Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah), Verses 97-112 (Y6)

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.

Summary

Today’s selection is from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 97-112. These verses detail the animosity of some for the Angel Jibreel or Gabriel, the faithlessness of the Israelites, accusations of witchcraft leveled against the Prophet Solomon, etiquette concerning Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and how Muslims can assure their place in Heaven, as opposed to the false claims of the Jews & Christians regarding their place in Paradise.

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Verses

Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.

Say O Muhammad: “Whoever is the enemy of Jibrã’el (Gabriel) should know that he revealed this Qur’an to your heart by Allah’s command, which confirms previous scriptures, and is a guidance and good news for the believers.”[97] Let them know that whoever is an enemy to Allah, His angels, His Messengers, Jibrã’el (Gabriel) and Mika‘el (Michael); Allah is an enemy to such unbelievers.[98] 2:[97-98]

We have sent down to you clear revelations: no one can deny them except the transgressors.[99] Has it not been the case that every time they made a covenant a group of them threw it aside? But the fact is that most of them are faithless.[100] 2:[99-100]

Whenever there came to them a Messenger from Allah confirming their own Holy Book, a group from those to whom the Holy book was given cast off the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they knew nothing about it,[101] and accepted what the devils falsely attributed to the kingdom of Solomon (Sulaimãn); not that Solomon was an unbeliever, it was the devils who were unbelievers; they taught witchcraft to the people and that which was revealed to the two angels, Harüt and Marüt, in the city of Babylon. Yet, these two angels never taught magic to anyone without saying: “We have been sent to tempt you; do not renounce your faith.” In spite of this warning, those people kept on learning from the angels, the magic of which could cause discord between husband and wife; although they could harm none with it except with Allah’s permission. They learned, indeed, what harmed them and did not profit them; even though they knew fully well that the buyers of magic would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. Surely, they sold their souls for a bad price, if they could understand it![102] If they would have believed (accepted Islam) and kept themselves away from evil, there would have been a better reward from Allah, if they could understand it![103] 2:[101-103]

O Believers, do not say to our Messenger: “Rã’ina” (an ambiguous word for: “Listen, may you become deaf” or “Our shepherd” or in Judeo-Arabic language conveys the sense, “our evil one.”) But say “Unzurna” (“look upon” us “or pay attention” to us) and listen to him carefully; and remember that there is a painful punishment for the unbelievers.[104] The unbelievers among the People of the Book, and the mushrikïn (those who associate others with Allah), would never wish that any good be sent down to you, O Muhammad, from your Lord, but Allah chooses for His special Mercy whom He pleases, and Allah is the most Gracious.[105] 2:[104-105]

We do not abrogate any of Our verses of the Qur’an or cause it to be forgotten except that We substitute it with something better or similar; don’t you know that Allah has full power over everything?[106] Do you not know that to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and that besides Allah, you have no protector or helper![107] 2:[106-107]

Do you intend to ask questions from Muhammad as Moses was questioned before? But whoever barters belief for unbelief, has indeed lost the direction of the Right Way.[108] 2:[108]

Many among the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) wish they could somehow turn you back to unbelief, due to their selfish envy, after the truth has become quite clear to them. Forgive them and bear with them until Allah brings about His decision; rest assured that Allah has power over everything.[109] 2:[109]

Establish prayers and pay charity, and whatever good you send ahead of you to the Hereafter for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; surely Allah is watching all your actions.[110] 2:[110]

They say: “None shall enter paradise except the one who is a Jew or a Christian.” These are their vain desires. Say O Muhammad: “Let us have your proof if you are right in your claim.”[111] Yea! Whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and is good to others will be rewarded by his Lord; and will have nothing to fear or to regret.[112] 2:[111-112]

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.