IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
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 has been 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: 142) refers to (142nd) 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)
–
” The fools among people will say: What! has turned them from their qiblah which they used to face? Say: The east and west only belong to Allah He guides whom He likes to the right path” (142)
” And thus We have made you a justly balanced group, so that you may be witnesses over mankind, and so that messenger may be a witness over you>>>”: (143)
Flag 1: Balanced Group & Muhammad the ‘Witness’ on All: (Baqarah-2:143)
Note:
Allah is witness over all things
(Hajj-22:17)
Allah will bring every people a witness & bring the Holy Prophet as a witness to verify all the witnesses
(Nisa-4: 41: & Nahl 16: 89)
Ali Ibna Abi Talib is the witness
{Rad-13: 43: > “He who knows”: >: & Hud-11:17: > ” Is he then (like unto him) who has a clear proof from his Lord, and a witness from Him”> }
Holy Imams are ‘ummatan wasatan’ (balanced group) and every believer should turn to them for guidance
On the authority of Imam Zaynal Abidin & Imam Ali: ‘We are witnesses of Allah’
” And We did not fix the qiblah which you faced except to distinguish he who follows the Messenger from he who turns back on his heels; and this was surely hard, except for those whom Allah has guided aright. And Allah was not going to make your faith to be fruitless; verily Allah is affectionate (and) merciful to mankind”: (143)
Flag 2: He Who Turned to Kabbah Simultaneously: (Baqarah-2: 143)
Note:
Ali Ibna Abi Talib who alone turned towards Makka simultaneously with the Holy Prophet
” Verily, We see turning your face to heaven So We will turn you to qiblah you will like. So turn your face toward the sacred masjid; and wherever you are, turn your face toward it. Verily those who have been given the book know that it is the truth from their Lord, and Allah is not at all heedless to what they do”:(144)
” And even if you bring to those who have been given the book every sign, they would not follow your Qiblah, nor can you be a follower of their Qiblah- nor are they the followers of each other’s Qiblah. And if you follow their desires, after the knowledge that has come to you, then you shall most surely be among the unjust”: (145)
” Those whom we have given the book recognise him (the Holy Prophet) as they recognise their own children; and verily some of them conceal the truth while they know”: (146)
Flag 3: Hypocrisy of the people of the book: (Baqarah-2: 144-146)
” The truth is from your Lord; so do not be of the doubters”!: (147)
” And everyone of you has a direction to which he turns; hasten then to do good work (surpassing each other). Wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together; verily, Allah has power over all things”: (148)
Flag 4:Glad Tidings of Ultimate Unity and Success: (148)
Note:
(i) The unity of qiblah symbolises the unity of purpose of the religion and binds all the faithful into one brotherhood.
(ii) On the authority of Imam Sadiq: This verse gives glad tidings to the true believers that at the time of re-appearance (Zahur) of the twelfth Imam, they will be brought together under his banner.
” And from whatever place you go forth, turn your face toward the sacred masjid. And verily, it is truth from your Lord; and Allah is not at all heedless to what you do”: (149)
” So from whatever place you go forth, turn your face toward the sacred masjid; and wherever you are, turn your faces toward it, so that people will have no argument against you, save such of them who are unjust. So do not fear them, and fear Me>>>”:
(150)
Flag 5: The Changing of Qiblah & Command to Face Kabbah: (142-145 & 149-50)
” So that I may perfect My favour on you, and so that you may be guided aright”: (150)
Flag 6: Completion of Allah’s Favours & Imamat: (Baqarah-2: 150)
Note:
(i) ‘Wa-li-utimma nia-mati alaykum’ (perfect My favor on you) refers to the perfection of religion and completion of Allah’s favors (Ghadir Khum: Ma-idah-5: 03)
(ii) ‘ La-allakum tahtadun’ refers to the divinely established institution of Imamat
” Even as We have sent among you a messenger from among you who recites to you Our signs, and purifies you, and teaches you the book and wisdom, and teaches you which you did not know”: (151)
Note: Refer to Ibrahim’s prayer and its fulfillment as identified below:
(i) Ibrahim’s prayer (Baqarah-2: 129)
(ii) Fulfillment of Ibrahim’s prayer (Jumu-ah-62: 02)
” So, therefore, remember Me, and I will remember you, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful”: (152)
Flag 7: Guaranteed Reciprocation & Seeking Allah’s Help: (Baqarah-2:152-153)
” O you who believe! Seek help through patience and prayer. Verily Allah is with those
who are patient”: (153).
” And do not speak of those who are slain in Allah’s way as dead. No. (They are)
alive! But you do not perceive”: (154)
Flag 8: Recognising Shaheed: (Baqarah-2: 154)
Note:
(i) It is reported that this verse was revealed for the Muslims who were slain in the battle of Badar.
(ii) ‘ Fisabilillah’ means in the way of Allah; or for the cause of truth. George Sale’s (Translator of Quran in English) interpretation of ‘Fisabilillah’ (wars fought against non-muslims to propagate Islam) is a deliberate distortion.
(iii) The holy Prophet went to the war only when it was forced since there is no compulsion in the religion (Baqarah-2: 256)
” We shall surely try you with something of fear, and hunger, and loss of wealth, and lives, and fruits; and give glad tidings to the patient ones”: (155)
“Who, when misfortune befalls them, say: Verily, we are Allah’s, and verily to Him we shall return”: (156)
Flag 9: Origin of ‘Inna-lillahi-wa-Inna-ilahi-raji-un’ (155-157)
Note:
(i) It is reported that when Ali Ibna Abu Talib heard the news of the martyrdom of Hamza in the battle of Uhad he said: Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji-un. And afterward, Allah revealed these words to the Holy Prophet in this verse.
” They are they on whom are the blessings and mercy from their Lord, and they are those who are rightly guided”: (157)
” Verily, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the signs of Allah. Whoever, therefore, makes a pilgrimage to the house, or performs umrah, there shall be no blame on him if he goes round both of them; and whoever, of his own accord, does good, verily Allah is grateful and knowing”: (158)
Flag 10: As Safa and Al-Marwah: (Baqarah-2:158)
” Verily those who conceal the clear proofs and guidance We have revealed after We have made it clear in the book for the mankind, they are the ones Allah curses, and those, who curse, will curse them:” (159)
Flag 11: Allah’s Curse, Cursing & the Cursed: (Baqarah-2: 159 & 161)
” Except those who repent, and amend, and make manifest the truth, these are the ones to whom I turn (mercifully), and I am the oft-returning, the merciful”: (160)
Flag 12: Repenting leads to Allah’s Mercy: (Baqarah-2:160)
” Verily, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers, these are the ones on whom is the curse of Allah, and the angels, and the mankind altogether”: (161)
” Abiding in it; their torment shall not be lightened, nor shall they be given respite”: (162)
” And your God is one God! There is no god but He. He is the beneficent, the merciful” (163).
Flag 13: Allah’s Tawhid (Oneness) Declaration: (Baqarah-2: 163)
Note:
(i) All attributes belong to Allah alone. The ‘unity of God’ is the main and single fundamental upon which the whole structure of religion of Islam rests, through which all the guidance and enlightenment emerges. Allah’s all-encompassing beneficence and mercy follow.
(ii) The word (Wahid-One) is not used in any numerical sense, nor in the sense of order (the first of any second), nor in the sense of oneness of a genus or a specie, nor in any other general term, but it is used in the sense that He is indivisible, unanalysable, organically, chemically, geometrically, logically, mentally or physically, or in any sense whatsoever. This unity, in essence, does not correspond to any limitation. He is unlimited, a second, an equal, or an opposite to Him is not conceivable.
(iii) In any case, no known or unknown criterion is able to limit Allah’s Oneness in any sense as He is not a created being. The criteria are essentially applicable to the created beings only.
” Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships that sail across the sea with that which profits mankind, and the water that Allah sends down from the sky, and enlivens with it the earth after its death, and spreads in it all kinds of animals; and in the changing of the winds and the clouds (which are) controlled for service between the heavens and the earth, are signs for a people who understand”: (164)
Flag 14: Why Mankind does not Contemplate? : (Baqarah-2:164)
” And yet there are some among men who take for themselves objects of worship besides Allah whom they love as they love Allah, but the believers are stronger in love for Allah. And if those who are unjust could only see when they see the punishment, that to Allah belongs all the power, and verily Allah is severe in punishment”: (165)
” When those who were followed shall renounce those who followed them, and they see the punishment, and their ties are cut asunder”: (166)
” And those who followed shall say: Had there been for us a return, then we would renounce them as they have renounced us. Thus Allah will show their deeds to be (the cause of) intense regret to them, and they shall not come forth from fire”: (167)
Flag 15: Why not Renounce (Shirk) While the Option Exists? (Baqarah-2:165-167)
” O, men! Eat the lawful and good things out of what is in the earth, and do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan; verily he is your open enemy”: (168)
” For verily, he enjoins evil and indecency upon you, and that you should say against Allah that which you do not know”: (169)
” And when it is said to them: Follow what Allah has sent down. They say: No we will follow that which we found our fathers on. What! Even though their fathers had no sense at all, nor followed the right guidance?”: (170)
” The likeness of those who disbelieve is as the likeness of one who calls unto that which hears nothing except a shout or a cry. Deaf, dumb, blind, so they do not understand”: (171)
Flag 16: Discard being Deaf, Dumb, Blind and unable to Understand: (Baqarah-2: 169-171)
” O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided you with, and thank Allah, if it is Him that you worship”:(172)
” Verily, He has only forbidden you what dies of itself, and blood, and flesh of swine,and that over which any other name than Allah has been invoked. But whoever is driven to necessity, not desiring, nor exceeding the limit, then he is not guilty of sin; verily Allah is forgiving and merciful”: (173)
Flag 17: Halal/Haram Eatables & the Necessity: (Baqarah-2: 168, 172, 173)
” Verily those who conceal any part of the book that Allah has revealed, and trade it for a small price, they eat nothing but fire into their bellies, and Allah will not speak to them on the day of resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they shall have a painful chastisement”: (174)
” These are they who have purchased error for right guidance and punishment for forgiveness. How bold they are to encounter the fire!: (175)
” This is because Allah has sent down the book with the truth. Verily, those who disagree in the book have gone astray in their contrariness”: (176)
Flag 18: Concealing any part of the Book: (174-176)
” It is not righteous that you turn your face toward the east or the west, but the righteousness is this , that one should believe in Allah, and the last day, and the angels, and the book, and the prophets, and give away wealth out of love for Him to the kindred, and the orphans, and the poor, and wayfarer, and the needy, and for the emancipation of the slaves, and establish the prayer and pay poor-tax, and those who fulfill their promise when they make a promise, and the patient ones in distress, and affliction, and in time of conflict; these are they who are true to themselves with full awareness of the divine laws”: (177)
Flag 19: RIGHTEOUSNESS or TAQWA (Baqarah-2: 177)
Note:
(i) The holy Prophet and the twelve holy Imams are those in whom each of these qualities is manifest in its highest perfection and completeness.
(ii) To know the true significance of this verse, it is sufficient to quote the saying of the Holy Prophet that who acts upon this (one) verse attains perfection in faith.
” O you who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for you in the matter of the slain; the freeman for the free man; the slave for the slave; the female for the female; but if any remission is made (to any) by his (aggrieved) brother, then the recognised course must be adopted and payment made to him in a good manner. This an an alleviation and a mercy from your Lord, and whoever transgresses the limit after this, then for him there shall be a painful punishment.”: (178)
” And for you there is (security of) life in (the law of) retaliation, O men of understanding, so that you may safeguard yourself with full awareness of divine laws”: (179)
Flag 20: Law of Retaliation: (Baqarah-2: 178-179 & 194)
” It is prescribed for you when death approaches one of you, if he leaves behind wealth, that he bequeaths unto parents and near relatives in goodness: (this is) a duty on those who safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws”: (180)
” Whoever then alters it after he has heard it, the guilt shall be on those who alter it. Verily, Allah is hearing, knowing”: (181)
” But he who fears from a testator anything unjust or sinful, and affects an agreement between them, (it shall be ) no sin for him; verily Allah is forgiving, merciful”: (182)
Flag 21: Law of Inheritance: (Baqarah-2: 180-182 & 240)
” O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may safeguard yourself with full awareness of divine laws”: (183)
” (It is) for a fixed number of days, but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (the same) number of other days, and those who find it hard to do should effect a redemption by feeding a poor man; and whosoever, of his own accord, does good, it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you, if you know” (184)
Flag 22: Fasting Exemptions: (Baqarah-2: 184)
Notes:
(i) Exemptions from fasting are for aged people, nursing mothers, and other cases in which the health is sure to be harmed by fasting. These categories can forego fasting altogether but feed the poor instead as prescribed.
(ii) It needs to be understood that, contrary to opinions of certain quarters, this passage has not been abrogated by the next verse (185). On the authority of Imam Sadiq: This passage applies to those who are able to fast but due to some weakness it is very difficult for them to do so.
“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and a criterion for right and wrong; so whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast in it; and whoever is sick or on a journey ( he shall fast) the same number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, He does not desire hardship for you, and that you should complete the prescribed number (of days), and that you should glorify Allah for His having guided you, and so that you may give thanks”: (185)
Flag 23: Fasting Guidelines: (Baqarah-2: 183-185)
” And when My servants ask you about Me, then (say to them that) verily I am very near- I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he beseeches Me. So they should hear My call, and believe in Me, so that they may be led right.” (186)
Flag 24 : Allah is very near-answers the prayer: (Baqarah-2: 186)
Note:
(i) Allah is very near, nearer than the jugular vein. He alone controls the whole universe and that takes place in it: (Qaf-50: 16)
(ii) He answers the prayer of every supplicant when he calls on Him. Allah sees every cry of help and gives to His servants that which is best in his interest. Accordingly, acceptance of prayer does not mean immediate fulfillment of whatever is sought.
” It is made lawful for you to lie with your wives on the nights of the fast; they are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you were cheating yourselves, so has turned (in mercy) toward you and relieved you. So now have sexual intercourse with them, and seek what Allah has prescribed for you”: (187)
Flag 25: Limits on sex during Fasting: (Baqarah-2: 187)
” And eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, thereafter complete the fast until night”: (187)
Flag 26: Fast commencement and completion time: (Baqarah-2: 187)
” And do not have sexual intercourse with them while you are in spiritual retreat (Aitaikaf) in the masjids. These are the limits prescribed by Allah, therefore, do not go near them. Thus does Allah make His signs clear for mankind so that they may safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws”: (187)
Flag 27: No sex during spiritual retreats (Aitaikaf): (Baqarah-2: 187)
” And do not swallow up your property among yourselves by false means, nor seek to gain access by it to the authorities, so that you may knowingly swallow up a portion of the property of men wrongfully”: (188)
Flag 28: No wrongful swallowing up of others’ property: (Baqarah-2:188)
” They ask you about the new moons, say: They are times fixed for men, and for pilgrimage: (189)
Flag 29: Lunar Calendar (Baqarh-2:189)
Note:
In Islam religious duties and other prescribed actions like fasts, festivals and pilgrimage, are carried out according to lunar calculations with the following advantages:
(i) Easy determination of day of month and month
(ii) Experiencing joy and satisfaction of fulfilment in every type of season
(iii) Acts of worship do not become seasonal ritualism
(iv) The lunar year being shorter provides more opportunities in a lifetime to turn to Allah
” It is not righteous that you should enter houses at their backs, but the righteous is he who safeguards himself with full awareness of divine laws. So go into houses by their doors, and safeguard yourselves with full awareness of Allah’s laws, so that you may be successful”: (189)
Flag 30: Forbidden backdoor entries: (Baqarah-2:189)
Notes:
(i) Pre-Islamic superstitious Arab custom of not entering their houses through the regular door, after putting Ihram, was put to an end by this verse.
(ii) The true interpretation of this verse is: Righteousness is that one should approach the ‘House of Guidance’ through its door, the right path. I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate: said the Holy Prophet.
” And fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not be aggressive; (for) verily Allah does not love aggressors”: (190)
” And slay them wherever you find them, and drive them out from where they drove you out, for persecution is more severe than slaughter. But do not fight with them near the sacred masjid unless they fight you in it, but if they fight you, slay them, (for) such is the recompense of the disbelievers”: (191)
” But if they desist, then verily Allah is forgiving, merciful”: (192)
” And fight with them until there is no (more) mischief, and the religion is only for Allah; but if they desist, then there should be no hostility save against the oppressor”: (193)
Flag 31: Defensive Jihad (Baqarah-2: 190-193 & 216-217 & 244)
Note:
(i) The message of Islam is universal. From early times the Muslims were permitted to fight in self-defense. The Quran commands Muslims not to exceed the limits but to fight evil until its power base is dislodged.
” The sacred month for the sacred month, and all sacred things are under the law of retaliation; whoever then acts aggressively against you, inflict injury on him in like manner as he has inflicted on you, and safeguard yourself with full awareness of Allah’s laws, and know that Allah is (always) with those who safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws”: (194)
Flag 32: The sacred months and retaliation limits: (Baqarah-2:194)
Note:
(i) Rajab, Dhiqad, Dhillhajj, and Muharram are the sacred months.
” And spend in the way of Allah, and do not cast yourself into perdition with your own hands; and do good; verily, Allah loves the doers of good”: (195)
Flag 33: Ihsan a safeguard against perdition for Muhsinin: (Baqarah-2: 195)
” Complete the hajj and umrah for the sake of Allah; but if you are prevented, then send whatever offering is easy to obtain, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination; but whosoever among is sick, or has an ailment of the head, then let him effect a compensation by fasting, or alms, or sacrificing. Then when you are secure, whoever profits by combining the umrah with the hajj let him offer whatever is easy to obtain; but he who is not able to find (any offering) should fast for three days during the pilgrimage, and for seven days when you return; these make ten full days; this is for he whose family does not dwell near the sacred masjid. And safeguard yourself with full awareness of divine laws, and know that Allah is severe in requiring evil”: (196)
” The hajj is in well known months, so whoever undertakes the pilgrimage in it, then let there be no sexual intercourse, nor bad language, nor quarreling among one another; and whatever good you do, Allah knows it. So take a provision (for your journey), and verily the best provision is safeguarding with fearful awareness of divine laws, so, safeguard yourself with fearful awareness before Me, O men of understanding”: (197)
” There is no blame (sin) on you in seeking bounty from your Lord (in trade during the pilgrimage). And when you march from Arafat, remember Allah near the holy (monument) al-Mashar, and remember Him as He has guided you, though before that you were surely of those who had gone astray”: (198)
” Then hasten (march) on from the place from which the people hasten on, and seek the pardon of Allah; verily Allah is forgiving, merciful”: (199)
The Islamic way of life: Adopt the middle course between materialism and asceticism: (200-203)
” And when you have performed your rites, then remember Allah as you remember your fathers, rather with a more profound remembrance; but there are some people who say: Our Lord! Give us in this world: and they shall have no portion of hereafter”: (200)
” And among them, there are some who say: Our Lord ! Give us good in this world, and good in the hereafter, and save us from the torment of fire” (201)
Flag 34: A Prayer to be remembered & recited as frequently as possible: (Baqarah-2: 201)
” They shall have their portion of what they have earned; verily, Allah is swift in reckoning”: (202)
” And remember Allah during the numbered days, and whoever hastens off in two days, there is no blame (sin) on him, and whoever remains behind, there is no blame (sin) on him, and (this is) for him who safeguards himself with full awareness of divine laws. So safeguard yourself with full awareness of divine laws, and know that you shall be gathered together to Him”: (203)
Flag 35: Haj Umrah & Flexibility (Baqarah-2:196-203)
Note:
(i) Flexibility in performance of Hajj: (203)
(ii) The specific reference here is to the three days after sacrifice called ‘Days of Tashriq’
” And among men is he whose talk about the life of this world causes you to wonder, and he calls on Allah to witness what is in his heart, yet he is the most violent of adversaries”: (204)
” And when he turns away (from you), he turns about in the land causing mischief in it, and destroying the tillage and livestock; and Allah does not love mischief-making: (205)
” And when it is said to him: Safeguard yourself with fearful awareness before Allah: pride carries him off to sin; so hell is sufficient for him, and certainly it is an evil abode”: (206)
Flag 36: Allah does not love ‘Mischief-Making’: (204-206)
” And among the men is he who sells his ‘Self’ to get in exchange the pleasure (discretion) of Allah; and verily, Allah is affectionate to the servants “: (207)
Flag 37: Ali and the Night of Hijrat: (Baqarah-2: 207)
Note:
(i) This verse was revealed to praise Ali Ibna Abu Talib, when he slept in the bed of the Holy Prophet during the night of hijrat.
” O you who believe! Enter into submission one and all, and do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan; verily, he is your open enemy”: (208)
” But if you slip after clear sign have come to you, then know that Allah is mighty and wise”: (209)
” Await they only that (the wrath of) Allah should come to them in the shadows of the clouds along with angels, and the matter is decreed? And to Allah all matters are returned”: (210)
Flag 38: Iman, Imamat, and warning on non-compliance: (Baqarah-2: 208-210)
Note:
(i) Believers who are unaware of the scope and extent of depth of ‘Iman’ are invited to submit and surrender with perfect belief and thorough conviction.
(ii) On the authority of Imam Baqir while explaining this verse added: Muslims are enjoined to believe in ‘Imamat’ and its divine guidance after ‘Rislat’ which ended with the Holy Prophet and then alone they will not follow the footsteps of Shaytan, who is an open enemy.
” Ask the children of Israel how many clear signs We have given them. And whosoever changes the bounty of Allah after it has come to him, then, verily, Allah is severe in requiting evil”: (211)
Flag 39: Allah’s Bounties and any attempted changes/cover-up: (Baqarah-2: 211)
Note:
(i) Niamat means bounty or grace. In this verse, it means word of Allah, and any efforts to change and/or cover-up of the same has been warned.
(ii) The warning is equally valid for the children of Israel and Muslims alike
(iii) The Holy Prophet and Ahlul Bayt (in their unbroken chain of twelve Imams) are included as ‘Niamat’ in here: (Fatihah-1: 07 & Ahzab-33: 33) and identified as ‘Urwatul Wusqa’ (Baqarah-2: 256)
” The life of this word has been made to seem fair to those who disbelieve, and they mock those who believe, but those who safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws will be above them on the day of judgment; Allah provides sustenance to whomsoever He wills, without measure”: (212)
” Mankind were one community; so Allah sent prophets as bearers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Book with truth so that it might judge between people in that which they differed; and none differed in it but the very (people) to whom it was given, after clear signs had come to them, revolting among themselves; whereupon Allah guided those who believed, by His Will, to the truth about which they differed; Allah guides whomever He wills to the right path”: (213)
Flag 40: Those who disputed and differed and those Guided to the (Sirat-e-Mustaqim): (Baqarah-2: 212-213)
Flag 41: One Single Community Mankind to be Judged Equally : (Baqarah-2: 213)
Note:
(i) Mankind created as one community and to sustain equity (judged equally) in all its affairs: (Imran-3: 18 & Anam-6: 116)
(ii) The only singular key objective of Allah’s books and messengers had been to enable mankind to accept this reality on a voluntary basis: (Baqarah-2: 256)
” Or do you think that you would enter the garden while there has not yet come upon you the like of what befell those who passed away before you? Distress and affliction befell them, they were shaken so that (ultimately) the messenger and those who believed with him said: When will the help of Allah come? (Fear not) verily Allah’s help is near”: (214)
Flag 42: Battle of Trench & Allah’s Help: (Baqarah-2: 214)
Note:
(i) This verse is reported to have been revealed at the time of Battle of Trench (Khandaq) When the restless Muslims kept on asking: When comes Allah’s help?
(ii) Then the Holy Prophet declared: The one strike of Ali on the day of Khandaq is superior to the prayers of both worlds (Ahzab 9, 10 &25)
” They ask you (O Muhammad) as to what they should spend. Say: Whatever good (wealth) you spend, it is for parents, and near of kin, and orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer (traveler especially on foot): and whatever good you do, verily Allah knows it” (215)
Flag 43: Priorities & Order Voluntary Spending in Allah’s Way: (Baqarah-2: 215)
Note:
(i) Concerns spending in the Way of Allah other than compulsory spending such as Zakat, Khoms, etc
(ii) What should be spent in the way of Allah? Whatever good that may benefit others is the answer: The Holy Prophet has defined surplus, and how much and to whom it should be given. In all events, moderation is the guideline.
(iii) The mandatory order in which charity should be given has been clearly defined above (215).
(iv) Arbitrary change at will in the order of priority (215) above has not been authorized.
” Fighting in the way of Allah is enjoined on you, and it is hateful to you-and may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be you love a thing while it is bad for you-and verily Allah knows, while you do not know” (216)
Flag 44: Jihad in Allah’s Way: (Baqarah-2: 190-193, 216 & Hajj-22: 39)
Notes:
(i) There cannot be peace without battle against evil.
(ii) Islam dislikes war, yet recognizes that without war against corruption and injustice, the byproducts of infidelity, peaceful existence and freedom of worship of one God cannot be preserved.
(iii) Islam dislikes aggression (Baqarah-2: 190) and the nature of permissible Islamic wars consists of those imposed on Islam is essentially defensive.
(iv) Islam does not give a free license to mischief-makers to guise their personal interests in the garb of Jihad. Instead, Quranic guidelines must be resorted to concerning certain qualifications in a person, or group of persons who alone are entitled to resort to the right of pronouncement of Jihad and/or a preemptive strike.
(v) The extent of permissible fighting is limited and is defined as: “Till there is no more mischief” (Baqarah-2: 193). But if they desist, then there should be no hostility save against oppressors (Baqarah-2:193).
(vi) Permission to fight has been given to put an end to persecution and mischief-making, in order to establish freedom for worship (Hajj-22: 39)
” They ask you about the sacred month, concerning fighting in it. Say: Fighting in it is a grave (sin); and hindering (people ) from the way of Allah, and denying Him, and preventing access to the holy masjid, and turning its people out of it, are still graver with Allah; and persecution is more grievous than slaughter. And they will not cease fighting with you until they turn you back from your faith if they can, and whoever of you turns back from his faith, then dies while he is infidel, such are they whose deeds shall be of no use in this world and the hereafter, and they are the inmates of the fire, they shall abide in it” : (217)
Flag 45: Fighting prohibitions and extent: (Baqarah-2: 190-193 & 217: Hajj-22: 39)
Notes:
(i) Fighting permissible without being aggressor against those who fight with you (Baqarah-2:190)
(ii) Fighting not permissible in sacred months and in/around holy masjid unless attacked (Baqarah-2:191, 217) in which case the fight must continue to achieve the end objective which is the slaying of the attackers (Baqarah-2:191)
(iii) Fighting by oppressed against oppressor permitted (Hajj-22: 39)
(iv) The permissible extent of the fight must be to achieve the objective of the complete elimination of mischief unless they desist (Baqarah-2:193)
“Verily those who believed, and those who migrated and strove hard in the way of Allah, these (are they) who (rightly) hope for the mercy of Allah; and Allah is forgiving, merciful” : (218)
Flag 46: Migration in the Way of Allah: (Baqarah-2: 218)
” They ask you (O Muhammad) about intoxicants and games of chance. Say; in both of them there is a great wrong and means of (some) profit for men, but their sin is greater than their profit>>>>”: (219)
Flag 47 : Intoxicants and games of chance: (Baqarah-2: 219)
” And they ask you (O Muhammad) as to what they should spend. Say: What you can spare. Thus does Allah make signs clear to you, so that you may reflect>>>”: (219)
Note: Extent of Charity: (Baqarah-2: 219)
“In this world and the next. And they ask you about the orphans. Say: To set (their affair) right for them is good, and if you become co-partner with them, then you are their brothers; and Allah knows the mischief-maker and the peace-maker; and if Allah had willed, He could surely have made it hard for you. Verily, Allah is mighty and wise: (220)
Note: Orphans & their affairs: (Baqarah-2: 220)
” And do not marry idolatresses until they believe; a believing maidservant is definitely better than an idolatress, even though she may please you. And do not give a believing woman in marriage to idolaters until they believe; certainly, a believing slave is better than an idolater, even though he may please you; they invite (you) to fire, and verily Allah invites (you) to the garden and forgiveness by His Leave, and makes His signs clear to the men, so that they may be mindful” : (221)
Flag 48: Marriages with Idol Worshipers: (Baqarah-2: 221)
” And they ask you (O Muhammad) about mensuration. Say: This is a period of stress, therefore, withhold (yourself) from women during mensuration, and do not approach them until they have become clean, then when they have cleansed themselves, go into them as Allah Has commanded you. Verily, Allah loves those who turn to Him often, and loves those who clean themselves” : (222)
Flag 49: Menstruation: (Baqarah-2: 222)
” Your women are a tilth for you, so enter your tillage as you please. And send good deeds in advance for yourself, and safeguard yourself with full awareness of Allah’s laws, and know that you will meet Him. And give glad tidings to the believers” : (223)
Flag 50: Your Women: (Baqarah-2: 223)
” And do not make (the name of) Allah a hindrance to your doing good, and safeguarding yourself with full awareness of divine laws, and making peace between men, because of your swearing by him; and verily Allah is hearing and knowing” : (224)
” Allah does not call you to account for your thoughtless oaths, but he will call you to account for what your hearts have earned; and Allah is forgiving, forbearing” : (225)
” Those who swear that they will not go into their wives should wait for four months, and then if they return to them, then verily Allah is forgiving, merciful” : (226)
Flag 51: Swearing and Oaths: (Baqarah-2: 224-226)
” And if they have resolved on a divorce, then verily Allah is Hearing, Knowing” : (227)
” And the divorced woman shall wait to keep themselves apart for three menstrual periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the last day. And their husbands have a better right to take them back in the meanwhile if they want reconciliation, and the woman have similar rights (over men) in a just manner, but the men are a degree above them, and Allah is mighty and wise” : (228)
” Divorce may be pronounced twice, then either keep her in good relationship or let her go with kindness: and it is not lawful for you to take from them anything which you have given them unless both fear that they shall not (be able to) keep (themselves within) the limits (fixed) by Allah; and if you fear that they shall not (be able to) keep (themselves within) the limits fixed by Allah, there is no blame (sin) on either of them about what she gives up to become free. These are the limits ordained by Allah, so do not exceed them, and whoever exceeds the limits of Allah, those are the ones who are unjust” : (229)
Notes:
(i) The pronouncement of talaq more than once at a time is meaningless in view of them: ” divorce may be pronounced twice (229)”: because it stipulates chances of reconciliation after first, if not, after the second pronouncement.
(ii) Islam gives women the right of choosing her life partner. No one can compel her to accept any man as her husband. So she does not have the right to take initiative for the annulment of wedlock. Yet she has a recourse. She can go to a mujtahid or Hakim sharah: and obtain separation and then marry again whomsoever she likes.
(ii) ” About what she gives up to become free (229)” refers to khula or mubarat, the recourse a wife can avail to obtain separation by returning the dowry and/or additional financial settlement.
” So, if he divorces her (for a third time), she shall not be lawful to him until she marries another husband; and then if he (the second husband) divorces her, there shall be no blame (sin) on either of them if they return to each other if they think that they shall ( be able to) keep (themselves) within the limits ordained by Allah (which) He makes clear for a people who know” :(230)
Notes:
(i) The consequences of the third pronouncement check indiscriminate pronouncements of Talaq (Divorce).
(ii) Shia schools condemn all irregular forms of divorce. If a husband pronounces divorce in an irregular manner, even a hundred times, the woman remains his wife.
(iii) The comprehensive conditions to make a divorce regular are available in detail in religious compilations.
” And when you divorce women, and they reach their prescribed time, then (either) retain them in a good relationship, or set them free with liberality, and do not retain them to hurt them, so that you may transgress, for whoever shall do this, he is indeed unjust to his (own) self. And do not take the signs (commandments) of Allah as a jest, and remember the favor of Allah upon you, and what He sent down to you of the book and the wisdom, admonishing you by it; and safeguard yourself with full awareness of Allah’s laws and know that Allah is the knower of all things” : (231)
” And when you have divorced women, and they have completed their (prescribed) term, do not prevent them from marrying their husbands when they agree among themselves in a lawful manner. By this, whoever among you believe in Allah and the last day, is admonished; this is more profitable and purer for you. And verily, Allah knows, while you do not know” : (232)
Note:
(i) After the second Talaq, if both the husband and wife agree to be reunited, in a lawful manner, they are allowed to do so. The woman has a right to make her own decision. Her relatives or guardians are warned not to prevent her in any way from exercising her rights. Even though the period of waiting may elapse, the husband can marry the divorced wife, if the third irrevocable Talaq has not been pronounced.
” And mothers should suckle their children for two whole years, if (the father) desires to complete the term of suckling, their maintenance and their clothing must be borne by the father in good and recognized manner; no soul is burdened save to (the extent of) his capability; nor shall a mother be made to suffer (any difficulty or loss) on account of her child, nor a father because of his child; and (if the father is not there) a similar duty devolves on the father of heir. And if both (father and mother) desire by weaning by mutual consult and counsel, there is no blame on them; but if you wish to engage a wet nurse for your children, then there is no blame on you, so long as you pay what you promised, according to custom, and fear Allah and know that Allah sees what you do”: (233)
Flag 52: Suckling the Child & Wet Nurse: (Baqarah-2: 233)
” And as for those of you who die and leave behind wives, they should wait for four months and ten days, and when they have completed their (prescribed) term, there is no blame on you for what they do for themselves in a lawful manner, and verily Allah is aware of what you do” : (234)
” And there is no blame on you in making an indirect proposal of marriage to a woman (before the completion of the waiting term), or keep concealed within your mind. Allah knows that you will mention them, but do not make a promise in secret unless you speak in a lawful manner, and do not confirm marriage tie until the prescribed term is completed; and know that Allah knows what is in your minds, therefore, beware of Him; and know that Allah is forgiving, forbearing: (235)
Flag 53: Waiting period on husband’s death & making proposal within the waiting period: (Baqarah-2: 234-235)
” There is no blame on you if you divorce women when you have not touched them or settled any dowry for them; but provide for them, the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means, a fair provision according to customs; (this is) an obligation on those who do what is right” : (236)
Flag 54: Divorcing untouched women: (Baqarah-2: 236-237)
Note:
(i) There is no harm in the adoption of those good and/or generous customs which are not in conflict with Allah’s commandments. Moderation, kindness, generosity and broad-mindedness is encouraged by Allah in the above and all other similar matters.
” And if you divorce them before you have touched them, and have already settled a dowry for them, then pay them half of what you have settled, unless they relinquish it, or he in whose hands is the marriage tie should relinquish, and it is nearer to full awareness of divine laws that you relinquish it. Do not forget generosity among yourselves; verily, Allah sees what you do” : (237)
Flag 55: (Talaq) Divorce & Remarriage: (Baqarah-2: 227-232: 236-237&241-242)
Note:
(i) “Allah sees what you do (237)”: refers to the mutual kindness and charitable disposition with which members of the brotherhood of believers in Allah should deal with each other, and it is a warning to the husbands if they foolishly believe that they can hide any evil intention while dealing with their wives.
” Be strict in the observance of the prayers, and (in particular) the midmost prayer; and stand up with devotion to Allah: (238)
” But if you are in danger (and cannot pray as prescribed), on foot or riding, and when you are safe, remember Allah as He has taught you (through His Prophet) what you did not know” : (239)
Flag 56: Prayers specially midmost & in difficulty or danger: (Baqarah-2: 238-239)
” And those of you who die and leave behind wives, they shall bequeath to their wives maintenance for a year without turning them out; but if they go away by themselves, there is no blame on you for what they may do with themselves in a lawful manner; and, verily, Allah is mighty and wise” : (240)
” And for the divorced women, there shall be a fair provision according to custom; (this is) an obligation those who safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws” : (241)
” Thus, Allah makes His signs clear to you, so that you may understand” : (242)
Flag 57: Treatment of widows and divorced women: (Baqarah-2: 240-242)
Note:
(i) Man’s authority over women brings about the direct responsibility of her welfare upon him. She should not have to be worried about her protection, provision, and livelihood.
(ii) The rights of women as wives have been dealt with (Baqarah 227-237)
(iii) The suggestion that (Baqarah 235 & Nisa 11-12) abrogate these verses is not valid. The above-mentioned verses, as a whole, safeguard the rights and freedom of the widows but do not reduce the utility of the bequest, therefore there is no abrogation.
(iv) ” Provision according to custom (241)”: is an extra grant to the widow in addition to the dowry which must be paid to her. These verses (236 & 241) of this surah enjoin on men to employ piety, grace, love, and clemency in dealing with women even when they are separated, in addition to the rights given to her.
” Did you not see those who went forth from their homes, for fear of death? And they were thousands – Then Allah said to them ‘Die’! Then He brought them back to life. Verily Allah is gracious to people, but most people are not grateful” : (243)
Flag 58: Prophet Ezekiel and raising of dead by Allah: (Baqarah-2: 243)
Note:
(i) The narration of the incidence of bringing back thousands of dead to life again by Allah. Prophet Ezekiel prayed for them by reciting a particular name, after which, Allah brought them to life again.
” And fight in the way of Allah! And know that Allah is Hearing, Knowing” : (244)
Note: Refer to Jihad (Fighting in the way of Allah): (Baqarah-2:190-193 & 244)
” Who is he that will lend Allah a goodly loan so that He will multiply it to for him many times over? Allah straitens and amplifies, and to Him, you shall be returned” (245)
Flag 59: Loan to Allah (Qarze-Hasna): (Baqarah-2: 245)
” Have you (O Muhammad) not seen the chiefs of the children of Israel after Musa, when they spoke to the Prophet of theirs: Raise a king for us so that we may fight in the way of Allah. He said: May it be that if fighting is ordained on you, you would not fight? They said: For what reason would we not fight in the way of Allah? Indeed, we have been driven out of our homes and our children!. But when fighting was ordained for them, they turned back, save a few of them; and Allah knows the unjust” : (246)
Note:
(i) The Prophet mentioned above at that time was Samuels.
(ii) Samuel had been entrusted with the authority to convey legislation and administer justice
(iii) The appointment of the king in addition to the prophet as executor was found necessary, as also requested by the people, in the presence of the Prophet
(iv) Though the voice of the people was heard and request granted by Allah; but the decision making was neither left to the Prophet nor to the people.
” And their Prophet said to them: Verily, Allah has raised Talut for you (to be) a king (over you). They said: How can he hold kingship over us when we have a greater right to kingship than he does, and he has not been granted an abundance of wealth? He said: Verily, Allah has chosen him over you. and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and physique. And Allah grants His kingdom to whomever He pleases; and Allah is omniscient, all-knowing” : (247)
Note:
(i) In the presence of a divine legislator and judge (Prophet), the executor can also be appointed.
(ii) Sovereignty belongs to Allah alone and so does the appointment of an executor to assist the Prophet.
(iii) The reaction of the people to the divine appointment of the executor can be favorable or unfavorable. However, people’s choice, if in contradiction to Allah’s commandment, carries no weight.
(iv) Samuel as a Prophet had no right to appoint the king (executor)
” And then the Prophet said to them: Verily, the sign of kingdom is that the arch (chest) shall come to you wherein there shall be tranquillity from your Lord, and the relics of what the family of Musa and the family of Harun left behind; the angels shall bear it. Verily therein shall be a sign for you, if you are indeed believers” (248)
Note:
(i) Sovereignty belongs to Allah alone and so does the appointment of an executor to the Prophet. People’s choice, if in contradiction to Allah’s commandment, carries no weight.
(ii) Samuel as a Prophet had no right to appoint the king (executor)
” (And) when Talut set out with the army, he said: Verily Allah will try you by a stream; whoever drinks from it, then he is not of me, and whoever does not taste of it, then verily he is of me, save he who takes (drinks) with his hand as much of it as it fills the hollow of his hand. But they drank from it save few of them; and when he and those who believed with him had crossed it, they said: We have no strength today against Jalut and his hosts. But those who were sure that they shall meet Allah said: How often, by Allah’s permission, has a small army vanquished a mighty host; and Allah is with the patient” : (249)
Flag 60: Battle Environment Comparison Jalut Episode & Battle of Khandaq (Trench): (Baqarah-2: 249)
Note:
(ii) The prevailing environment of Talut’s forces at this stage was duplicated prior to commencement of Battle of Trench at the time of the Holy Prophet: (Baqarah-2: 214 & Ahzab-33: 9,10 & 25)
” And when they went out against Jalut and his hosts, they said O our Lord! Pour patience down on us, and make our foothold firm, and help us against the disbelieving people”: (250)
” So they routed them by Allah’s permission, and Dawood slew Jalut and Allah gave him kingdom and wisdom and taught him of what He pleased, and were it not for Allah’s repelling some men by others, the earth would be in a state of disorder, but Allah is gracious to creatures” : (251)
Flag 61: Jalut against Talut and Amr Ibna Abd Wudd against Ali Ibna Abi Talib: (Baqarah-2: 251)
Note:
(i) The two historic single combats, mentioned below, irreversibly changed the course of history and resulted in firmly establishing a divine empire.
(ii) Compare Talut & Jalut episode with Ali & Amr-ibne Abd Wudd fight at Battle of Khandaq (Battle of Trench)
” These are the sign of Allah, We rehearse them to you with truth (O Muhammad); and verily you are (one) of the messengers”: (252)
Flag 62: Talut (Dawood) and Jalut episode: (Baqarah-2: 246-252)
Separa-2: (Sayaqul) ends
Surah Al Baqarah-2:(253-286) continues in Separa-3
Alhamdulillah