As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 142-163. These verses discuss the qiblah or the direction of prayers and the order to face the Ka’bah during prayer. Also covered, a prescription to seek Allah’s help, the assertion that martyrs are not really dead, the establishment of Safã and Marwah as symbols of Allah and the curse of Allah, the angels and all mankind on those who conceal the Truth.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.The foolish will ask: “Why did they turn away from the Qiblah (the direction in prayer) towards which they used to face?” O Muhammad, say: “East and West belong to Allah; He guides whomever He wishes to the Right Way.”[142] 2:[142]
We have made you a moderate Ummah (Muslim community) so that you may testify against mankind and that your own Messenger may testify against you. We decreed your former Qiblah only to distinguish those who are the real followers of the Messenger from those who would back away from the faith. It was indeed a hard test except for those whom Allah has guided. Allah does not want to make your faith fruitless. Allah is Compassionate and Merciful to mankind.[143] 2:[143]
O Muhammad, many a time We noticed you turning your face towards heaven; now We will make you turn towards a Qiblah that will please you. Turn your face during Prayers towards the Sacred Mosque (Ka’bah); wherever you are turn your face in that direction. The people of the Book know this to be the truth from their Lord. Allah is not unaware of what they do.[144] Even if you give every proof to the people of the Book, they will not accept your Qiblah, nor will you accept theirs. Neither of them (the Jews and Christians) are the followers of each other’s Qiblah. If, after all the knowledge you have been given, you yield to their desires then surely you will be among the wrongdoers.[145] Those to whom We have given the Book (Jews and Christians) recognize this fact as they recognize their own children.[146] Nevertheless, a group of them deliberately conceal the truth. The truth is from your Lord; therefore, you should never be among the doubters.[147] 2:[144-147]
Everyone has a direction towards which one turns, therefore, emulate one another in good deeds. Wherever you are, Allah will bring all of you together; Allah has power over all things.[148] From whatever place you come forth, turn your face during Prayers towards the Sacred Mosque; this is in fact a commandment from your Lord. Allah is not unaware of what you do.[149] Again, from whatever place you come forth, turn your face during Prayers towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you are, face towards it, so that people will not have any argument against you, except those among them who are wrongdoers. Do not fear them; fear Me, so that I may perfect My favors to you and that you may be rightly guided,[150] just as We bestowed Our favor upon you when We sent among you a Messenger of your own who recites to you Our revelations, sanctifies you, teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you that which you did not know.[151] Therefore, remember Me, and, I will remember you, be grateful to Me and never deny Me.[152] 2:[148-152]
O’ You who believe! Seek My help with patience and prayer: surely, Allah is with those who are patient.[153] 2:[153]
Do not say about those who are slain in the cause of Allah (martyrs), that they are dead. Nay, they are alive, but you do not perceive it.[154] 2:[154]
We shall surely test your steadfastness with fear and famine, with loss of property, life and produce. Give good news to those who endure with patience;[155] who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”[156] Such are the people on whom there are blessings and Mercy from Allah; and they are the ones that are rightly guided.[157] 2:[155-157]
Behold! Safã and Marwah (two hills near the Ka’bah) are among the symbols of Allah. So anyone who performs Hajj or Umrah (pilgrimage) to the House, there is no blame if one goes around both of them; and anyone who does good voluntarily should know that surely Allah knows the grateful.[158] 2:[158]
Those who conceal the clear proofs and the guidance, after We have made it clear in the Book for mankind will have Allah’s curse and that of those who are entitled to curse;[159] except those who repent, reform and let the truth be known; I will accept their repentance, for I am the Receiver of Repentance, the Merciful.[160] Surely those who are unbelievers and die while they are unbelievers, they are the ones on whom is the curse of Allah, the angels and all mankind,[161] they will live in it for ever; neither their punishment shall be lightened nor shall they be given respite.[162] Your God is one God; there is no one worthy of worship except Him, the Compassionate, the Merciful.[163] 2:[159-163]
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.