Surah 2

Volume 2

The Cow

Al-Baqarah

البقرہ

WORDS OF WISDOM

•
Here are some of the important lessons that we can learn from the month of Ramadan:
•
Islam is all about bringing people together.
When you pray in a group, you get more rewards than praying by yourself.
You can't just go for hajj any time of the year you want.
Everyone has to go during a specific time.
You can't switch Ramadan to any other month.
Everyone has to fast the same month together.
•
Keeping peace and unity among the Muslims is a must.
Praying tarawih is a great thing, but it's not fard unlike the 5 daily prayers.
If you pray 8 rak'ahs, al-hamdu-lillah.
If you do 20, al-hamdu-lillah.
The Prophet said that if you pray with the imam until he is done (regardless of how many rak'ahs he prays), you will get the reward for standing
the whole night in salah.
{Imam At-Tirmizj}
•
Ramadan teaches us discipline.
We start the fast at Fajr and finish at Maghrib.
There is a time for each of the 5 daily prayers.
The time for zakatul-fitr is before 'Eid, and the time for sacrifice is after 'Eid Al-Adha.
We should stick to this discipline throughout the year.
•
If we are able to stop ourselves from doing halal things during the days of Ramadan (like eating and drinking), we can also try to avoid doing haram
things outside of Ramadan (like cheating and lying).
•
You don't know which good deed will take you to Jannah.
It can be your du'a, fasting, salah, sadaqah, reading the Quran, or putting a smile on someone's face.
So, try to do different good things.
The Prophet said that if your best deed is salah, you will be called to enter Jannah through the gate of salah.
If your best deed is fasting, you will be called to enter through the gate of Ar-Rayyan.
The same is true for sadaqah, and so on.
{Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Muslim}
•
Your relationship with Allah is not over by the end of Ramadan.
You should try to do small good things in other months as well.
The Prophet said, "The most beloved deeds to Allah are the ones done regularly, even if they are small.
" {Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Muslim}

WORDS OF WISDOM

•
The following is a translation of something amazing said in Arabic many years ago by **Dr.
Anied Khaled Tawfik** (a famous Egyptian author, 1962-2018):
•
"When Ramadan comes, I realize that:
•
* I could have fasted on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the year.
•
* Fasting is not as difficult as I had thought.
•
* I could have quit smoking for good, but I didn't even try.
•
* Reading the whole Quran in a month is not impossible, as Shaytan made me think.
•
* It's surprising that I'm able to wake up before Fajr to eat suhoor in Ramadan, but fail to wake up to pray Fajr outside Ramadan.
•
* The poor exist all year long, but I can only see them in Ramadan.
•
* By Allah, Ramadan is an important training course that teaches us a great lesson: yes we can.
"

WORDS OF WISDOM

•
In verse 185 (as well as some other verses in the Quran), Allah makes it clear that He intends to make things easy for us, not difficult.
He tasks us only with things that we can do.
Imagine if Allah ordered us to:
•
* Fast 10 months of the year, not just Ramadan.
•
* Pray 40-50 times a day, instead of the 5 daily prayers.
•
* Pay 70% of our savings as zakah, not just 2.
5%.
•
* Go for hajj every year, not once in a lifetime.

FASTING IN RAMADAN

183O believers!

Fasting is now a duty on you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will keep Allah in mind.

184Fast a specific number of days.

But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then 'let them fast' an equal number of days after Ramadan.

As for those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, they can make up for it by feeding a needy person 'for every day not fasted'.

But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them.

And to fast is better for you, if you only knew.

185Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the Standard 'that tells right from wrong'

**(69)**.

So, whoever is present this month, let them fast.

But whoever is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of days 'after Ramadan'.

Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the required period and praise the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will

be grateful.

186When My servants ask you O Prophet 'about Me, I am truly near.

I respond to the prayers of those who call upon Me.

So, let them obey Me and have faith in Me, perhaps they will be guided 'to the Right Way'.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ183

أَيَّامٗا مَّعۡدُودَٰتٖۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٖ فَعِدَّةٞ مِّنۡ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدۡيَةٞ طَعَامُ مِسۡكِينٖۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيۡرٗا فَهُوَ خَيۡرٞ لَّهُۥۚ وَأَن تَصُومُواْ خَيۡرٞ لَّكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ184

شَهۡرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِيٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ هُدٗى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٖ مِّنَ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَٱلۡفُرۡقَانِۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهۡرَ فَلۡيَصُمۡهُۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٖ فَعِدَّةٞ مِّنۡ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلۡيُسۡرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلۡعُسۡرَ وَلِتُكۡمِلُواْ ٱلۡعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُواْ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمۡ وَلَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ185

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌۖ أُجِيبُ دَعۡوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِۖ فَلۡيَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لِي وَلۡيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِي لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡشُدُونَ186

BACKGROUND STORY

•
When the Muslims started fasting in Madinah, things were quite difficult for them.
If someone slept early after Maghrib, they were not allowed to eat when they woke up at night, even if they hadn't broken their fast at sunset.
The same was true for having romantic husband-wife relations.
Some of them ended up having a relationship with their wives after 'Isha.
When they told the Prophet about what they did, the following passage was revealed, making things easy for them.
(Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Ibn Kathir)

ROMANTIC RELATIONS IN RAMADAN

187It has been permitted for you to be with your wives during the nights of the fast.

They are like clothing for you **(69)**, as you are for them.

Allah knows what you did to yourselves.

So He has turned to you in mercy and excused you.

So, now you can be with them, and seek what Allah has written for you **(70)**.

You may eat and drink until you see the light of Fajr breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall.

However, do not approach them while you are staying in the mosques 'for worship'.

These are the rules set by Allah, so do not break them.

This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to people, so they may keep Him in mind.

أُحِلَّ لَكُمۡ لَيۡلَةَ ٱلصِّيَامِ ٱلرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَآئِكُمۡۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٞ لَّكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ لِبَاسٞ لَّهُنَّۗ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّكُمۡ كُنتُمۡ تَخۡتَانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمۡ فَتَابَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَعَفَا عَنكُمۡۖ فَٱلۡـَٰٔنَ بَٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَٱبۡتَغُواْ مَا كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡۚ وَكُلُواْ وَٱشۡرَبُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ ٱلۡخَيۡطُ ٱلۡأَبۡيَضُ مِنَ ٱلۡخَيۡطِ ٱلۡأَسۡوَدِ مِنَ ٱلۡفَجۡرِۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّواْ ٱلصِّيَامَ إِلَى ٱلَّيۡلِۚ وَلَا تُبَٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمۡ عَٰكِفُونَ فِي ٱلۡمَسَٰجِدِۗ تِلۡكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَقۡرَبُوهَاۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَّقُونَ187

WARNING AGAINST INJUSTICE

188Do not take each other's wealth illegally or bribe authorities in order to take a portion of others' property, while you know 'it is illegal'.

وَلَا تَأۡكُلُوٓاْ أَمۡوَٰلَكُم بَيۡنَكُم بِٱلۡبَٰطِلِ وَتُدۡلُواْ بِهَآ إِلَى ٱلۡحُكَّامِ لِتَأۡكُلُواْ فَرِيقٗا مِّنۡ أَمۡوَٰلِ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ188

BACKGROUND STORY

•
Before Islam, people used to enter their homes through the back doors when they returned from hajj.
Verse 189 was revealed to teach everyone that being sincere with Allah is more important than blindly following those random ancient practices.
(Imam Ibn Kathir)

BEING FAITHFUL TO ALLAH

189They ask you 'O Prophet' about the phases of the moon.

Say, "They are for people to calculate time and for hajj.

" Being faithful is not about entering your houses from the back doors.

Rather, being faithful is about keeping Allah in mind.

So, enter your homes through their proper doors, and keep Allah in mind so you may be successful.

يَسۡ‍َٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلۡأَهِلَّةِۖ قُلۡ هِيَ مَوَٰقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَٱلۡحَجِّۗ وَلَيۡسَ ٱلۡبِرُّ بِأَن تَأۡتُواْ ٱلۡبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱلۡبِرَّ مَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰۗ وَأۡتُواْ ٱلۡبُيُوتَ مِنۡ أَبۡوَٰبِهَاۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ189

WORDS OF WISDOM

•
After many years of abuse in Makkah, the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions made Hijrah to Madinah (over 400 km away from Makkah).
However, the small Muslim community was still not safe in Madinah.
So, Allah gave them permission to fight back in self-defence when attacked.
•
The Muslim army was instructed with clear guidelines for warfare:
•
1.
Don't wish to meet your enemy in battle.
•
2.
If fighting becomes a must, stand your ground.
•
3.
Keep Allah in mind.
•
4.
Strike only at those who attack you.
•
5.
Don't betray.
•
6.
Don't kill women, children, or the elderly.
•
7.
Don't kill people in their places of worship.
•
8.
Don't kill their animals.
•
9.
Don't cut down their trees.
•
10.
Don't abuse prisoners of war or dead bodies.
•
{Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam At-Tabarani, & Imam Al-Baihaqi}

•
Sometimes no one would be killed and the Muslims would win, just because their enemies ran away!
Innocent people were not fought; only soldiers who targeted the Muslims.
People fought one-on-one, so they actually saw each other.
•
Compare this to the 75,000,000 people killed in World War II alone, including 40 million civilians (women, children, etc.
).
Today, enemies don't usually see each other.
They just drop bombs to kill as many as they can.

FIGHTING THE MAKKAN IDOL-WORSHIPPERS

190Fight in the cause of Allah 'only' against those who attack you, but do not break the rules.

Surely Allah does not like Rule-breakers.

191Kill those 'attackers' wherever you find them and drive them out of the places from which they drove you out.

Abuse is far worse than killing.

And do not fight them at the Holy Mosque unless they attack you there.

If they do so, then fight them—that is the punishment for such disbelievers.

192But if they stop, then surely Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

193Fight them 'if they attack you' until there is no more abuse, and faith will only be in Allah.

If they stop, let there be no fighting except against the abusers.

194'There will be revenge in' a holy month for 'an attack in' a holy month,' and offenders will be punished.

So, if anyone attacks you, respond in the same way.

But keep Allah in mind, and know that Allah is with those who keep Him in mind.

195Spend in the cause of Allah and do not let your own hands throw you into destruction 'by refusing to donate'.

And do good.

Allah certainly loves those doing good.

وَقَٰتِلُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُقَٰتِلُونَكُمۡ وَلَا تَعۡتَدُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُعۡتَدِينَ190

وَٱقۡتُلُوهُمۡ حَيۡثُ ثَقِفۡتُمُوهُمۡ وَأَخۡرِجُوهُم مِّنۡ حَيۡثُ أَخۡرَجُوكُمۡۚ وَٱلۡفِتۡنَةُ أَشَدُّ مِنَ ٱلۡقَتۡلِۚ وَلَا تُقَٰتِلُوهُمۡ عِندَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ حَتَّىٰ يُقَٰتِلُوكُمۡ فِيهِۖ فَإِن قَٰتَلُوكُمۡ فَٱقۡتُلُوهُمۡۗ كَذَٰلِكَ جَزَآءُ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ191

فَإِنِ ٱنتَهَوۡاْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ192

وَقَٰتِلُوهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتۡنَةٞ وَيَكُونَ ٱلدِّينُ لِلَّهِۖ فَإِنِ ٱنتَهَوۡاْ فَلَا عُدۡوَٰنَ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ193

ٱلشَّهۡرُ ٱلۡحَرَامُ بِٱلشَّهۡرِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ وَٱلۡحُرُمَٰتُ قِصَاصٞۚ فَمَنِ ٱعۡتَدَىٰ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فَٱعۡتَدُواْ عَلَيۡهِ بِمِثۡلِ مَا ٱعۡتَدَىٰ عَلَيۡكُمۡۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ194

وَأَنفِقُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلۡقُواْ بِأَيۡدِيكُمۡ إِلَى ٱلتَّهۡلُكَةِ وَأَحۡسِنُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ195

SIDE STORY

•
Verses 196-203 talk about Hajj, which is one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam.
When we go to Makkah and visit Madinah, we should remember that these are the same places where the Prophet (PBUH) and his great companions used to live
and worship.
•
Hajj teaches us to be patient, obedient, and humble.
It also teaches us that we are all equal in front of Allah – regardless of our race, colour, or social status.
•
When Malcolm X (Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, 1925-1965) made Hajj in 1964, he was very impressed by the true sense of brotherhood and equality that he experienced in the
holy land.
Like millions of African-Americans, Malcolm had suffered from years of racism in America, which led him to form his own biases against white people.
•
Describing his life-changing Hajj experience after accepting the true message of Islam, Malcolm wrote a letter from Makkah, which was later published in his famous autobiography
(life story).
The following are some points from his letter:
•
"There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world.
They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans.
But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could
exist between the white and non-white.
"

•
"America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.
"
•
People making haj.
•
Acts of worship.

SOME HAJJ RULES

196Complete hajj and 'umrah for the sake of Allah.

But if you are prevented, then offer whatever 'animal' sacrifice you can afford.

And do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination.

But if any of you is ill or has a head problem 'that requires shaving', then you can make up for it either by fasting, charity, or an

animal offering.

In times of peace, you may combine hajj and 'umrah then make the offering you can afford.

As for those who cannot afford it, let them fast three days during hajj and seven after returning 'home' — ten days in total.

This 'ruling' is for those who do not live near the Holy House.

And keep Allah in mind, and know that Allah is severe in punishment.

197Intention 'to do' hajj is made in certain months.

So, whoever intends to do hajj, let them stay away from romantic relations, bad words, and arguments during hajj.

Whatever good you do is fully known by Allah.

Take necessary supplies 'for the journey'.

However, faithfulness is definitely the best supply.

And keep Me in mind, O you who truly understand!

198There is no blame on you for seeking the blessings of your Lord during this journey.

When you leave from 'Arafat, praise Allah near the holy place and praise Him for having guided you—before this 'guidance' you had completely lost your way.

199Then move on with the rest of the pilgrims.

And pray for Allah's forgiveness.

Surely Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

وَأَتِمُّواْ ٱلۡحَجَّ وَٱلۡعُمۡرَةَ لِلَّهِۚ فَإِنۡ أُحۡصِرۡتُمۡ فَمَا ٱسۡتَيۡسَرَ مِنَ ٱلۡهَدۡيِۖ وَلَا تَحۡلِقُواْ رُءُوسَكُمۡ حَتَّىٰ يَبۡلُغَ ٱلۡهَدۡيُ مَحِلَّهُۥۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوۡ بِهِۦٓ أَذٗى مِّن رَّأۡسِهِۦ فَفِدۡيَةٞ مِّن صِيَامٍ أَوۡ صَدَقَةٍ أَوۡ نُسُكٖۚ فَإِذَآ أَمِنتُمۡ فَمَن تَمَتَّعَ بِٱلۡعُمۡرَةِ إِلَى ٱلۡحَجِّ فَمَا ٱسۡتَيۡسَرَ مِنَ ٱلۡهَدۡيِۚ فَمَن لَّمۡ يَجِدۡ فَصِيَامُ ثَلَٰثَةِ أَيَّامٖ فِي ٱلۡحَجِّ وَسَبۡعَةٍ إِذَا رَجَعۡتُمۡۗ تِلۡكَ عَشَرَةٞ كَامِلَةٞۗ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن لَّمۡ يَكُنۡ أَهۡلُهُۥ حَاضِرِي ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ196

ٱلۡحَجُّ أَشۡهُرٞ مَّعۡلُومَٰتٞۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ ٱلۡحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي ٱلۡحَجِّۗ وَمَا تَفۡعَلُواْ مِنۡ خَيۡرٖ يَعۡلَمۡهُ ٱللَّهُۗ وَتَزَوَّدُواْ فَإِنَّ خَيۡرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰۖ وَٱتَّقُونِ يَٰٓأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ197

لَيۡسَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبۡتَغُواْ فَضۡلٗا مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡۚ فَإِذَآ أَفَضۡتُم مِّنۡ عَرَفَٰتٖ فَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلۡمَشۡعَرِ ٱلۡحَرَامِۖ وَٱذۡكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَىٰكُمۡ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبۡلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ198

ثُمَّ أَفِيضُواْ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ أَفَاضَ ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ ٱللَّهَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ199

MORE HAJJ RULES

200When you have completed your 'hajj' duties, praise Allah as much you used to praise your fathers 'before Islam', or even more.

There are some who say, 'Our Lord!

Give us the good of this life' but they will have no share in the Next Life.

201Yet there are others who say, 'Our Lord!

Give us the best of this life as well as the Next, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

202They will receive their full share 'of the reward' for the good they have done.

And Allah is quick in judgment.

203And remember Allah 'during these' specific days.

Whoever leaves quickly on the second day is not sinful, as well as those who stay behind 'till the third, seeking extra reward', as long as they obey

the rules.

Always keep Allah in mind, and know that to Him you will all be gathered 'for judgment'.

فَإِذَا قَضَيۡتُم مَّنَٰسِكَكُمۡ فَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ كَذِكۡرِكُمۡ ءَابَآءَكُمۡ أَوۡ أَشَدَّ ذِكۡرٗاۗ فَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَمَا لَهُۥ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ مِنۡ خَلَٰقٖ200

وَمِنۡهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةٗ وَفِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ حَسَنَةٗ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ201

أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمۡ نَصِيبٞ مِّمَّا كَسَبُواْۚ وَٱللَّهُ سَرِيعُ ٱلۡحِسَابِ202

۞ وَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ فِيٓ أَيَّامٖ مَّعۡدُودَٰتٖۚ فَمَن تَعَجَّلَ فِي يَوۡمَيۡنِ فَلَآ إِثۡمَ عَلَيۡهِ وَمَن تَأَخَّرَ فَلَآ إِثۡمَ عَلَيۡهِۖ لِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰۗ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّكُمۡ إِلَيۡهِ تُحۡشَرُونَ203

THE TROUBLEMAKERS

204There are some hypocrites' who impress you with their words in this life and even call upon Allah to witness what is in their hearts, yet they are

your worst enemies.

205And when they leave 'you' they work hard throughout the land to cause trouble and destroy crops and cattle.

Allah does not like corruption.

206When it is said to them, 'Fear Allah,' pride carries them off to sin.

Hell is enough for them.

What an evil place to rest!

207And there are those who would give up everything to please Allah.

And Allah is always Kind to 'His' servants.

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُۥ فِي ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِي قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ204

وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ205

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِۚ فَحَسۡبُهُۥ جَهَنَّمُۖ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ206

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشۡرِي نَفۡسَهُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ مَرۡضَاتِ ٱللَّهِۚ وَٱللَّهُ رَءُوفُۢ بِٱلۡعِبَادِ207

WARNING TO THE DENIERS

208O believers!

Submit to Islam all together, and do not follow Satan's footsteps.

He is truly your clear enemy.

209If you slip back after receiving the clear proofs, then know that Allah is truly Almighty and Wise.

210Are those 'deniers' just waiting for Allah and the angels to come to them 'for judgment', along with masses of clouds?

It would be over 'for them' by then.

In the end, 'all' matters will be returned to Allah.

211Ask the Children of Isra'il how many clear signs We have given them.

And whoever changes Allah's blessings after receiving them should know that Allah is truly severe in punishment.

212This life has been made attractive to the disbelievers, and 'now' they mock the believers.

But those who keep Allah in mind will be high above them on Judgment Day.

And Allah provides for whoever He wants without limit.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِي ٱلسِّلۡمِ كَآفَّةٗ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمۡ عَدُوّٞ مُّبِينٞ208

فَإِن زَلَلۡتُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡكُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتُ فَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ209

هَلۡ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّآ أَن يَأۡتِيَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِي ظُلَلٖ مِّنَ ٱلۡغَمَامِ وَٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ وَقُضِيَ ٱلۡأَمۡرُۚ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرۡجَعُ ٱلۡأُمُورُ210

سَلۡ بَنِيٓ إِسۡرَٰٓءِيلَ كَمۡ ءَاتَيۡنَٰهُم مِّنۡ ءَايَةِۢ بَيِّنَةٖۗ وَمَن يُبَدِّلۡ نِعۡمَةَ ٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡهُ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ211

زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيَسۡخَرُونَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْۘ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْ فَوۡقَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَرۡزُقُ مَن يَشَآءُ بِغَيۡرِ حِسَابٖ212

WHY PROPHETS WERE SENT

213Humanity had once been one community 'of believers before they differed'.

So Allah raised prophets to give good news and warnings, and revealed to them the Books in truth to judge between people regarding their differences.

Still the same people differed about the truth—because of jealousy—after clear proofs had come to them.

But Allah, by His mercy, has guided the believers to the truth regarding those differences.

And Allah guides whoever He wants to the Straight Path.

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةٗ وَٰحِدَةٗ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّ‍ۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِۚ وَمَا ٱخۡتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡهُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتُ بَغۡيَۢا بَيۡنَهُمۡۖ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ بِإِذۡنِهِۦۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَهۡدِي مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٖ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ213

BELIEVERS ALWAYS TESTED

214Do you think you will enter Jannah without being tested like those before you?

They were hit with suffering and hardship and were so deeply shaken that 'even' the Messenger and the believers with him cried out, "When will Allah's help come?

" Indeed, Allah's help is 'always' near.

أَمۡ حَسِبۡتُمۡ أَن تَدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَأۡتِكُم مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ خَلَوۡاْ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۖ مَّسَّتۡهُمُ ٱلۡبَأۡسَآءُ وَٱلضَّرَّآءُ وَزُلۡزِلُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَ ٱلرَّسُولُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُۥ مَتَىٰ نَصۡرُ ٱللَّهِۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ نَصۡرَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٞ214

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

215They ask you 'O Prophet' how they should donate.

Say, "Whatever donations you give are for parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, and 'needy' travelers.

Whatever good you do is definitely known to Allah!

يَسۡ‍َٔلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَۖ قُلۡ مَآ أَنفَقۡتُم مِّنۡ خَيۡرٖ فَلِلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ وَٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِۗ وَمَا تَفۡعَلُواْ مِنۡ خَيۡرٖ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٞ215

BACKGROUND STORY

•
After 13 years of abuse in Makkah, the Prophet (PBUH) and many of his early followers moved secretly to Madinah.
They left behind their houses and properties, which were soon taken over by the Makkan idol-worshippers.
To make up for this financial loss, the Prophet (PBUH) sent a group of his companions to capture a small caravan owned by the Makkans.
As a rule, fighting was not allowed in Arabia during the 4 holy months (the 11th, 12th, 1st, and 7th months of the Islamic calendar) – even though
the idol-worshippers didn't respect this rule (9:37).
When the group sent by the Prophet (PBUH) came across the Makkan caravan, they launched an attack, thinking it was the last day of Jumada Ath-Thani (the 6th
month, in which fighting was allowed).
However, it turned out to be the first day of Rajab (the 7th month, in which fighting was forbidden).
When the Makkans protested, the following passage was revealed, telling them that their evil actions against Islam and Muslims were far worse than the honest mistake made by
that Muslim group.
{Imam Ibn Kathir & Imam Al-Qurtubi}

FIGHTING IN SELF-DEFENCE

216Fighting has become a duty for you believers, even though you dislike it.

Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you.

Allah knows and you do not.

217They ask you 'O Prophet' about fighting in the holy months.

Say, "Fighting during these months is a serious offence.

But preventing 'others' from the Path of Allah, rejecting Him, and expelling the worshippers from the Holy Mosque is a bigger offence in the sight of Allah.

Abuse is far worse than killing.

They will not stop fighting you until they turn you away from your faith, if they can.

And whoever among you abandons this faith and dies as a disbeliever, their deeds will become worthless in this life and the Next.

Those will be the people of the Fire.

They will be there forever.

218Indeed, those who have believed, emigrated, and made sacrifices in the Way of Allah—they can hope for Allah's mercy.

And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

كُتِبَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرۡهٞ لَّكُمۡۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكۡرَهُواْ شَيۡ‍ٔٗا وَهُوَ خَيۡرٞ لَّكُمۡۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تُحِبُّواْ شَيۡ‍ٔٗا وَهُوَ شَرّٞ لَّكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ216

يَسۡ‍َٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلشَّهۡرِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ قِتَالٖ فِيهِۖ قُلۡ قِتَالٞ فِيهِ كَبِيرٞۚ وَصَدٌّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَكُفۡرُۢ بِهِۦ وَٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ وَإِخۡرَاجُ أَهۡلِهِۦ مِنۡهُ أَكۡبَرُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِۚ وَٱلۡفِتۡنَةُ أَكۡبَرُ مِنَ ٱلۡقَتۡلِۗ وَلَا يَزَالُونَ يُقَٰتِلُونَكُمۡ حَتَّىٰ يَرُدُّوكُمۡ عَن دِينِكُمۡ إِنِ ٱسۡتَطَٰعُواْۚ وَمَن يَرۡتَدِدۡ مِنكُمۡ عَن دِينِهِۦ فَيَمُتۡ وَهُوَ كَافِرٞ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ حَبِطَتۡ أَعۡمَٰلُهُمۡ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۖ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ أَصۡحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِۖ هُمۡ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ217

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُواْ وَجَٰهَدُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ يَرۡجُونَ رَحۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ218

Part 5 study note

This is part 5 of the children's lesson for Surah Al-Baqarah.

It continues from the previous section with new verses, examples, and short review points for young learners.

If this is your first time studying the lesson, start with part 1 and then return here so the story, meaning, and practice sequence stay clear.

How to study Surah Al-Baqarah with children

Use this children's lesson as a guided path: read the short explanation, look at the Arabic verse, listen to related recitation, and return to the full surah when

your child is ready for more detail.

Parents can review one section at a time, ask the child to repeat the main idea, and then continue with the next part or a nearby surah.

This keeps the lesson connected with Quran reading, audio, and daily practice.

Surah Al-Baqarah for kids content

WORDS OF WISDOM

WORDS OF WISDOM

WORDS OF WISDOM

BACKGROUND STORY

BACKGROUND STORY

WORDS OF WISDOM

SIDE STORY

BACKGROUND STORY

Part 5 study note

How to study Surah Al-Baqarah with children