SURAH Baqarah is the longest chapter of the Quran. It is full of wisdom and gems, commandments, stories and prayers that can change our lives for the better. If we reflect over it, we can learn lessons which give our life a purpose and a direction. The Quran is the Book, a guide for those mindful of Allah who believe in the Ghaib [unseen]. These realities are hidden and can’t be perceived directly through human experience and observation e.g. the Being and Attributes of Allah, Angles, Revelations, Heavens, Hell etc. Who believe in what has been revealed to the Last Prophet (PBUH) and what was revealed before him and have faith in the Hereafter. They will be successful.
Allah says that if you hold His words close to your heart, Allah will remove the emotions that weigh you down. Furthermore, He will improve your life in this world and the hereafter. He will strengthen your heart. There is no fear for the believer. When Firaun, along with his entire army proceeded to kill Musa PBUH, he reached a point where there was no looking back. On one side there was the army and on the other there was the Sea. Allah parted the sea & delivered Musa and drowned the people of Firaun. That time Musa did not even flinch. He had a firm belief that Allah was in control of the situation for him.
Allah seals the hearts, hearing and sight of those who don’t take guidance from the Quran. Hypocrites deceive themselves, they have sickness of (hypocrisy) in their hearts, and Allah only lets their sickness increase. They will suffer a painful punishment for their lies. Not that they refused to accept the message because Allah had sealed their hearts, but when they refused to believe in the aforesaid basic truths, and adopted a way of life opposed to that prescribed in the Quran, Allah sealed up their hearts and ears.
When the disbelievers are told not to spread corruption in the land, their reply is they were only peace makers. Indeed, it is they who are the corruptors, but they fail to perceive it. Those who violate Allah’s covenant after it has been affirmed, break whatever ties Allah has ordered to be maintained, and spread corruption in the land. It is they who are the true losers. Allah is the One Who created everything on earth for us. Allah has perfect knowledge of all things. Allah taught mankind the names of all things and made him the most honourable creature and asked the angels to Prostrate before Adam. All angles bowed except Shaitan Iblis. Iblis was Jinn created of smokeless fire, refused and acted arrogantly, becoming unfaithful/ungrateful.
We shouldn’t mix truth with falsehood or hide the truth knowingly. We shouldn’t preach righteousness while we do not practice ourselves. We should guard against the Day on which no soul will be of help to another. No intercession will be accepted, no ransom taken, and no help will be given. We should seek Allah’s help and comfort through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humblest. Allah is truly with those who are patient. We should know that Allah is aware of what we conceal and what we reveal. When we remember Allah, in return Allah remembers us. We should always be thankful to Allah & never be ungrateful.
Allah tests us with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Good news to those who patiently endure, who when faced with a disaster say, surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return, they are the ones who are rightly guided. Those hiding clear proofs and guidance that Allah has revealed in the Quran will be condemned by Allah. As for those who repent, mend their ways, and let the truth be known, they are the ones to whom Allah will turn in forgiveness. Allah is our only God and there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful.
We should eat from what is lawful and fresh and do not follow Satan’s footsteps who was our sworn enemy. We should remain guarded against Satan who incites us to commit evil and indecency. Allah has totally forbidden Riba. Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba from now onward, if you are really believers. It’s a sin to grab another’s wealth unjustly and by bribing the authorities. Do not conceal the testimony of loan and whoever conceals it, their hearts are indeed sinful.
Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and do not follow their charity with reminders of their generosity or hurtful words, Allah will reward them and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve. Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. To give charity publicly should be avoided so that no one’a self respect is hurt. However, the charity can be given openly if the objective is not the show-off but is to encourage others to do so. We are not allowed to give away old or worthless things for charity which we ourselves would not accept if similar things were given to us by them. Practically we give away old clothes and food (specially kept in the freezer) to servants and baggers. This is not allowed because if our servants treat us in the same way we will not only refuse to accept but unjustly show resentment. Furthermore, by giving substandard things we behave as if we were superior to others. Not liked by Allah because in the eyes of Allah we are all equal as human beings.
