Chapter 2 - 96[Part 2]
The Cow (Surah Al-Baqarah)[Continued...]
They ask you regarding fighting during the sacred month. Say, “Fighting during the month is a serious (offense), but restricting people from serving Allah, denying Him and the sacred mosque (its sanctity), and forcing people out of its premises are greater offenses.” (Persistent) persecution is worse than killing. They will not stop fighting you until they, if they can, turn you away from your way of life. (In that event), whoever of you turns away from his way of life (Islam) and then dies in that state of denial, these are the people whose work in this life and in the Hereafter will be worth nothing, and they will have company in the Hellfire where they will stay.
Those who believed, fled their homes (to maintain their faith and freedom) and struggled hard in following Allah’s way—they can hope for Allah’s mercy. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. (v. 216-218)
They (people) ask you (Prophet) about intoxicants and games of chance (e.g., gambling). Say, “In both of them is great evil and some benefit for mankind, but their harm is far greater than their benefit.” They (further) ask you about what they should spend. Say, “Spend according to your ability.” Thus, Allah makes the messages clear for you so that you may reflect on this worldly life and the life in the Hereafter. They (also) ask you about the orphans. Say, “To help them with their (affairs) is good, and when you mix with them, treat them as your (own) sibling (brother or sister).” Allah knows who makes mischief (with orphans’ affairs) and who makes things right (for them). Allah could have made matters difficult for you if He had intended (so do not take advantage of them). Surely, Allah is Mighty and Wise! (v. 219-220)
Do not marry polytheist females until they believe —a believing maid is better than a polytheist (female) even though she (polytheist) may please you. (Similarly), do not marry polytheist males until they believe, and a believing servant is better than a polytheist male, even though he may please you. These (polytheists) draw you toward Hellfire while Allah invites you toward Heaven and forgiveness by His will. (In this way) He makes clear His messages to mankind so that they may become mindful!
They ask you about menstruation. Say, “It is hurtful and discomforting”. Therefore, have no sexual contact until the period is over. Once the period is over, have sexual contact according to God’s guidance. ALLAH loves those who repent and He loves those who keep themselves clean. (v. 221-222)
Your wives are sources for reproduction, and you may engage (in sexual intimacy) whenever based on (mutual consent) and seek (goodness) before (such engagement) for yourselves. Keep your duty to ALLAH (attaqu) and know that (each one of) you will meet Him and give good news to the believers.
Do not swear by Allah to stop from doing good and from discharging your responsibilities (to your wife) and making peace between people (couple). (Keep in mind that) Allah is (always) Hearing, Knowing! (v. 223-224)
ALLAH will not hold you responsible for what is trivial in your oath, but He will take account for what your heart earned (i.e., what you meant seriously), and Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing!
Those who swear that they will not engage in sex with their wives should wait four months; then if they go back (to a normal relationship), then Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (v. 225-226)
But if they agree to divorce, then Allah is Hearing, All-Knowing. The divorced women should wait three (menstrual) cycles (before remarrying). It is not appropriate for them to hide what Allah has created in their womb if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. If they wish reconciliation, then the husband has a better right to take them back during the waiting period (other than anyone else). And in a similar manner, women have similar rights and privileges as given to their husbands, though man (husband) has a higher obligation (dharazat) (see 4:34). Allah is Mighty and Wise. (v. 227-228)
A divorce pronouncement may be (revoked) twice, then (you may) either stay married with fairness and goodness to each other or dissolve (the marriage) based on fair treatment and goodness to each other. It is not proper for you (husband) to take back what has been given to her (or promised) unless you both fear that you cannot continue to fulfill the responsibilities (of marriage) as prescribed by Allah. (Similarly), she can give up her rights (if she so desires) to be free (from the marriage covenant) if you both fear that you cannot continue to fulfill the responsibilities (of marriage) as prescribed by Allah. These are Allah’s recommended modes of behavior (limits), and one should not violate them. Whoever violates these limits set by Allah are the wrongdoers. If he finally divorces her, she will not be lawful to him afterward until she marries another husband. If he (second husband) divorces her, there is no blame for them to remarry, if they are able (and willing) to conform to the limits (of marriage) prescribed by Allah. This is the guidance of Allah that He makes clear for people who wish to know. (v. 229-230)
If you divorce your wife and she is about to reach the end of the prescribed (waiting) period, then either continue the marriage in the spirit of goodness or allow her to leave with goodness. Do not force her to stay in marriage against her will to harm her—whoever behaves this way only harms his own soul. Do not take ALLAH’s message as a trivial matter. Reflect on Allah’s favor to you and His guidance to you though the revelations and wisdom (in the revelations), thereby cautioning you. (Therefore), remain conscious and duty-bound to Allah (attaqu), and realize that Allah is aware of all things (that you do). (v. 231)
When you divorce your wife and she comes to the end of the terms, then do not prevent her from marrying another man if she does so with mutual agreement and in a lawful manner. This is an admonishment to those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. (Such behavior) is more beneficial and closer to purity (of life). And God knows (all affairs) while you do not know.
Mothers (divorced women) may suckle their child for two years, if mutually agreed to complete the time of suckling, and the maintenance and clothing for them (mother and the child) will be borne by the father according to (fair) standard. No soul shall be burdened beyond its capacity, neither a mother be made to suffer on account of her child nor a father on account of his child, and a similar duty falls on the (father’s) heir. But if both parties agree on weaning (earlier) and wish to engage a wet nurse (or other means), there is no blame if payments are made for such an arrangement (by the responsible party). Be mindful and keep your duty to Allah (attaqu), and be aware that Allah sees what you do. (v. 232-233)
Those of you (males) who die and leave your wives behind, your wives should wait for four months and ten days (to remarry). Once they reach (the end of) their term, you have no hand (they are free) in what they do in a lawful manner (e.g., remarry). Allah knows what you do.
It is also not improper for someone to ask indirectly (hint for marriage) of such widows or to keep the proposal concealed, but Allah knows that you will have such thoughts about them in your mind. Do not give them a promise in secret but propose to them in a proper manner. Also, do not execute the marriage until the expiration of the waiting period. And Allah knows what you have in your mind (your true intent), and, therefore, be conscious of Him and know that Allah is ever Forgiving, Forbearing. (v. 234-235)
It is not improper to divorce your wife (or your husband) if you have not touched (each other sexually) and no portion (dowry) has been agreed to. (Still), provide for her (your wife) according to your means, wealthy or strained, and it is a duty (to provide) for those who claim to be good (people). Now, if you divorce her (your wife) before you have touched her (engaged in sex), but you have appointed a portion (dowry), then pay half of what has been agreed to unless she forgoes, or he forgoes who holds the marriage bond (giver of dowry). And it is better to act with grace (being dutiful) and forgo (being generous). Indeed, ALLAH sees what you do.
Be ever mindful of your prayers. Pray in moderation and stand (prayer) with true humility in front of Allah. (v. 236-238)
If you are in danger, then (offer prayer) on foot or horseback (i.e., where it is safe). Once you are secure, then remember Allah, since He has taught you what you did not know.
Those who die and leave their wives behind should make a bequest for their wives to (ensure) their maintenance for a year (as a minimum) without turning (them) out. After that, there is no blame on their wives for what they (choose to) do for themselves in a lawful manner. Allah is Mighty, Wise! (v. 239-240)
For the divorced women, appropriate provision is due. This is an obligation for those who are mindful of their responsibility (Muttaquin). This is how Allah makes His messages clear to you so that you may understand (and learn to reason). (v. 241-242)
Have you reflected on those, thousands of them, who went out of their homes for fear of death? Then Allah said to them, “Die (be in despair),” and then He gave them life. Surely Allah is Gracious to people, but most of them are ungrateful!
And fight in the way of Allah. Know that Allah is Hearing, Knowing! (v. 243-244)
Who will give Allah a good gift that He will multiply back to him many times? Allah receives and increases (good deeds). To Him you (all) return. (v. 245)
Have you not reflected on the (quality) of the leaders of the children of Israel after Moses? When they said to one of their prophets, “Bring us a king so that we may fight in the cause of Allah,” he (Samuel) said, “Perhaps you will not fight when fighting will be required of you.” They said, “What reason is there for us not to fight when we have been deprived of our homes and our children?”[25] But when the order to fight (finally) came, they did not participate, except for a few of them. And Allah knows (well) the evildoers.
Their prophet said to them, “God has raised Talut (Saul) to be your king.” They protested, “How can he have a kingdom when we feel we have a better right to a kingdom than he because he does not have an abundance of wealth?” He (prophet) said, “God has exalted him above you by giving him abundance in knowledge and physical strength.” God grants His kingdom to whom He pleases. He is all Embracing, All-Knowing. (v. 246-247)
Their prophet said, “The sign of his (Saul’s) kingdom is that there will come to you tranquility of hearts (sakinah) from your Lord and the enduring heritage (baquiah) of Moses and Harun (Aaron), being borne by angels. In these there are signs should you intend to believe.”
When Saul set with his forces, he said, “Allah will try you with a river. Whoever drinks from it, he is not of my party, but whoever does not taste it or only scoops up a single handful belongs to me.” However, most drank from the river, except a few. So when he crossed it along with those who believed, the others said, “Today we have no power against Jalut (Goliath) and his forces.” But those who were sure of their eventual meeting with Allah said, “How often a small party defeated a larger force by Allah’s will.” Allah is (always) with those who are patient (in adversity).
When they went out against Jalut (Goliath) and his forces, they prayed, “O Our Sustainer, pour upon us patience and make our feet (against the enemy) firm and help us against the denier of truth.” (v. 248-250)
Then they fought (bravely) and put the enemy to flight by Allah’s permission. David killed Goliath. Allah granted David kingdom and wisdom and knowledge of things as He pleased. Were it not for Allah’s enabling people to defend themselves against others, the earth would have been full of corruption and chaos; thus, Allah shows His limitless grace to the world. These are the messages from Allah. We convey these to you in truth, and truly you (Prophet) are one of the Messengers. (v. 251-252)
We (God) have made some of these prophets to excel others. Among them are those to whom Allah spoke (e.g., Moses) and others whom He raised in eminence (e.g., Prophet Abraham). We (God) gave clear arguments and thoughts to Jesus, Son of Mary, and strengthened him with holy inspiration. Had Allah pleased, the followers of these prophets would not have fought one another after the case had been made to see and believe in the truth, but they chose to disagree—some believed while others refused to accept (the guidance). They would not have contended with one another if Allah had willed, but Allah does what He intends (by allowing people the freedom to make their choices).
O Believers! Dedicate the resources (e.g., health, wealth, knowledge, and technology) that We have given you (for good cause) before the day comes (e.g., death, the Day of Judgment, and the reversal of fortune) when (you will lose the power) of bargaining, friendship, and intervention. The deniers are truly the ones that do (serious) wrong (to themselves and to others). (v. 253-254)
Allah —there is no one worthy of worship but He, the ever Living, the Self-Subsisting (by Whom everyone subsists). Drowsiness or sleep does not overtake Him. He owns whatever is in the heavens and in the earth. Who is there to plead to Him for someone except with His permission? He knows their past and their future. They acquire none of His knowledge except what He allows. His dominion extends all over the heavens and the earth, and He does not get tired of preserving them. He alone is truly Exalted, Magnificent! (v. 255/Ayatul Kursi)
There shall be no coercion in matters of practicing your way of life (religion) —the right way has indeed been made distinct from the wrong way. Therefore, whoever rejects the Shaitan (evil faith and practices) and puts his faith in Allah (truth, knowledge, and good work) has taken a firm grip on a covenant, which will not break. Allah is full of Hearing, Knowing.
Allah is the friend of those who believe—He pulls them out of darkness into light. But those who disbelieve, their friends are the devils that pull them out of light into darkness. They are the companions in Hellfire, where they will stay. (v. 256-257)
Why not reflect on (the behavior of) the person (possibly Namrud) who argued with Abraham regarding his Sustainer since Allah gave him the kingdom. When Abraham said, “My Sustainer gives life and causes death,” this person replied, “I (too can) cause life and death.” Abraham then said, “Surely Allah makes the sun rise from the East, so could you make it rise from the West,” and then the person was confounded in his denial. And Allah does not guide people who do wrong deliberately.
Or, (think) of the person who was passing by a town whose houses had fallen in on their roofs (possibly due to an earthquake or neglect) and said, “How could Allah bring them all back to life after their death?” So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years and then raised him back to life and asked, “How long have you remained in that condition?” He said, “A day or part of a day!” God said, “No, you had passed a hundred years; yet, look at your food and drink—they do not show the sign of years passed by, and look at your donkey! We have made him a sign for men (to understand). You should look at the bones (e.g., donkey’s skeletons) and see how We arrange them together and then cover them with flesh.” Then it became clear to him, and he said, “Now I know that Allah has power over all things.” (v. 258-259)
(Remember) when Abraham said, “O My Sustainer! Show me how you give life to the dead,” ALLAH asked, “Do you not believe?” Abraham replied, “Yes, I do, but this is to put my heart at ease.” God then instructed, “Take four birds and tame them to respond to you. Then put pieces of them in every mountain and afterward call them—they will come flying to you.” You should know that Allah is Mighty, Wise! (v. 260)
Those who spend their wealth for the purpose assigned by Allah, their likeness is that of a grain germinating into seven sheaths, and in each sheath there are a hundred grains. Thus, Allah multiplies for whom He wills. Allah is the abundantly Giving, Knowing. Those who spend their wealth for the purpose defined by Allah and do not make their spending a cause for insult or injury (to the receiving party), their reward is with God, and there will be no fear or grief for them. A kind word with forgiveness is better than charity followed by injury. Allah is Self-Sufficient, Forbearing.
O Believers! Do not make your charity worthless by insult and injury in the manner of those who spend their wealth to be seen by people, and they do not believe in Allah and the Last Day. Such charity is like the soil on a smooth rock that heavy rainfall washes away (without producing anything). They do not benefit from what they spend, and Allah does not guide people who refuse to acknowledge the truth. (On the other hand), those who spend their wealth seeking Allah’s grace and strengthening their souls are like a garden on an elevated ground so that when rain falls on it, it brings forth double produce; if heavy rain is not there, even light rain is sufficient for growth. Allah sees all of what you do. (v. 261-265)
Do any of you like this scenario: You have a garden of fruit with a water stream flowing through and with all kinds of fruit abound. Then you reach old age, your offspring are still young and weak, and suddenly a storm hits the garden and reduces everything to ashes. This way Allah makes the message clear so that you may reflect (and act when you have time).
O Believers! Spend the good part of what you earn and what We (God) bring out for you (e.g., harvest and natural resources) from the earth. Do not try to spend lesser quality items for others while you would not take it without dislike. Know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.
It is the Devil that puts in you the fear of poverty and connives to make you niggardly while Allah promises forgiveness from Himself and abundance. Allah is indeed Ample Giving, Knowing! God grants wisdom to whomever He wishes, and whoever receives this wisdom indeed receives ample goodness. Nobody can appreciate (such wisdom) except those who seriously and sincerely try to understand. (v. 266-269)
Whatever charity you give or whatever oath (vow) you take, Allah surely knows about it. The wrongdoers will have no helpers (in the long run). If you show your charity (without arrogance or evil intent), then how excellent it is! If you hide it and give it to the poor, it is good for you. Charity does wash away some of your evil deeds. Allah is aware of what you do.
It is not your (Prophet’s) responsibility to guide people, but God guides whom He pleases (based on intention and effort). Whatever good things you spend (for others) are for your own good, and you should spend only to seek Allah’s grace (not for other motives). (God promises that) whatever good things you spend, it will be paid back to you in full, and no wrong will be done to you. (v. 270-272)
Charity is for those who are confined to the way of Allah and who are unable to move freely in the land (to seek livelihood); insensitive people think of them to be above need since they do not beg. But you can recognize them by their dignity; they do not go about begging openly. (Therefore, if you recognize them), and whatever you spend of good things (for them), God knows for sure.
Those who spend their resources (physical, material, and intellectual) day and night, openly and privately, (to benefit others) will have their reward with God—they will have no reason to fear or grieve. (v. 273-274)
Those who take usury (riba) are like those whom the Devil had confounded by his touch. They say, “Trading (buying and selling) is like usury,” whereas Allah has allowed trading and forbidden usury. (Therefore), whosoever receives this admonition from his Sustainer, and he refrains, he can keep what has already passed, and his affairs are with Allah, and whoever continues with usury (after the admonition), they are the companions in fire—they will reside in Hell. Allah withholds His blessings on usury, whereas He causes charity to flourish. Allah does not love any ungrateful sinners.
Those who believe, do good deeds, keep their prayers, and pay Zakat, their reward is with the Sustainer; they will have no fear or regret. (v. 275-277)
O Believers! Mind your responsibility to Allah (attaqu) and give up what remains of usury, if you truly believe. But if you do not give up, then be ready for a war from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, then you can have your capital. Do not do wrong, then you shall not be wronged. If the (debtor) is in difficulty, there should be postponement until (he is) in ease. But if you were to give it up as alms, that is even better, only if you knew!
Be conscious of the day when you will return to Allah. Then every soul will be paid back in full what it has earned, and none will be treated unfairly. (v. 278-281)
O Believers! When you agree to a debt (or commercial transaction) for a fixed term, put it in writing and let a writer write it down with fairness on behalf of both. Anyone who knows how to write should not refuse to write. And the debtor should dictate what should be written, and he should observe his duty to Allah and not reduce anything from it. But if the debtor is unsound in understanding or weak or not able to dictate, then his guardian should dictate with fairness. Also, call to witness from your men two witnesses; but if two men are not available (as witnesses), then one man and two women from among those whom you may want to choose as witnesses; so that if one of them errs or forgets, the one will remind the other.
The witnesses must not refuse when they are called up (either to witness or to testify later). Do not neglect to document it in writing whether a small or large transaction, including the time when (such debt) is due. This is more equitable in Allah’s eyes and ensures testimony to be confirmed and keeps you from doubts. But if it is ready merchandise that you exchange by hand to hand, it is not necessary that you write it down.
(But in general), have witnesses when you sell one to another. Let there be no harm done to the writer or to the witnesses. But if you do such harm, then it is a sign of transgression on your part. (But you are to) keep your duty to Allah (attaqu). Allah teaches you and Allah (truly) knows all things. (v. 282)
If you are on a journey and you cannot find a scribe, then a security may be taken in possession. Since these types of transactions are also based on trust, the one who is trusted with (security, debt, promise, etc.) should deliver his trust and keep his duty to Allah, his Sustainer (and to his fellow men). Do not conceal testimony; whoever conceals testimony, his heart is sinful. (Remember), Allah knows everything that you do.
To God belongs whatever is in heavens and in the earth. (Moreover), whether you express what is in your mind or hide it, God will call you to account according to it (your intention). Then He may choose to forgive whom He pleases and punish whom He pleases. Allah has power over all things. (v. 283-284)
The Messenger and the faithful believe in what has been revealed to the Messenger. They all believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers, making no distinctions among the prophets. They say, “We have heard, and we take our submission seriously. O our Sustainer! We seek Your forgiveness, and to You is the end of our journey!”
God does not impose on any soul a burden beyond its capacity. It has the benefit of its good works and its evil works against its own soul. (Say in prayer), “O our Sustainer! Do not hold us accountable if we forget or make a mistake. Our Sustainer! Do not put a burden on us similar to what was laid on those before us. Our Sustainer! Spare us of a burden that we do not have the ability to bear. Forgive us, protect us, have mercy on us, You are our Guardian.” Therefore, help us against the people who actively deny faith. (Amen)! (v. 285-286)
25 (1 Sam. 8:19–20).
