O mankind! Worship your Lord who created you and those before you, so that you may safeguard yourself with full awareness of divine laws”: (21)
” Who made the earth a bed (resting place) for you, and the sky a canopy, and sends down rain from the sky, and thereby produces fruits for your sustenance – so do not set-up equals to Allah while you know”: (22)
Flag 5: Worship Allah and do not set up His equals: (Baqarah-2: 21-22)
If you are in doubt as to that which We have revealed to Our servant (Muhammad), then produce a chapter like it, and call your witnesses besides Allah, if you are truthful” (23)
“But if you do not do (it), and you shall never do (it), then guard (yourself) against the fire whose fuel is men and stones – prepared for the disbelievers” (24)
Flag 6: The Book (Quran) and Allah’s Challenge: (Baqarah-2: 23-24)
Note:
Refer to (Bani Israil-17: 88: Yunus-10: 38 and Hud-11: 13) for further elaboration of inimitable literary excellence and pure and perfect wisdom of
the Quran which has been and always be beyond the reach of the literary and intellectual genius of mankind.
” (O Muhammad) give glad tidings to those who believe and do good deeds of gardens in which rivers flow, and whenever they shall be given food, they shall say: ‘This is what was given to us before’: and they shall be provided with likes (of it), and they shall have purified spouses, and they shall dwell therein for ever”: (25)
Flag 7: Glad Tiding: (Baqarah-2: 25)
” Verily Allah is not hesitant to set forth the example of a gnat, or anything (more insignificant); those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord, but those who disbelieve say: ‘What Allah means by this parable’? He causes many to err thereby, and guides many aright thereby, but does not cause to err by it any except the transgressors”: (26)
Flag 8: The reactions of truthful and disbelievers (Fasiqin): (Baqarah-2: 26)
Note:
Through metaphorical expression, in the form of parables, the Quran stimulates the human mind and heart. A healthy mind grasps the truth, whereas a perverted mind adds more threads to its web of doubts. The one and the same expression produce two opposite effects.
“(Those) who violate the covenant of Allah after its confirmation, and cut asunder that which Allah commands to be joined, and make mischief in the land are losers”: (27)
“How can you disbelieve in Allah? You were lifeless. He gave you life. He causes you to die, and again (He will) bring you to life, then you shall be brought back to him”: (28)
Flag 9: Violation of covenant with Allah: (27-28)
Note:
- The knowledge of Allah’s unity (Tawhid) lies in the original human nature (fitra). The prophets were sent to remind them of what they already know. To betray (Tawhid) is to betray human nature and even to leave the domain of human existence.
- Each soul, before coming into this world, makes a promise with the Lord that it will exist only to fulfill the will of the Lord, and never shall rebel against His authority. This is known as the original or the latent covenant.
- (Iyyaka Na-Budu) which is an integral part of each compulsory prayer stands as a confirmation of the latent covenant with Allah.
- The second or the manifest covenant is that which an individual agrees to be bound by when he or she embraces Islam, which in fact is a surrender to the will of Allah.
- Included in the covenant with Allah is that by which believers bound themselves before Allah through the Holy Prophet at Ghadir Khum (Maidah-67)
- The fulfillment of the covenant with Allah is demanded (Rad:20-21 & 25).
“How can you disbelieve in Allah? You were lifeless. He gave you life. He causes you to die, and again (He will) bring you to life, then you shall be brought back to him”: (28)
“It is He who created for you all that is in the earth, and then directed (His command) to the heavens and made seven (or several) heavens, and He knows all things”: (29)
Flag 10: Creation of Multiple Heavens & Earths: (Baqarah-2: 29)
Note:
- Sab-a is used (in addition to denote the number of seven) to say seven or more or many.
- There are as many earths as heavens (Talaq-12)
“(O Muhammad) when your Lord said to angels: Verily I am going to appoint a vicegerent in the earth: They said: Will You (O our Lord) place one in it who will make mischief and shed blood, while we celebrate Your praise and extol Your holiness? He said: Verily, I know what you do not know”: (30)
Flag 11: Creation of Adam as Vicegerent on Earth: (Baqarah-2: 30)
Note:
When Allah declared His intent to appoint a vicegerent on earth, represented by Adam: angels stated that Your appointee on earth will make mischief and shed blood. How did the angels know this in advance? It is obvious that angels were comparing Adam with the species on earth at that time involved in their indicated violent activities. The real potential of Adam was unknown to them and their observation was based on conjecture.
” And He taught Adam the names, all of them, and then set them before the angels and said: Tell me the names of these if you are truthful”: (31)
” They said: Glory be to you (O Lord)! We have no knowledge save what you have taught us. Verily you (alone) are the all-knowing, all-wise”: (32)
” He said: O Adam! inform them of their names: and when he had informed them of their names,>>>” (33)
Flag 12: The Glorious Beings and the Names: (Baqarah-12: 31-33)
- Through Adam, the angels became acquainted with the glory of the glorious beings. When Adam, at the command of Allah, stated the names, qualities, and symbols of those highest beings whose collective and comprehensive status can be termed as wisdom personified, the angels witnessed the glory of the infinite power and wisdom of the Lord that could create such perfect beings of the highest caliber, in substance as well as in style, like whom they did not know till then.
- On the authority of the Holy Prophet (Durr Mansur: Jalaluddin Sayuti): The objects shown to the angels were five lights. Allah informed the angels pointing to each of the lights respectively (Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn). ‘O, Angels! it is in the love of these five that I have created the universe’.
- It becomes a logical conclusion that since Allah willed these five lights of glory to be manifested through Adam, and through these lights, Allah’s light had been destined to be manifested.
- As Allah is aware of all the unseen in the universe He knew that the angels secretly thought themselves to be more deserving than Adam to be chosen as Allah’s Khalifa. After seeing the glory of the five lights, endowed in the seed of Adam, angels accepted their ignorance and submitted to Allah’s decision.
- Besides the spiritual aspects, it is indeed fair to conclude, that in those five (lights and names), angles were also shown a glimpse of the intellect/potential of the (Children of Adam) achieving the glories beyond the comprehension and abilities of the angels
” He, (the Lord) said: Did I not say to you that verily I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth and I know that which you declare and that which you conceal”: (33)
” And when We said to angels: Prostrate to Adam! They all prostrated save Iblis. He refused and he was insolent with pride, and so he became one of the disbelievers”: (34)
Flag 13: Allah’s Command to Prostrate to Adam: (Baqarah-2: (34)
Note:
- Satisfied with the proof of the absolute wisdom and mercy of Allah the angels prostrated themselves before Adam, as ordered by Allah.
- Iblis, Jinn, overcome with grief and despair, under the burden of arrogance (Kabar), refused to come into the camp of knowledge and mercy surrounded by iman.
- According to (Baqarah-2: 34), prostration (sajdah) by one created being, in order to pay homage and accept the superiority of another created being, is permissible as and when it is in line with Allah’s command. The (sajdah) of total submission and unconditional surrender is for the creator only.
- Sajdah to Yusuf by all including prophet Yaqub, on Allah’s command, is another example of such an occurrence (Yusuf-12: 04 & 100)
Flag 14: Allah’s non-Compliant Worship: (Baqarah-2: 34)
Additional Note:
- Satan was one of the most prominent Angel before the issue of prostration to Adam was encountered. At no stage, Satan refused to prostrate to Allah or showed any inclination of disobedience except the refusal to prostrate to Adam. This was not acceptable to God Almighty (Allah). Satan was ordered to leave in disgrace, and on his request, he was given limited time in which he declared his intention to do all he could to derail Adam and his successors (mankind) from Allah’s path.
- The Adam/Satan episode makes it abundantly clear that to God (Allah) , Ibadat (Obedience) alone is not enough which was being offered by Satan. Allah only accepts “Ibadat” with “Absolute Compliance” in accordance with his commands. One may be offering, in vain, all the Prayers/ Fasting/ Zakat/ Haj/ Jihad and all other conceivable acts to please Him without full compliance with His commands. It must be remembered that Iblis’s entire Ibadat was rejected for refusing to comply with Allah’s command to prostrate to Adam and there is no reason to believe the same rule shall not be applicable to mankind. It is, therefore, necessary, to ensure that Allah’s Worship (ibadat) is free of any defiance of Allah’s commands and with full awareness of all applicable covenants.
- (Baqarah-34) makes it abundantly clear that non-compliance with any of Allah’s command is enough to turn oneself into the category of disbelievers.
” And We said: O Adam! Dwell, you and your mate, in the garden, and eat from it freely as you wish, but do not approach this tree, for then you will be of the transgressors!”: (35)
” But Shaytan made them both slip, and caused them to depart from what they were in; and We said: Go, some of you being the enemies of others! and there shall be an abode for you in the earth and provision for a (fixed) time”: (36)
Flag 15: Iblis transformation to Shaytan and first encounter with Adam: Baqarah-2: (35-36)
Note:
- As Adam landed on earth in the form of ‘Homo-Sapien’ or a ‘human-being’, it appears that he carried a built-in representative within himself representing Iblis known as ‘Shaytan’. In the holy Quran, Allah’s dialogue is with rebellious Iblis who was given a reprieve on his own request by Allah till the day of judgment. However, the character challenging mankind on earth is identified by the holy book is Shaytan. It may be concluded that Adam and Iblis belonging to the celestial realm were transformed, for their earthly presence, by Allah into their existing form of human being and ‘Shaytan.
- The presence of “Shaytan’ within provides him an equal opportunity to subvert human beings against their built-in defense based on nature (fitra). The latent covenant (Iyyaka Na-budu) being the key component of mankind’s defense against Shaytan.
” And Adam received words from his Lord, and He turned to him (mercifully), (for) verily He is oft-turning, the merciful” : (37)
Flag 16: Golden Words ensuring Allah’s Mercy: (Baqarah-2: 37)
Note:
- Adam and his mate turned repentant unto Allah. The merciful and oft forgiving Lord blessed Adam with the most extraordinary words of prayer through which Adam, and after him, anyone in his progeny (mankind), could invoke the mercy of the Lord. These were the holy names of those highest beings whom Allah had already introduced to Adam. So the Oft-forgiving merciful Lord took Adam and his mate under His mercy when they invoked Him through these names.
- Seeking knowledge of these names and words and using the same to seek Allah’s blessing and mercy remain the strongest tool for mankind for all times to come.
“(Then) We said: Go forth from this, all of you, and when there comes from Me to you guidance, then whoever follows My guidance, no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve!”: (38)
“But those, who disbelieve and belie Our signs, shall be the inmates of the fire; they shall abide therein forever”: (39)
Flag 17: Shaytan Vs Adam: Battle Commencement: (Baqarah-2: 38-39)
Note:
- It appears that the arrival of Adam on earth coincided with the indication of “Homo Sapiens” or the existence of similar intelligent species commencing 20,000 to 60,000 BC.
- The term ‘Adam’ in the Quran, refers to the first man who came out of a state of ease and comfort to make effort and reach ultimate excellence. In this journey, within the sphere of time and space, he, as the most well-equipped creature among all the created beings, has, at his disposal, divine guidance to fight and overcome obstacles and evil satanic forces.
- It must be understood that Iblis’ challenge to derail mankind was to ‘Allah’ and not to Adam. The absolute ‘Creator’ agreed and provided an unrestricted opportunity to Iblis to execute his plans.
- On the day of judgment, the defeat of Iblis forces shall be visible and proven with support of full evidence and witnesses and not by an overriding decree by the Almighty. This is the obvious reason for Allah’s declaration that mankind shall be tested and witnessed through trials to prove the victory over evil forces.
- Prior to the advent of Adam, life on earth for the living being had no meaning except to struggle for survival. Adam gave new significance to life on earth. The man was given the knowledge to learn how to choose between good and evil.
- According to the traditions of Muhammad and Ali, there were several Adams. It may also be indicative of several worlds like earth. Besides, the descending spirit of Adam simultaneously or periodically into the physical existence of pre-(homo-sapiens) known as ‘Homo-Erectus’ or else can not be ruled out.
” O children of Israil! Remember My bounty which I bestowed on you, and fulfil your covenant with Me; I shall fulfil My covenant with you, and fear Me alone”: (40)
Flag 18: Children of Israil (Bani-Israil): (Baqarah-2: 40-74)
Note:
(Baqarah-2: 40-74) is an account, in general, of Allah’s guidance, bounties, favors, forgiveness, reminders, and rebellious Bani Israil’s persistent denials. Included therein, are commands not limited to Bani Israil only, but applicable to all faithfuls for all times to come. Such specifics shall be dealt with as and when they appear.
” And believe in that which I have sent down, verifying that which is with you, and do not be the first to deny it, nor take a mean price in exchange of My signs, and Me alone you should fear”: (41)
” Do not mix up truth with falsehood, nor hide the truth while you know (it)”: (42)
” Establish prayer, and give the poor-tax, and bow down (praying) with (those) who bow”: (43)
Note:
These injunctions, equally applicable to all faithfuls, make every man join the stream of worshippers and seekers of nearness to the ultimate truth
” What! Do you enjoin righteousness on the people and forget your own selves, yet you read the scripture? What! do you not understand?”: (44)
” And seek help (from Allah) through patience and prayer, verily, it is (a) hard (task) indeed, save for the humble”: (45)
” Who know that they will surely meet their Lord and that verily they shall return to Him”: (46)
” O children of Israil! remember My bounty which I bestowed on you, and I made you exalted among the nations of the world”: (47)
Note:
- The Bani Israil were Allah’s chosen people, It was His favor that they were graced with many prophets. There were more prophets among them than the rest of the people of the world put together. Nevertheless, they fell into the degradation and of depravity and disbelief.
- ‘YOU’ addressee are not only those who were present and were guilty of ignorance but also their forefathers and ancestors. This is applicable to all humanity. It is a reminder to call to mind Allah’s favors and bounties bestowed on mankind.
” Safeguard yourself with full awareness of divine laws against the day when no soul shall make up for anything another lacks, nor shall intercessions be accepted on its behalf, nor shall any ransom be taken from it, nor shall they be helped” : (48)
Flag 19: The Intercession with Allah’s Permission: See note (Baqarah-2: 48)
Note:
- On the day of resurrection, absolute justice will prevail. The chosen people also will be judged in view of their actions.
- The verses which make a divine scheme for reward and punishment and the institution of ‘Intercession’ are quoted below:
“Who can intercede with Him, except by His permission”
(Baqarah-255)
“They shall have no power of intercession, save he who has taken a promise from the merciful”
(Maryam-87)
“On that day no intercession avails, save (that of) him to whom the merciful has given permission and whose word He accepts.
(Taha-109)
” There is no intercessor save after His permission “
(Yunus-3)
” And (remember) when We delivered you from Firawn’s people, who afflicted you with grievous torment, slaying your sons and sparing your women, and in that was a great trial from your Lord”: (49)
“And when We parted the sea for you and rescued you, and drowned Firawn’s people while you were watching”: (50)
” And when We appointed a time of forty nights with Musa, and then you took up the calf (for your god) after he had left you, and you were transgressors” : (51)
” Even so We forgave you so that you might give thanks”: (52)
” And (remember) when We gave Musa the book and the criterion (of good and evil) that haply you may be guided”: (53)
” And (remember) when Mua said to his people! O, my people! ‘Verily you have wronged yourself by taking the calf (for god), so turn (repentant) to your creator, and slay yourself that is best for you with your creator’: So He turned to you (mercifully and pardoned you). Verily, He is the oft returning, the merciful”: (54)
” And (remember) when you said: O Musa! ‘We will not believe in you until we see Allah face to face’. So the thunderbolt seized you, while you looked on”: (55)
” Then We raised you up after your death, so that you may haply give thanks”: (56)
” And We made the clouds spread shade over you; We sent to you manna and quails, (saying): Eat of the good things We have given you: They did not do Us any harm, they only harmed themselves”: (57)
” And (remember) when We said: Enter this city and eat as much as you wish wherever you like and enter the gate prostrating (in obeisance) and say: ‘Pardon us’. We shall forgive your sins and give more to those who do good”: (58)
” But those who were unjust changed the word for a saying other than which had been spoken to them. So We sent upon those who were unjust a torment from heaven because they were deviating”: (59)
” And (Remember) when Musa asked for water for his people. We said: ‘Strike the rock with your staff’! Then twelve springs gushed forth from it, each tribe knew its drinking place.’Eat and drink of Allah’s provisions, and do not be corruptly in the land, making mischief’! (60)
” And (remember) when you said: ‘ O Musa! We cannot bear with one kind of food, so pray to your Lord, on our behalf, to produce for us out of what the earth grows, of its herbs, and its cucumbers, and its garlic, and its lentils, and its onions!’ : He said: ‘ Will you exchange that which is better for that which is inferior? Go then to some town. You shall have what you ask for’! And humiliation and abasement were brought down upon them, and they became deserving of Allah’s wrath; this was because they were rejecting the signs of Allah and slaying the prophets unjustly; this was because they disobeyed and were transgressing”: (61)
” Verily, those who believe and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabeans – whosoever believes in Allah and the last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there shall be nor fear for them nor shall they grieve”: (62)
Flag 20: Jews, Christians & Other Believers – Eligible for Allah’s Reward: (Baqarah-2: 62)
” And (Remember) when We made a covenant with you and raised the mountain above you, (Saying): Hold fast to that which We have bestowed upon you with determination, and remember that which is therein so that you may safeguard yourself with full awareness of divine laws”: (63)
” And you turned back after that – and had it not been for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, surely you would have been among the losers”: (64)
” And, indeed, you know those among you who violated the sanctity of the Sabbath, so that we said to them: Be apes, despised”: (65)
” So We made it a lesson for those who witnessed it and for those who came after them, and an exhortation for those who safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws”: (66)
” And (Remember) when Musa said to his people: Verily, Allah commands you to sacrifice a cow. They said: Do you ridicule us? He said I seek the protection of Allah from being one of the ignorant”: (67)
” They said: Pray for us to your Lord to make it plain to us what she is? He said: He says ‘ Verily, she is a cow, neither too old nor too young, but of middle age between the two’ so do as you are commanded”: (68)
” They said: Pray for us to your Lord to make us clear what colour she is? He said: Indeed He says, she is a yellow cow; her colour is brightly yellow, delighting the beholders”: (69)
” They said: Pray for us to your Lord to make it clear to us what she is, for cows are all alike to us. if Allah wills we shall surely be guided aright”: (70)
” He said: He says: verily, she is a cow not (yet) used to till the land, nor irrigate the tillage, sound and without blemish’. They said: now you have brought the truth, so they sacrificed her, although they almost did not do it”; (71)
” And (Remember) when you killed a man and then disputed about it; Allah brought to light what you concealed”: (72)
” So We said: ‘Strike him with a part of her (the slaughtered cow)’: Thus Allah brings the dead to life, and shows you His signs, so that you may understand”: (73)
” (Yet) after that your hearts hardened like stones, or even harder. And verily, there are some stones from which streams gush forth, there are some which split apart and water comes out of them, and there are some of them which fall down for fear of Allah, and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do”: (74)
” Do you then hope that they will believe in you, while a party from among them used to hear the word of Allah, and then (knowingly) altered it after they had understood it? and they know”: (75)
Flag 21: The rebellious Bani Israil and Allah’s Injunctions: (Baqarah-2: 75-103)
” And when they meet those who believe and say: We believe! And when they are alone with one another, they say: Do you talk to them about what Allah has revealed to you (in the Tawrat), so that they may argue with you by this before their Lord? Do you not then understand?: (76)
” Do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they make known? (77)
” And among them are the illiterates who do not know the scripture but only what they wish to believe, and they only conjecture”: (78)
” Woe, then, to those who write the book with their own hands and then say: ‘This is from Allah!’ So that they may sell for a small price ; so woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn”: (79)
” And they say: ‘Fire shall not touch us except for a few days’. Say (O Muhammad): Have you taken a promise from Allah? Then Allah will not fail to fulfill His promise. Or do you say about Allah which you do not know? (80)
” Yes! Whoever earns evil, and his sins encompass him, they are the inmates of the fire, therein they shall abide”: (81)
” And (as for) those who believe and do good deeds, they are dwellers of the garden, therein they shall abide”: (82)
” And (Remember) when We made a covenant with the children of Israil (saying): ‘ You shall not worship any but Allah, you shall do good to parents, and to the kindred, and the orphans and the needy, and you shall speak kindly to the people, and establish prayers and pay the poor-tax’. Then you turned back save a few of you, and (still) you backslide”: (83)
Flag 22: Obligatory injunction for all the faithfuls for all time to come: (Baqarah-2: 83)
” And (Remember) when We made a covenant with you: ‘ You shall not shed your blood, and you shall not turn your people out of your dwellings’. And then you gave a promise and you were witness to it too”: (84)
” Yet, after this, you it is who slay your people and turn a party from among you out of their homes, backing each other up against them with guilt and hostility; and if they come to you as captives, you would ransom them, while their very banishment was unlawful for you. Do you, then, believe in part of the book and reject the other? What then shall be the reward of such among you who do this, but disgrace in the life of this world: and on the day of judgement they shall be returned to the most grievous punishment; and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do”: (85)
” These are those who have bought the life of this world for the hereafter; so their punishment shall not be lightened, nor shall they be helped”: (86)
” And most certainly We gave Musa the scripture, and We sent after him many a messenger, one after another, and We gave Isa, the son of Maryam, clear evidence, and aided him with the holy spirit. What! then whenever a messenger came to you with that which your souls did not desire, you swelled with pride; you belied some, and some you slay”: (87)
” And they say: ‘Our hearts are covered’. Nay! Allah has cursed them on account of their disbelief; so little is it that they believe”: (88)
” And when there came to them a Book from Allah confirming what is with them, although before they used to pray for victory over those who disbelieved, but when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so Allah’s curse on the disbelievers”: (89)
” Vile is it for which they have sold their souls – that they deny what Allah has revealed, out of spite and envy that Allah should send it down of His grace on whomsoever of His servants He pleases. So they have earned wrath upon wrath. And there is a disgraceful punishment for the disbelievers”: (90)
” And when it is said to them: ‘ Believe in what Allah has sent down’: they say: ‘We believe in what was sent down to us’: and they disbelieve in that which is beside (that), while it is truth, confirming that which is with them. Say (O Muhammad): Why, then, did you slay the prophets of Allah before, if indeed you believed? (91)
” And verily Musa came to you with clear evidences, and yet after him (in his absence) you took the calf (for your god) and acted unjustly”: (92)
” And (Remember) when We made a covenant with you and raised the (mount) Tur over you (saying): ‘Hold fast what We have given you and take heed’: They said: ‘We hear and disobey’: They were made to absorb (the love of) the calf (deep) into their hearts because of their disbelief. Say (O Muhammad): Vile is that which your belief bids you to if you are believers”: (93)
” Say (O Muhammad): If the ultimate abode with Allah in the hereafter is only for you to the exclusion of other people, then you must desire death (for you), if you are truthful”: (94)
” But they will never desire it, because of what their hands have sent ahead! Verily Allah knows the unjust”: (95)
” And you will surely find them the greediest of men for life, even greedier than those who are idol-worshippers: each one of them desire to live a thousand years, and yet his long life in no way remove him further off from the punishment; verily Allah sees what they do”: (96)
” Say (O Muhammad): Whoever is the enemy of Jibrail, verily it is he who has brought it your heart by Allah’s command, confirming that what has (already) been (revealed) before, and a guidance and a glad tidings to the believers”: (97)
” Whoever is the enemy of Allah, and His angels, and His messengers, and Jibrail and Mika-il, then verily Allah is the enemy of disbelievers”: (98)
” And verily We sent down to you clear signs, and none disbelieve in them except the transgressors”: (99)
” Is it not true that every time they make a covenant, a party of them cast it aside? Nay, most of them do not believe”: (100)
” And when a messenger from Allah came to them confirming what was (already) with them, some of those to whom the scripture was given threw the book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know (it)” : (101)
” And they followed what the shaytan’s falsely related against Sulaymans’s kingdom; and Sulayman was not a disbeliever, but the shaytans disbelieved. They taught men sorcery and what had been revealed to the two angels, Harut and Marut, at Babil, who, however, never taught it without saying: ‘We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve’. They learned from that which sows discord between a man and his wife, but they could not harm anyone with it except by Allah’s permission. And they learned what harmed them and did not profit them: and indeed they knew that he who trades in that (art) will have no share in the happiness of the hereafter. And vile was the price for which they sold their souls. had they but known!”: (102)
” And had they believed and safeguarded themselves with full awareness of divine laws, verily their reward from Allah would have been better; had they but known! (103)
” O you who believe, do not say (to the Prophet) ‘Raina’, but say ‘Unzurna’, and take heed, and there is grievous punishment for the disbelievers”: (104)
Note:
Faithfuls advised not to follow Bani Israil who twisted words: (104)
” Those who disbelieve from among the people of the book do not like, nor do the idol worshippers, that good be sent down to you from your Lord, but Allah chooses whom He likes for His mercy, for Allah is the Lord of mighty grace”: (105)
Note:
Allah’s Mercy: (105)
” Whatever signs We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring (in its place) one better than it, or like it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things” : (106)
Flag 23: Abrogation and substitution of Signs (Aayats): (Baqarah-2:106)
Note:
- Every aspect of the creation or the legislation, together with their possible manifestations, are known to the creator.
- Naskh or Bada cannot be attributed to Allah’s ignorance or change of mind. These terms are used in relation to the creatures’ knowledge of the divine will.
- The substitution or change in the law of legislation (Naskh) and that in the law of creation (bada) becomes necessary due to the gradual development of human society. Though the spirit might have been the same but the laws and teachings for mankind in a developed society had to be other than what they were in the primitive age.
- From Adam to Muhammad, the divinely appointed teachers took into consideration the respective capacity of the people.
- On the authority of Imam Ali Ibn Abu Talib: ‘ Allah has effected changes (bada) and will also affect many changes in the operation (system) of the universe’.
” Do you not know that to Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth; and there is not for you, besides Allah, any guardian or helper” : (107)
Note:
No helper or guardian save Allah: (107)
” Do you like to question your messenger (Muhammad) as Musa was questioned before? And he who exchanges faith for infidelity, verily he has lost the right path”: (108)
” Many of the people of the Book wish that they could turn you back into infidelity after you have believed, out of envy, after the truth has become manifest to them, but forgive and overlook till Allah brings about His command. Verily Allah has power over all things”: (109)
Note:
- Allah’s warning: Not to be among those who lost the right path: (108)
- Jews referring to reverses at the battle of Uhad tried to persuade Ammar and Hudhayfa to revert to their old idolatrous creed. Ammar replied: Victory or defeat can never be a proof of truth or falsehood. It can be a test of the believers. We shall not give up the true faith.
- When the Holy Prophet heard of the incident and prayed for Allah’s blessing upon Ammar, this verse was revealed.
” And establish the prayer and pay the poor-tax and whatever good you send ahead for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; verily Allah sees what you do”: (110)
Note:
Allah sees what you do: (110)
” And they say: No one shall enter paradise except he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their vain desires: say (O Muhammad): Bring your proof if you are truthful” : (111)
” Yes! Whoever submits himself to Allah and is the doer of good, he has his reward with His Lord; and there is no fear for him, nor shall he grieve”: (112)
” And the Jews say: The Christians do not have anything (good). The Christians say: The Jews do not follow anything (good). Yet they (both) read the book. Those who do not know say the same as they say, so Allah will judge between them on the day of judgment in what they differ”: (113)
Flag 24: Vain uttering of Jews and Christians: (Baqarah-2: 111-113)
” And who is more unjust than he who bars the entry to the masjids of Allah, that His name may not be remembered therein, and strives to ruin them? It is not right for such (men) to enter them except in fear; for them is disgrace in this world, and a great punishment in the hereafter”: (114)
” And Allah’s is the east and the west; therefore wherever you turn, there is the face of Allah. Verily Allah is all-pervading, all-knowing”: (115)
Note:
- The doings of idol worshippers and munafiqin: the prophecy and guidance for the faithfuls: (114-115)
- Qurasyh did not allow the Holy Prophet to visit Makka in 7 Hijra for the pilgrimage.
- This verse is general prophecy of the ultimate triumph of Islam and complete annihilation of the enemies of Islam, the Quraysh after fall of Makaka.
- No evidence of destroying masjids of Allah by Quraysh was discovered. According, this verse refers to the plan of the hypocrites who had hatched a conspiracy to kill the Holy Prophet, when he was returning from Tabuk, and then to demolish all the masjids in Madina and all other places.
” And they say: Allah has taken to Himself a son. Glory be to Him. Nay! whatever is in the heavens and the earth is His; everything obeys Him”: (116)
” Wonderful originator of the heavens and earth! And when He decrees an affair, He only says to it: ‘Be’! And it is”: (117)
Flag 25: (Kun fa-yakun): Be, and it is: (Bqarah-2: 117)
Note:
- (Kun fa-yakun) (Be, and it is) is a term to bring home to the human mind the omnipotent will which can never be translated into any verbal expression.
- On the authority of Imam Ali Ibn Abu Talib: ‘ Not by sound uttered, nor by a voice heard, His word, blessed be He, is “action”, beginning and proceeding Him’.
” And those who do not know say: Why does Allah not speak to us, or a sign comes to us? Just like this those before them said the same as what they say; their hearts are all alike. We have, indeed, made the signs clear for a people who are certain”: (118)
” Verily We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner, and you shall not be called upon to answer for the inmates of the blazing fire”: (119)
Note:
- Persistent in past and present (those who do not know) bringing the same argument and vain desires
- Allah’s message is clear and well understood by those who are sure (Yuqinoon)
” And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians, until you follow their creed. Say (O Muhammad): Verily, guidance from Allah is the true (guidance). And if you follow their whims after the knowledge that has come to you, you will have no protector from Allah, nor any helper.”: (120)
Flag 26: Allah’s Warning concerning Jews and Christians: (Baqara-2: 120)
” Those to whom We have given the book read it as it should be read; they believe in it. But those, who disbelieve in it, are the losers”: (121)
Flag 27: Ibrahim the Upright: (Baqarah-2: 122-141)
Note:
(Baqarah-2: 122-141) carry narrative about Ibrahim’s progeny (through Ismail & Isahq) including Allah’s commandments which are specifically covered (in sequence) as and when the appear in Quranic verses below:
” O children of Israil! Remember the bounties which I bestowed upon you and gave you preference over the nations of the world”: (122)
Flag 28: Allah’s Covenant with Ibraim: (Baqarah-2: 122) & with (Genesis and Duet) Quotations:
Note:
- The covenant which was made with Ibrahim, the father of Ismail and Ishaq, long before either of the sons was born from (Genesis) as quoted below:
- ‘ The Lord said to Abram: I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you and make your name so great that it shall be used in blessings: Those that bless you I will bless, and those that curse you, I will execrate. All the families on earth will pray to be blessed as you are blessed. (Genesis 12: 2,3 and 7).
- Allah chose Hajirah to bear the first child of Ibrahim and named him Ismail.
- The angel of the Lord said to her (Hagar): Go back to your mistress and submit to her ill-treatment. The angel also said: I will make your descendants too many to be counted.
- And the angel of the Lord said to her: You are with child and will bear a son. You shall name him Ishmael because the Lord has heard of your ill-treatment. (Genesis 16: 9-11)
- Immediately after the birth of Ismail, Allah made a covenant with Ibrahim, Ishaq was not born at that time:
- ‘Live always in my presence and be perfect, so that I may set my covenant between myself and you and multiply your descendants’.
- Abraham threw himself down on his face, and God spoke with him and said: ‘I make this covenant, and I make it with you: You shall be the father of a host of nations. I will fulfill my covenant between myself and you and your descendants after you, generation after generation, an everlasting covenant, to be your God, yours and your descendants, after you’. (Genesis 17: 2,3,4 and 7).
- Allah further blessed Ismail with twelve princes in his progeny.
- ‘ I have heard your prayer for Ismail. I have blessed him and will make him fruitful. I will multiply his descendants; he will be the father of twelve princes, and I will raise a great nation from him’. (Genesis: 17: 20)
- The covenant was made with Ibrahim and not with Ishaq, a fact which the Jews overlook when they claim that the promised prophet (Duet 18: 18)
- According to (Genesis 17: 7) the covenant was between Allah and Ibrahim and his descendants, generation after generation, when Ismail was born, so it is logical to say that it pertains to the children of Ismail, not the children of Ishaq who was born much after this covenant. Again, after the prophecy of the birth of Ishaq when Ibrahim showed concern about Ismail, this covenant was renewed (Genesis 17; 20), with added blessing – the twelve Princes in the Progeny of Ismail. It differs with the covenant made with Ibrahim which includes both of his sons, Ismail and Ishaq, and their descendants.
- ‘ This is how you shall keep My covenant between Myself and you and your descendants after you: Circumcise yourself, every male among you’. (Genesis 17: 10)
- Circumcision is obligatory for Jews as well as Muslims.
- In line with covenants with Allah, after the advent of the Holy Prophet, all the Jews and Christians should have embraced Islam which Ibrahim had followed.
” And safeguard yourself with full awareness of divine laws from a day when no soul shall make up for anything another lacks, nor shall any compensation be accepted from it, nor shall intercession profit it, nor shall they be helped”: (123)
” And remember when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain words,>>>”: (124)
Flag: 29 Ibrahim & Certain Words (Kalmat): (Baqarah-2: 124)
Note:
(i) The word Kalmat has been used in the same sense invested in (Baqarah-2:-37) for Adam receiving these from his Lord and then Allah turned mercifully to Adam.
” And he fulfilled them. He said: Verily, I make you an Imam (leader) for mankind. He (Ibrahim) said: And my offspring? He said: My covenant will not include the unjust”: (124)
Flag 30: Ibrahim ‘The Imam’: (Baqarah-2: 124)
Additional Note:
- In spite of holding the office of the prophet-hood, Ibrahim was tested and tried by Allah before he made him Imam.
- According, a prophet is not necessarily Imam. It is also indicative of the fact that the functions and responsibilities of Prophets and Imam are different.
- Like prophet-hood (Risalat), Imamat is also bestowed upon the chosen representatives by Allah himself and no one else. It is a position no one, not even Ibrahim could claim for himself.
- Allah’s declaration that the office of Imamat shall be in the progeny of Ibrahim excluding unjust (zalimin).
- Ismat (Infallibility) required for Imamat applies to purity from all kinds of sins, great or small, hidden or open. These characteristics can only be bestowed by Allah on the chosen ones (Ahzab-33).
- In line with Allah’s covenant with Ibrahim: ‘I will fulfill my covenant between Myself and you and your descendants after you, generation after generation, an everlasting covenant’ (Genesis 17: 7): Therefore, there must be an infallible Imam, a divinely commissioned guide, with power an authority delegated to him by Allah, in every age to keep the people on the right path.
- ‘ Whoever dies, not knowing the Imam of his age, dies in ignorance’ (Holy Prophet).
” And (Remember) when We made the house a resort for mankind and a sanctuary (saying): Take as your place for prayer the place where Ibrahim stood (to pray). And We covenanted with Ibrahim and Ismail, (saying): Purify My house for those who circumambulate and those who abide in it for devotion, and those who bow down and those who prostrate (in prayer)”: (125)
” And (Remember) when Ibrahim said: (My Lord)! Make this city (a place) of security, and provide its dwellers with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the last day. He said: He who disbelieves, I will grant him enjoyment for a short while, but will soon drive him to the doom of the fire, and what an evil destination it is!”: (126)
” And (Remember) when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundation of the house (praying): Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily You and You (alone), are the all-hearing, all-knowing”: (127)
Flag 31: Ibrahim, Hajira, Ismail and Kabbah: (Baqarah-2: 125-127)
Note:
- (Baqarah-2: 125-126) refers to Ibrahim, Hajira, and Ismail concerning their arrival at the sacred place helped by Jibrail as commanded by Allah. The place where sacred stone ‘ Hajar Aswad’ was located and which, according to Jibrail, was a place of worship in ancient times known as (Baytul Mamur).
- Bewildered Hjira desperately looking for water for infant Ismail, found splashing fresh and sweet water gushing forth from the earth under the feet of Ismail from a spring (well) known as (Zamzam) produced by Jibrail as commanded by Allah.
- Hajira heard a voice saying: Fear not . The Lord has produced this well for you and your son, but it will also serve the pilgrims who will visit His holy house which your husband and son shall build.
- The running of Hajira between Safa and Marwa, in search of water for Ismail, has been prescribed as one of the essential rites of Hajj.
” Our Lord! Make us both (Muslims) submissive to You, and of our progeny, (make) a group submissive (only) to You, and show us the ways of our devotion, and turn to us (mercifully), verily, You and You (alone) are the oft-turning, the merciful”: (128)
” Our Lord! Raise up in them a messenger from among them who shall recite to them Your revelations, and teach them the book and the wisdom, and purify them; verily, You, and You (alone), are the mighty and wise”: (129)
” And who forsakes the creed of Ibrahim except he who makes a fool of himself? And, indeed, We have chosen (Ibrahim) in this world; and, verily, in the hereafter, he is among the righteous”: (130)
Flag 32: Ibrahim’s Prayer & Muhammad: (Baqarah-2: 128-130)
Note:
(Jumuah-62: 02): In fulfillment of the above prayer Allah sent the Holy Prophet confirming the same in the same words.
” And (Remember) when his Lord said to him: ‘Surrender’! He said: I have surrendered (myself) to the Lord of the worlds”: (131)
” And same did Ibrahim enjoined on his sons, and so (did) Yaqub, saying: O my sons! Verily Allah has chosen the religion (Islam) for you, therefore you must not die save as Muslims”: (132)
Flag 33: The Religion of Ibrahim his sons, Yaqub their descendants, Musa, Isa and all other Prophets: (Baqarah-2:131-132):
” Were you witnesses when death approached Yaqub when he said to his sons: What will you worship after me? They said: We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq – One God alone, and (only) to Him we submit”: (133)
Note:
(i) (Genesis 18: 19) This advice has been mentioned.
” This is a group that passed away; for them is the reward which they earned, and yours is that which you earn, and you shall not be questioned for what they used to do”: (134)
” And they say: Be Jews or Christians (so that) you may be (rightly) guided: Say (O Muhammad): Nay! only the creed of Ibrahim, the upright; and he was not those who associated others with Allah”: (135)
Note:
(i) Not the path of Jews nor Christians, only the Ibrahimic faith is the right path.
(ii) (An-am-6:162-164): Confirmation of the fact that (Muhammad’s) path is the same as that of Ibrahim.
” Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us, and that which was sent to down to Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yaqub and the tribes, and in what was given to Musa and Isa, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no difference between any of them, and to Him (alone) we submit”: (136)
Flag 34: Singular Muslim Belief: (Baqarah-2: 136)
” Then if they believe as you believe (in Him), they are indeed rightly guided: but if they turn away, it is they who are in renunciation, then Allah will be sufficient for you against them, and He is the all-hearing, all-knowing”: (137)
” (This is the manner of) Allah’s coloring! And who is better than Allah at Colouring? And we worship Him (alone)”: (138)
” Say (to the people of the book): Do you dispute with us about Allah? He is our Lord and your Lord. Ours are our deeds and yours are your deeds; we are loyal to Him alone”: (139)
” Or do you say that Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq, Yaqub, and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say (O Muhammad): Do you know better, or does Allah? Who is more unjust than he who conceals a testimony he has from Allah? And Allah is not heedless of what you do”: (140)
Flag 35: Allah to Jews & Christians: (Baqarah-2: 139-140)
” This is a people who have passed away, that which they (have) earned is theirs, that which you have earned is yours, and you will not be questioned about what they used to do”: (141)