As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 249-260. These verses continue the story of King Saul of the Israelites and how his people failed a test of their belief. Next the episode where David killed Goliath. Next we learn about the ranks of the Messengers of God, spending in charity, the famous Ayat al Kursi or the Verse of the Throne, that there is no compulsion in religion and lastly, a story of the confrontation of Prophet Abraham and King Nimrod, and a story about Prophet Ezra.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.When Talüt (Saul) marched forth with his army, he announced: “Allah will test you at a certain river; anyone who will drink from its water shall cease to be my soldier, and those who will not drink to quench their thirst with its water except a sip or so from the hollow of their hands shall fight on my side.” They all drank from it, inspite of this warning, except a few of them. When he and those who believed with him crossed the river, they said: “We have no power left this day against Jalüt (Goliath) and his warriors.” But the believers, who knew they would meet Allah, replied: “It has often happened that a small group, by the grace of Allah, has vanquished a mighty army. Allah is with those who endure with patience.”[249] 2:[249]
When they advanced to face Jalüt (Goliath) and his warriors, they prayed: “Our Lord! Fill our hearts with steadfastness, make our steps firm, and help us (give us victory) against the unbelievers.”[250] By Allah’s will they put the unbelievers to flight, and Dawõõd (David) killed Jalüt. Allah gave Dawõõd the kingdom and wisdom and taught him what else He pleased. If Allah had not been repelling one set of people by the might of others, there would indeed be disorder on earth, but Allah is Gracious to all the worlds.[251] These are the revelations of Allah; We recite them to you in truth. Surely you, O Muhammad, are one of Our Messengers.[252] 2:[250-252]
These are the Messengers (which We have sent for the guidance of mankind). We have exalted some above others. To some Allah spoke directly; others He raised high in ranks; to Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary) We gave clear Signs and supported him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah wanted, the people who received the clear signs would not have fought against each other; but they disputed, as a result, there were some who believed while others rejected. Yet If Allah wanted, they would not have fought each other; but Allah does what He intends.[253] 2:[253]
O believers! Spend out of the sustenance which We have provided for you before the arrival of that Day when there will be no bargaining, friendship or intercession. It is the unbelievers who are wrongdoers.[254] 2:[254]
Allah! There is no god but He – the living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what (appears to His creatures as) Before ore After or Behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He wills. His Throne does extend over the heavens and the earth, and he feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is Most High, the Supreme (in glory).[255] 2:[255]
Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things. [256] Allah is the Wali (Protector) of those who believe, He brings them out of the depth of darkness and leads them into the light. As for the unbelievers, whose wali (protector) is Tãghüt (forces of Shaitãn), he takes them out of the light and leads them into the depths of darkness. As a result they will become the companions of the Hell fire and shall live therein forever.[257] 2:[256-257]
Have you ever reflected upon the one (Namrud), to whom Allah had given a kingdom, who argued with Ibrãhïm (Abraham) about his Lord. When Ibrãhïm said: “My Lord is He Who has power to give life and to cause death.” He replied: “I too have the power to give life and to cause death.” Ibrãhïm said: “Well, Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; just make it rise from the west.” Thus the unbeliever was confounded; Allah does not guide the evildoers.[258] 2:[258]
Or take another example of the one (Prophet Ezra) who passed by a town which had fallen down upon its roofs. He exclaimed: “How can Allah bring this dead township back to life?” Thereupon Allah caused him to die, and after one hundred years brought him back to life. Allah asked: “How long did you remain here?” Ezra replied: “Perhaps a day or part of a day.” Allah said: “Nay! You have remained here for one hundred years: now just have a look at your food and drink; they are not rotten; and then look at your donkey and see that his very bones have decayed. We have done this to make you a Sign for mankind. Look at the bones of your donkey how We bring them together then clothe them with flesh and bring him back to life!” When this all was shown clearly to him he said: “Now I know that Allah has power over everything.”[259] 2:[259]
Yet another example is when Ibrãhïm said: “My Lord! Show me how you give life to the dead.” He replied: “Have you no faith in this?” Ibrãhïm humbly submitted: “Yes! But I ask this to reassure my heart.” Allah said: “Take four birds; train them to follow your direction, cut their bodies into pieces and scatter those pieces on hilltops, then call them back; Allah will bring them back to life and they will come to you right away. Thus you will know that Allah is All-powerful and Wise.”[260] 2:[260]
Ameen.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.