ASRAR UT-TANZIL
AL-BAQARAH
( THE COW )
Salient Features
1. Revealed at Madinah.
2. The Longest Surah of the Quran.
3. Contains 40 Sections and 286 Ayat.
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Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Part 1
Surah al-Baqarah
This Surah, with reference to its revelation, is Madni and some of its Ayat and injunctions pertain to the very last period of Quran revelation, but in order of placement it is in the very beginning. The Quran, an answer to the prayer contained in al-Fatihah, begins with this Surah. There was a basic difference in the life patterns of Makkah and Madinah. The addressees of Divine Recelation at Makkah in general, were the pagans and the idolaters; but at Madinah there were people who considered themselves to the nearest to Allah the true followers of Prophet Musa-as. Whereas, in reality, over the passage of time, they had not only forgotten his teachings, but had also distorted thi Divine Scriptures. They had replaced worship with rituals, and true faith with absurd beliefs. Despite this they claimed to be on the right path. The Quran in the first place, highlighted the difference between belirf and disbelief. Thus the very first Ayah of this Surah also spells out the fundamentals of Islam.
Section 1
In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
1. ALIF, LAM, MIM
2. This is the Book, in which there is not the slightest doubt. Guidance for the Muttaqin.
3. Those who believe in the unseen and establish Salat and spend out of what We have given them.
4. And those who believe in what has been sent to you and that sent before you and are sure of the Akhirah.
5. It is they who are truly guided by their Rabb and it is they who are successful.
6. As for those who disbelieve, it makes no difference to them whether you warn then or not, they will not believe.
7. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil. And for them is a great punishment.
The Secrets of Revelation
ALIF, LAM, MIM. This is the Book, in which there is not the slightest doubt.
`Alif Lam Mim and similar Isolated Letters often precede Surahs of the Quran. Believing in them is necessary and efforts to decode them unnecessary. These Letters are a secret between Allah and His Prophet-saw only. A believer benefits from their recitation even without knowing their actual meanings. The Holy Quran is a Book having no room for the slightest doubt. Thus, to benefit from this Book, revealed in response to the prayer, it is imperative that the reader must not doubt its content, whether dealing with past or future, as there is no chance, whatsoever, of any error in it. Generally, books or literature discussing supernatural phenomenon beyond the scope of humans senses are not presented with absolute conviction ever by their authors, because all their conclusions are based on assumptions. But, the Revealer of this Book is Allah; Whose Knowledge is all encompassing, thorough and perfect. He knows everything from the very beginning till the very end. Thus, the facts unfolded by Him are beyond any doubt. And to further eliminate any skepticism, Allah certifies the veracity and trustworthiness of all connections and sources, which convey His Message to mankind.
The Sources of Conveying the Divine Message
The first source is the Angel who conveyed Allah’s Message to the Holy Prophet-saw. Mark his introduction: This is in truth the word of an honored Messenger –AS. Mighty, established in the Presence o Rabb of the Throne. One to be obeyed, and trustworthy. (81:19-21). And note that he is trustworthy, mighty and honorable, attendant of the Divine Court. He is so strong that no one can snatch Allah’s Message from him, or compel him to add or subtract anything from it. Although all angels are created from light but amongst them too are the commoners and the elite. The Angel mentioned here is Jibril -as ; he is the leader of them all and is obeyed by all. Allah testifies his honesty and integrity and he indeed is the direct source of delivering Allah’s Book to the Holy Prophet-saw.
The second source is the Holy Prophet-saw; who is an embodiment of truth. Not only has the Quran testified his truthfulness, but also his worst enemies acknowledge his honesty and integrity by calling him Sadiq and Amin (truthful and trustworthy). The impeccable life of the Holy Prophet-saw is a manifestation of his prophet hood. Whereas miracles and rationales establish his Prophethood beyond doubt; his pure, spotless and immaculate pre-Prophetic life provides the most assertive evidence. The Holy Prophet-saw (addressing the Makkans) has said: “I have lived my life amidst you before this, can you accuse me of any falsehood?” By your life (( ) Prophet)! And, your morals touch the heights-of excellence attainable by a human being (68:4). Are the /divine declarations of the sublimity of this source. Hence, the Message of Allah is true. The Angel assigned to deliver it is too exalted to be doubted and His Prophet-saw is indeed the most truthful. The entire foundation of Islam is on truth, nothing but the truth. However, the entire mankind does not have a direct access to the Prophetic source and between him and the Ummah is a whole class of intermediaries, who heard the Divine Word directly from the Holy Prophet-saw, understood it, practiced and conveyed it to the rest mankind.
Integrity of the Companions-Rau
If, Allah forbid, this link is questioned, the Divine Declaration: ‘This is the Book, in which there is not the slightest doubt’, may not be proved. No one shall dare question the integrity of the Holy Prophet-saw and the Angel; but the Companions-rau not being innocent like the Prophets, may not be spared by the critics. And what if they actually misquote some facts? It would simply render the entire structure of Islam doubtful. Therefore Allah discusses them at length in the Quran and declares their faith as the standard, their truthfulness exemplary and ordains adherence to their model. Quote:
(1) And if they believe as you believe, they are rightly guided. (2:137)
(2) As for those who led the way and of those who gave them aid and those who follow them is good deeds, Allah is well pleased with them and they with Him. (9:100)
(3) Those who lower their voice in the presence of Allah’s Messenger, their hearts Allah has tested for piety. (49:3)
(4) Not those are believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and have never since doubled, but have striven with their belongings and their persons in the Cause of Allah they are the truthful. (49:15)
He does not praise them after observing their conduct, but declares that it was in My infinite knowledge and I had revealed their attributes in Torah and Bile ever before their birth, that they would by My creation par excellence after the Prophets-as. Indeed it was imperative that those carrying the ever-lasting Din from the Holy Prophet-saw to the entire mankind be of exemplary character, who would spare no pains in the service of Allah! The fact is that these great men were not only the gallant guardians of Din during their lives in Makkah and Madinah and in their encounters with the Roman and Persian Empires, but also continue to act as its sentinels. Even today Islam cannot reach mankind if this link is removed, they being the spokesmen and interpreters of the Prophethood. They are the ones who heard and understood the Quran directly from the Holy Prophet-saw, acted upon its injunctions in his presence and he himself endorsed their actions. Centuries have gone by; every wave rising from the darkness of schism always targets them, but is invariably forced to recede to its origin duly shattered. Influenced by the false and insidious propaganda of Tabri and Kalbi, some indiscreet Muslims also attempted to sit on judgment on them. Allah be Glorified! Despite all odds, their exalted status stands impeccable. The strength of the evidence provided the Quran in their favors leaves the critics hapless. Therefore, the Divine declaration: This Book is without the slightest of doubts, stands substantiated.
Indeed the status of companionship signifies a special attribute not attainable outside the company of the Holy Prophet-saw. It is incorrect to argue that the saying: ‘all the Companions-Rau are righteous and fair’, refers only to their religious endeavourer and not to their personal lives. It is against all logic that a sinner can at the same time be so truthful and trustworthy as to be entrusted with the responsibility of conveying the everlasting Divine Message to mankind. The enemy of Islam bases their objections on the incident of Hadhrat Ma’iz, which in all fairness, is an exemplary repentance and should be quoted in the praise of Companions-rau. And there have been only two such incidents over a period of sixty-three years. In a nutshell, these noble, pious and exalted souls are the living proof of the authenticity of Islam.
Guidance for the Muttaqin
In the general sense of guidance and calling towards the truth, the Quran is meant for the entire mankind, but it shows the right path to only those who develop in them the will to go along. The faculty is called Taqwa. Taqwa is generally translated as ‘fear’, which does not convey its true meaning. It actually denotes a particular from of fear, an apprehension of the possible annoyance of the most beloved. It is a strong feeling, a ready disposition to sacrifice everything for the beloved. It is the will, the resolve that restrains all desire, intentions, thoughts and actions only for the fear of displeasing Allah. And if unwittingly, a human error occurs; the feeling of guilt hurts and compels one to repent. Now then, how is Taqwa acquired and what are the characteristics and virtues of those who posses it?
Those who believe in the unseen
The first and the foremost prerequisite is the belief in the unseen. Those who trust and believe the word of the Holy Prophet-saw in all matters that are beyond the scope of human senses. The greatest of all the unseen is Allah Himself can neither be seen nor conceived, because no similitude exists to facilitate the imagination. Then there are other mysteries pertaining to the Akhirah, the Paradise and the Hell, the Rewards and the Retribution; the Questioning in the Grave and the Resurrection; the Angels and the Guarded Tablet; indeed they believe in every transcendental reality divulged by Allah’s Prophet-saw . This belief is based entirely upon the trust in the Holy Prophet-saw, for no intellectual endeavor can provide an access to such knowledge. This bond of trust has been weakened considerably by the span of time, which, coupled with the darkness of modern age, has deprived the Muslims of the twinge that pierces the heart when it feels the nearness of the Holy Prophet-saw . Given that trust, one believes in the unseen with out any logical explanation. Whereby the teachings of the Holy Prophet-saW become the most authentic evidence on any issue. This faith drives a believer to mould his practical life according to the pattern required for attaining Allah’s nearness. The very first step towards this nearness is Salat.
Those who establish Salat
This establishment does not refer only to offering Salat, but also to the prerequisites attending his important obligation. It is an unwavering thoughtfulness to attend congregational Salat in the mosque. It is a resolve extending from ablution to the whole range of the components of Salat. Establishment does not end here, but reaches its zenith when a person influences and inspires those he comes across, to indulge in Salat. This last level is difficult to be achieved by commoners; however, every one should at least offer his Salat properly and in time.
And spend out of that which We have given them.
See the effect of belief in Allah and the realization of His nearness, that for Him, a believer can sacrifice all that a mom-believer would die for. Although the Arabic word Infaq is translated as paying of Zakat and other charities, but infect it refers to the economic aspect of practical life. Economics is the most pressing issue of human life in every society. It is the root cause of social evils like robbery, bribery and usury, and the experts of all Schools of Thought seek to rectify this situation. However, the method prescribed by the Quran for its reform is unique, which is to spend according to Allah’s Command. Obviously, if a person has to spend according to the Orders of Allah, why should he earn unlawfully. And the injunction Out of that which We have given them is so clear. When the best owner is Allah why should one adopt illegitimate means to attain wealth? The difference is only of human outlook and view point. When the subsistence is from Allah, then a person will only get what has already been proportioned for him, whether he steals or works hard to earn it. Infect everything bestowed by Allah on a human being falls under subsistence; his body and soul, his intellect, the physical strength, knowledge and the cognition or any skill. The right way of spending them is for His pleasure and for His cause. This is no fable, but history bears witness to the noble society build on this foundation; its vestiges are present even today and shall InshaAllah remain forever.
Tasawwuf is not to be Concealed
The Ayah also alludes to Tasawwuf, the most precious of Allah’s bounties. It is not to be concealed, but conveyed to others. A Muslim is not only accountable for scrutinizing the permissible and the forbidden while earning hiss livelihood, but is also responsible for the manner in which he spends his wealth. He is not to spend a single penny against the wishes of Allah’ a golden rule laid down only by Islam. Practically, it is most effective because where the expenditure is limited; the desire to amass wealth will not arise. This will only be possible by total adherence to the Holy Prophet-saW teachings.
And those who believe in … and that revealed before you.
A believer must accept from the core of his heart what has been revealed unto the Holy Prophet-saW and also take as true the revelations that had been descended before him unto other Messengers -as of Allah. However his actions must conform only to the Final Book. In fact the Divine Scriptures are so honourable and exalted that the denial of any one of them makes a person non-believer though it may not have even reached him. For examples, if someone proclaims that he does not believe in the Scriptures revealed unto Prophet Ibrahim-as, he instantly becomes a non-believer, even if he has no knowledge of what had been revealed therein.
Finality of Prophet Hood Proved
Had there been any possibility of the continuation of such Prophethood after the Holy Prophet-saW or of any Revelations after the Quran, more would have been said in addition to the mention of the previous Scriptures, because a denial of any forthcoming revelations too would have rendered a person non-believer. But here the words revealed before you provide an impressive proof that Prophethood and Divine Revelations have ended with the era of the Holy Prophet-saW. The return of Prophet ‘Isa-as will not change the situation, because he is already acknowledged as a Prophet-as by the believers. There is no possibility of a new Prophet and revelation coming. Those who have claimed Prophethood have only built castles in the air, have deluded themselves and have caused others to go astray.
Although belief in the Akhirah is an essential part of belief in the unseen, yet its importance is such that the entire structure of human life is based upon it. It calls for an exceptionally strong and firm belief, which compels a believer to consider the eternal consequences of actions before hand, which compels a believer to consider the eternal consequences of actions before hand, and at every step be mindful of the do’s and don’ts laid down by the Holy Prophet-saW. As a result, his life begins to mould on the pattern of the Sunnah. The reason for the prevalent waywardness in today’s world is the weakness of belief in the Akhirah. The perfect faith is one’s total acceptance from the core of the heart and such sure-footed believers are the ones who are guided towards the right path by their Rabb, and are successful. It was expected of His Providence to provide His creation with guidance. Just as He gave the sense of fulfilling physical requirements to every being, He has also shown the ways of achieving spiritual comfort and peace. Those who follow His guidance become truly successful.
Every human being strives for success in each aspect of his life. Everyone has devised one’s own criteria of right and wrong, which cannot be termed as absolute. The real standards are those set by the Creator of the universe. The guidance about these criteria began with Prophet Adam-as and continued through the ages, concluding on the Holy Prophet-SAW . If even after the advent of the Holy Prophet-saW one fails to embrace faith, it would simply mean that he has, because of his wrongdoings, lost the inherent capacity to accept the truth.
As for those who disbelieve … they will not embrace faith.
Those who do not believe in Allah, even after listening to the Holy Prophet-saW directly, are indeed incapable of believing; as there can be none more exalted than the Holy Prophet-saW , and no Divine Scripture superior to the one revealed to him. In order to grasp this pint, consider that the physical body and the Spirit together constitute a human being. The former has its own needs and is dependent upon many things, of which foremost is the food and the clothing for its survival; but even more important is its health and the medical care. If health is bad, neither food benefits nor clothes give any comfort. While food can be had from anywhere and from anyone medicine can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner and we always consult him. The physical body consists of matter, and so do the food and the medicine. Therefore, anyone who gains knowledge of medicine from the physical sciences, where a believer or a non-believer, man or woman, pious or sinner, can become a doctor.
But the Spirit is from the Realm of Command and is even subtler that the angel. Like the physical body, it has its needs too, which obviously are subtle, not material. And not everyone can become a spiritual healer. It is such precious skills that people were chosen for it right from eternity, rather specially created. However hard one may strive, his faculty cannot be acquired. In the terms of Shari’ah they are known as Prophet-as ; who do not prescribe anything at their own but rely on the nourishment and medication provided by Almighty Himself.
A Prophet-as has the capacity to directly benefit from the Divine Revelation and the rest of the humanity benefits through him. This is such an important task that not everyone can claim Prophethood, but only those raised by Him. They conveyed His Messenger to mankind that Allah’s Zikr was the basic food of the spirit, just as wheat was for the body. And just as there are schedules and manners of feeding the physical body, and medication to maintain its health, Zikr and worship too have prescribed timings and methods. The medication for the ailing Spirit is repentance. Like abstaining from certain food-stuff is imperative for physical health, so is the abstinence from certain actions imperative for spiritual health. The needs of the Spirit are as vital as those of the body. Amongst all the Prophet-as appointed for the mankind, the last and the leader of all. Is a blessing and a Mercy of Allah for the entire universe. If a person cannot see anything is the dark, a candle may be lit for him. If he still cannot see, an electric light may help, or he has to wait for the daylight. But if he fails to see even in broad daylight he has certainly lost his vision. Similarly, anyone sticking to disbelief after the raising of Prophet Muhammad-saW, the Final Prophet is indeed incurable. He is the Prophet-saW, second to none in elegance and charm, eloquence and oration, chastity, honour and dignity. On top of that, he conveys the Word of none other than Allah Himself. No one, except a heartless can remain and Lights can never gain anything from anywhere.
Allah has set a seal … a great punishment.
The heart that is considered to be a mere pumping machine is in fact something incredible. For a comparative study let us take the brain first. It is a collection of membranes and nerves but is a treasure of physical knowledge, having inherent powers to learn and conquer vast fields and to retain a ready memory. But despite all its excellence it did not qualify to receive Divine Revelations. The great blessing was conferred upon Qalb – The subtle heart ( a vital organ of the Spirit, located within the physical heart): Which the True spirit has brought down, upon your Qalb (26: 193-194). Thus the capacity of the Qalb turns out to be millions of times more than perceived, its immensity like an ocean without shore, and its greatness beyond measure. The Qalb is not merely a piece of flesh, or a machine, but it is within itself a vast kingdom and a complete universe. The Qulub of the Prophets AS receives and distributes Divine Beneficence while the Qulub of the believers absorb it. But disbelief is a menace, which strips the Qulub of this capacity. Although the one who commits suicide also dies by Divine Decree, but he himself becomes the cause of his death. Similarly continuous sinning leads to the death of Qalb, termed as ‘sealing’. According to the Holy Prophet-saW, when a person commits a sin, a black dot appears on his Qalb. If he repents, it is cleared. Otherwise, repeated indulgence in sin results in ultimate darkness of the entire heart. This has been termed as blindness of the Qalb, as well as its death. Now if one continues to live on physically, it is just like an animal. The real superiority human being enjoys over an animal is his spiritual life. Another thing that comes to light here is that there exists between the Creator and His creation an extremely delicate, subtle and personal relationship, of which no one else is aware. Ever the Holy Prophet SAW knew only when Allah disclosed to him how His relationship with some persons had deteriorated to an extent that He had denied them the opportunity to repent. Since this personal relationship differs from person to person, His blessings also vary correspondingly.
The Wisdom behind Collective Zikr
The reason why Sufi masters prescribe collective Zikr is that the Divine Lights diversify from individual. Thus, the greater the number of participants, the greater will be the variety of Divine Lights descending upon them, forming a bouquet of blessings. This also is the secret behind congregational Salat. These rewards lie within the domain of the Qalb. But those who do not care will realize when this material world and its comforts end, and only those blessings shall last which are related to the spiritual life. The oral and mental acceptance carries no weight before Allah, unless supported by the endorsement of the Qalb. Just as the physical body is born into this material world, the Qalb is also given life once is endorses the Divine Message. But practically people concentrate all their attention upon the development of their physical selves, leaving their Qulub to gasp in desperation, and ultimate death. Don’t we see how people born as Muslims are plunging into infidelity; with their physical senses intact they have lost the hearing and vision of their Qulub. May Allah protect us!