As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 122-141. These verses discuss Prophet Abraham’s appointment as Leader of Mankind, the importance of the Ka’bah, and his and Prophet Isma’il’s prayer for a Prophet from Mecca. It discusses Prophet Abraham’s and Prophet Jacob’s advice to their sons, respectively, how one should believe in all the Prophets without discriminating among them and how Prophet Abraham and his sons were neither Jews nor Christians.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.O Children of Israel! Remember the special favor which I bestowed upon you; that I exalted you above all other nations.[122] Guard yourselves against the Day when one soul shall not avail another, no ransom shall be taken, no intercession shall profit anyone, and no help shall be given.[123] 2:[122-123]
Remember when Ibrãhïm (Abraham) was tested by his Lord with certain commands, he fulfilled them. Allah said: “Surely, I will make you the leader of mankind.” “What about my offspring?” Asked Ibrãhïm. “My pledge,” said Allah, “will not apply to the evil doers.”[124] 2:[124]
Remember when We made the House (the Ka’bah) a center and sanctuary for mankind saying, “Take the station of Ibrãhïm as a place of prayer;” We entrusted Ibrãhïm and Isma‘il to cleanse Our House for those who walk around it, who meditate in it, and who kneel and prostrate in prayers.[125] Ibrãhïm said: “My Lord, make this (Makkah) a secure town and provide its people with plenty of food from fruits, those of them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He answered, “As for those who do not, I shall also provide for them in this life, though in the Hereafter I shall drag them to the torture of Hellfire and it is an evil destination indeed!”[126] 2:[125-126]
Ibrãhïm (Abraham) and Isma`il (Ishmael) raised the foundations of the House and dedicated it by saying: “Accept this from us, O Lord, You are the one who hears all and knows all.[127] O Lord, make us both Muslims (submissive to You); and make our descendants a nation that will be Muslims (submissive to You). Teach us our rites of worship and forbear our shortcomings; surely, You are the Acceptor of repentance, the Merciful.[128] O Lord, appoint from among them a Messenger who shall recite to them Your Revelations and teach them the Book and the Wisdom and sanctify them; surely, You are the All-Mighty, the Wise.”[129] 2:[127-129]
Who but a foolish man would renounce the faith of Ibrãhïm? We chose him in this worldly life, while in the Hereafter, he will be among the righteous.[130] When his Lord asked him: “Be a Muslim,” he answered: “I have become a Muslim to the Lord of the worlds.”[131] This was the legacy that Ibrãhïm left to his sons and so did Ya‘qoob (Jacob), when he said: “O my sons! Allah has chosen for you this Deen (way of life), therefore, die not unless you are Muslims.”[132] 2:[130-132]
Were you present when death approached Ya’qoob (Jacob)? He asked his sons: “Who will you worship after me?” They replied: “We will worship the same One God Who is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers Ibrãhïm, Isma`il and Ishãq (Isaac), and to Him we all submit as Muslims.”[133] 2:[133]
They were a people that have passed away. They shall reap the fruits of what they did, and you shall for what you do. You shall not be questioned about what they did.[134] Jews and Christians say: “Be Jews or Christians, you shall then be rightly guided.” O Muhammad, say: “By no means! We follow the faith of Ibrãhïm, the upright one; and he was not one of the mushrikïn.”[135] 2:[134-135]
Say: “We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us; and what was revealed to Ibrãhïm (Abraham), Isma`il (Ishmael), Ishãq (Isaac), Ya’qoob (Jacob) and their descendants, and that which was given to Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) and other Prophets from their Lord. We do not discriminate any of them, and to Allah we have surrendered ourselves (in Islam).”[136] So, if they accept Islam like you, they shall be rightly guided; if they reject it, they will surely fall into dissension (divide into differing factions); Allah will be your sufficient defender against them, and He hears and knows everything.[137] 2:[136-137]
Baptism is from Allah; and who is better than Allah in baptizing? Him do we worship.[138] 2:[138]
Say, O Muhammad: “Would you dispute with us concerning Allah, who is our Lord and your Lord as well? We shall be accountable to Him for our deeds and you for yours; to Him Alone we are devoted.[139] Do you claim that Ibrãhïm (Abraham), Isma`il (Ishmael), Ishãq (Isaac), Ya’qoob (Jacob) and their descendants were all Jews or Christians? Are you more knowledgeable than Allah?” Who is more wicked than the one who hides the testimony received from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do.[140] That was a nation who has already passed away. They are responsible for what they did and you are for what you do, you shall not be questioned about their deeds.[141] 2:[139-141]
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.