As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 1-20. In these first verses, the Qur’an is introduced as a guide for those who are conscious of God. Next proceeds a discussion of hypocrites and the consequences of their actions, concluding with examples of the hypocrites’ deeds.
If you enjoy the podcast, HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Tell your friends and family, subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher and write us a review.
Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.Alif L’âm M’eem.[1] This is the Book (the Qur’an) in which there is no doubt. (Since its author, Allah, the Creator of the universe, possesses complete and perfect knowledge, there is no room for doubt about its contents.) It is a guidance for the God conscious,[2] who believe in the Unseen, establish Salah (five regular daily prayers) and spend in charity out of what We have provided for their sustenance;[3] who believe in this Revelation (the Qur’an) which is sent to you (O Muhammad) and the Revelations which were sent before you (Torah, Psalms, Gospel…) and firmly believe in the Hereafter.[4] They are on true Guidance from their Lord and they are the ones who will attain salvation.[5] 2:[1-5]
Surely, those who reject Faith; it is the same, whether you warn them or you do not, they will not believe.[6] Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing; on their eyes there is a veil, and there is a grievous punishment for them.[7] 2:[6-7]
There are some people who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day;” yet, they are not true believers.[8] They try to deceive Allah and the believers. However, they deceive none except themselves; yet, they do not realize it.[9] In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy, and because of their misbehavior) Allah has increased their disease and they shall have a painful punishment for the lies they have told.[10] 2:[8-10]
When it is said to them: “Do not make mischief on earth,” they say: “We make peace.”[11] Beware! They are the ones who make mischief but they do not realize it.[12] When they are told: “Believe as the others believe,” they sarcastically ask: “Should we believe like fools?” Be aware! They themselves are the fools, if only they could understand.[13] 2:[11-13]
When they meet the believers they say: “We are -believers,” but when they are alone with their shaitâns, they say: “We are really with you; we were only mocking the believers.”[14] Allah will throw back their mockery on them and leave them alone in their trespasses; so they wander to and fro like the blind.[15] These are the people who barter guidance for error: but their bargain is profitless and they are not going to be guided.[16] 2:[14-16]
Their example is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it illuminated all around him Allah took away their light (their eyesight) and left them in utter darkness: they could see nothing.[17] Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will never return to the Right Way. [18] Or another example is that of a dark storm-cloud in the sky charged with thunder and lightning. They press their fingers to their ears at the sound of each stunning thunderclap for fear of death: Allah is encircling the unbelievers from all sides.[19] The lightning terrifies them as if it was going to snatch away their eyesight; whenever it flashes they walk on; when it becomes dark, they stand still. And if Allah wanted He could have taken away their hearing and their sight; for Allah has power over everything.[20] 2:[17-20]
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.