The second chapter of the Qur’an is called al-Baqarah, or The Heifer. It consists of 286 verses. Here is our commentary.

 

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Disclaimer

We are not Muslims. We have no expertise with the Qur’an.

We are reading the Qur’an as a good-faith effort to to become better-equipped for the ministry of of Interfaith Dialogue with Muslims.

We are Christians who are reading the Qur’an for the first time. Our mindset is to approach the Qur’an with respect and as learners. Our comments are simply whatever stood out to us.

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In the name of God, the Almighty, the Merciful.

 

VERSE 1. ALM.

That is, Alif Lām Mīm.

 

VERSE 2. That is the book, which is without doubt-a guide for the righteous.

the righteous. Or “God-fearing.”

 

VERSE 3. The ones who believe in the unseen, and hold the Connection, and from Our provisions to them they spend.

believe in the unseen. Many people throughout the world believe in the unseen realm.

 

VERSE 4. And the ones who believe in what was sent down to you, and what was sent down before you, and regarding the Hereafter they are certain.

regarding the Hereafter. Many people throughout the world believe in the world to come.

 

VERSE 5. Those are the ones guided by their Lord, and those are the successful ones.

guided by their Lord. Many people throughout the world believe they are guided by their Lord.

 

VERSE 6. As for those who reject, whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.

those who reject. Presumably this means people who reject the three points mentioned in the previous verses:

• believe in the unseen (verse 3)
• believe in the Hereafter (verse 4)
• believe they are guided by their Lord (verse 5)

 

VERSE 7. God has sealed their hearts and their ears, and over their eyes are covers. They will incur a great retribution.

over their eyes. Or “over their inner sight.”

 

VERSE 8. And from the people are those who say: “We believe in God and in the Last Day,” but they are not believers.

but they are not believers. In their public persona, some people claim to be members of the believing community. But behind the scenes they do not.

Why do such people claim to be believers? Perhaps the main reason is to manipulate believers.

 

VERSE 9. They seek to deceive God and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves without noticing.

 

VERSE 10. In their hearts is a disease, so God increases their disease, and they will have a painful retribution for what they have denied.

In their hearts is a disease. Presumably the disease in their hearts is disbelief.

 

VERSE 11. And if they are told: “Do not make corruption in the land,” they say: “But we are reformers!”

we are reformers. That is, “We make things right!”

Matthew 7:22. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’

 

VERSE 12. No, they are the corrupters, but they do not perceive.

they do not perceive. They are not aware that they make things worse.

 

VERSE 13. And if they are told: “Believe, as the people have believed,” they say: “Shall we believe like the foolish have believed?” No, they are the foolish but they do not know.

 

VERSE 14. And if they come across those who have believed, they say: “We believe,” and when they are alone with their devils they say: “We are with you, we were only mocking.”

alone with their devils. Presumably this means “alone with their inner demons.”

 

VERSE 15. God mocks them, and leaves them in their transgression, blundering.

 

VERSE 16. These are the ones who have purchased straying with guidance; their trade did not profit them, nor were they guided.

 

VERSE 17. Their example is like the one who lights a fire, so when it illuminates what is around him, God takes away his light and leaves him in the darkness not seeing.

John 12:36. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them.

 

VERSE 18. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return.

Deaf. They are unwilling to hear.

dumb. They are unwilling to speak.

blind. They are unwilling to see.

they will not return. That is, “they will not return to the way.”

 

VERSE 19. Or like a storm from the sky, in it is darkness and thunder and lightning. They place their fingers in their ears from the thunderbolts for fear of death; and God is aware of the rejecters.

 

VERSE 20. The lightning nearly snatches their sight, whenever it lights the path they walk in it, and when it becomes dark for them they stand. Had God willed, He would have taken their hearing and their sight; God is capable of all things.

 

VERSE 21. O people, serve your Lord who has created you and those before you that you may be righteous.

righteous. Or “God-fearing.”

 

VERSE 22. The One who has made the earth a resting place, and the sky a shelter, and He sent down from the sky water with which He brought out fruits as a gift to you. So do not set up any equals with God while you know.

 

VERSE 23. And if you are in doubt as to what We have sent down to Our servant, then bring a chapter like this, and call upon your witnesses other than God if you are truthful.

Our servant. Who is this?

a chapter like this. That is, “a Chapter of the Qur’an.”

 

VERSE 24. And if you cannot do this; and you will not be able to do this; then beware the Fire whose fuel is people and rocks, it has been prepared for the rejecters.

the Fire whose fuel is people and rocks. Presumably this refers to the fires of Hell.

 

VERSE 25. And give good news to those who believe and do good works that they will have gardens with rivers flowing beneath them. Every time they receive a provision of its fruit, they say: “This is what we have been provisioned before,” and they are given its likeness. And there they will have pure mates, and in it they will abide.

they will have gardens with rivers flowing beneath them. Presumably this refers to Heaven.

Revelation 22:1. He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,

 

VERSE 26. God does not shy away from putting forth the example of a mosquito, or anything above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for the rejecters, they say: “What does God intend with this example?” He strays many by it, and He guides many by it; but He only strays by it the wicked.

He strays many by it. That is, “He causes many to go astray by it.”

 

VERSE 27. The ones who break the pledge to God after making its covenant, and they sever what God had ordered to be delivered, and they make corruption on the earth; these are the losers.

 

VERSE 28. How can you reject God when you were dead and He brought you to life? Then He makes you die, then He brings you to life, then to Him you return.

How can you reject God. Or “How is it you are ungrateful to God.”

 

VERSE 29. He is the One who has created for you all that is on the earth, then He attended to the heaven and has made it seven heavens, and He is aware of all things.

He is aware of all things. God is all-knowing. God is omniscient.

 

VERSE 30. And your Lord said to the angels: “I am placing a successor on the earth.” They said: “Will You place in it he who would make corruption in it, and spill blood; while we glorify Your praise, and exalt to You?” He said: “I know what you do not know.”

your Lord. The author is speaking to a believer.

a successor. Or “a viceregent.”

 

VERSE 31. And He taught Adam the names of all things, then He displayed them to the angels and said: “Inform Me of the names of these if you are truthful.”

Adam. This is referring to the primordial couple in the Garden of Eden.

 

VERSE 32. They said: “Glory to You, we have no knowledge except that which You have taught us, You are the Knowledgeable, the Wise.”

 

VERSE 33. He said: “O Adam, inform them of their names,” so when he informed them of their names, He said: “Did I not tell you that I know the unseen of the heavens and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you are hiding?”

 

VERSE 34. And We said to the angels: “Yield to Adam,” so they yielded except for Satan, he refused and became arrogant, and became of the rejecters.

We said. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

 

VERSE 35. And We said: “O Adam, reside you and your mate in the paradise, and eat from it bountifully as you both wish, and do not come near this tree, else you will be of those who have wronged.”

do not come near this tree. The primordial couple is forbidden from eating from one particular tree.

 

VERSE 36. So, the devil caused them to slip from it, and he brought them out from what they were in, and We said: “Descend; for you are enemies to one another; and on the earth you will have residence and provisions until the appointed time.”

We said. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

 

VERSE 37. Adam then received words from his Lord, so He forgave him; He is the Forgiver, the Merciful.

 

VERSE 38. We said: “Descend from it all of you, so when the guidance comes from Me, then whoever follows My guidance, they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.”

We said. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

 

VERSE 39. And those who disbelieve and deny Our revelations, they are the dwellers of Hell, in it they will abide.

Our. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

 

VERSE 40. O Children of Israel, remember My favor that I had bestowed upon you, and fulfill your pledge to Me that I may fulfill My pledge to you, and reverence Me alone.

O Children of Israel. This refers to the Jewish people.

 

VERSE 41. And believe in what I have sent down, affirming what is with you, and do not be the first to disbelieve in it! And do not purchase with My revelations a cheap gain, and of Me you shall be aware.

 

VERSE 42. And do not confound the truth with falsehood, nor keep the truth secret while you know.

do not confound the truth with falsehood. This is difficult to do.

In our day, there are many types of people who use deception for their personal gain. For example, marketers, advertisers, news networks, and politicians.

Also, in our day, in the general population, and even in the Christian population, not all people are trustworthy.

 

VERSE 43. And hold the Connection, and contribute towards purification, and kneel with those who kneel.

hold the Connection. Or “perform the formal prayer.”

 

VERSE 44. Do you exhort the people to do good, but forget yourselves, while you are reciting the Book? Do you not comprehend?

 

VERSE 45. And seek help through patience and through the Connection. It is a difficult thing, but not so for the humble.

 

VERSE 46. The ones who conceive that they will meet their Lord and that to Him they will return.

 

VERSE 47. O Children of Israel, remember My favor that I had bestowed upon you, and that I had preferred you over all the worlds.

My favor. Or “divine blessing.”

 

VERSE 48. And beware of a Day when no soul can avail another soul, nor will any intercession be accepted from it, nor will any ransom be taken, nor will they have supporters.

 

VERSE 49. And We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, they were afflicting you with the worst punishment; they used to slaughter your sons, and rape your women. In that was a great test from your Lord.

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

saved you. In this section, the Qur’an is addressing the Jewish people.

your women. This is a way of referring to women as property.

Gender bias is hostile to Jesus Christ. When it comes to gender bias, we Christians have often been the most egregious offenders. It is time for us to change our behavior.

 

VERSE 50. And We parted the sea for you, thus We saved you and drowned the people of Pharaoh while you were watching.

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

parted the sea for you. In this section, the Qur’an is addressing the Jewish people.

 

VERSE 51. And We appointed a meeting time for Moses of forty nights, but then you took the calf after him while you were wicked.

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

you took the calf. The Qur’an blames the entire Jewish people for the Golden Calf.

 

VERSE 52. Then We pardoned you after that, perhaps you would be thankful.

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

 

VERSE 53. And We gave Moses the Book and the Criterion, perhaps you would be guided.

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

We gave Moses the Book. Presumably this refers to the Torah.

 

VERSE 54. And Moses said to his people: “O my people, you have wronged yourselves by taking the calf, so repent to your Maker, and slay yourselves; that is better for you with your Maker, so He would forgive you. He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”

slay yourselves. Or “kill yourselves.”

Presumably this means “deny yourself.”

The Lord Jesus calls us to deny ourselves. But what does that mean? How can you grow in denying yourself each day? Read more »

 

VERSE 55. And you said: “O Moses, we will not believe you until we see God openly!” So the thunderbolt took you while you were still staring.

until we see God openly. This reminds us of the many instances where people said to the Lord Jesus that they will believe him, but only after he shows them a miracle.

 

VERSE 56. Then We revived you after your death that you may be thankful.

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

revived you after your death. Or “We will raise you up after your death.”

 

VERSE 57. And We shaded you with clouds, and sent down to you manna and quails: “Eat from the goodness of the provisions We have provided you.” They did not wrong Us, but it was their souls that they wronged.

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

 

VERSE 58. And We said: “Enter this town, and eat from it as you wish bountifully. And enter the passageway by crouching, and say: “Our load is removed,” so that your wrongdoings will be forgiven, and We will increase for the good doers.”

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

 

VERSE 59. But the wicked altered what was said to them to a different saying, thus We sent down upon the wicked an affliction from the heavens for what wickedness they were in.

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

an affliction from the heavens. Or “wrath from heaven.”

 

VERSE 60. And Moses was seeking water for his people, so We said: “Strike the rock with your staff.” Thus twelve springs exploded out of it; each people then knew from where to drink. “Eat and drink from the provisions of God, and do not roam the earth as corrupters.”

We. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to Self as a Plurality. This is surprising, given the Bible’s focus on the oneness of God. We find this also in The Qur’an. Read more »

Strike the rock with your staff. In the desert, a rock gave God’s people life-saving water. Later, the rock was a symbol for the LORD God. In the New Testament, the rock is the Lord Jesus. Read more »

 

VERSE 61. And you said: “O Moses, we will not be patient to one type of food, so call for us your Lord that He may bring forth what the earth grows of its beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions.” He said: “Would you trade that which is lowly with that which is good?” Descend Egypt, you will have in it what you have asked for. And they were stricken with humiliation and disgrace, and they remained under the wrath of God for they were disbelieving in the revelations of God, and killing the prophets without right; this is for what they have disobeyed and transgressed.

And you said. This is addressing the Hebrew people who rebelled against Moses.

 

VERSE 62. Surely those who believe; and those who are Jewish, and the Nazarenes, and the Sabians, whoever of them believes in God and the Last Day and does good works; they will have their recompense with their Lord, and there is no fear upon them, nor will they grieve.

Shakir translation. Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.

the Sabians. They are a mysterious religious group mentioned three times in the Qur’an:

Qur’an 2:62. Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve. (Shakir translation)

Qur’an 5:69. Surely those who believe, and those who are Jewish, and the Sabians, and the Nazarenes, whoever of them believes in God and the Last Day and does good works; then they will have nothing to fear nor will they grieve.

Qur’an 22:17. Surely those who believe; and those who are Jewish, and the Sabians, and the Nazarenes, and the Zoroastrians; and those who were polytheists; God will separate between them on the Day of Resurrection. For God is witness over all things.

However, the knowledge of any specifics about the Sabians has been lost.

 

VERSE 63. And We took your covenant, and raised the mount above you: “Take what We have given you with strength, and remember what is in it that you may be righteous.”

righteous. Or “God-fearing.”

 

VERSE 64. Then you turned away after this. And had it not been for the grace of God upon you and His mercy, you would have been of the losers.

 

VERSE 65. You have come to know who it was among you that transgressed the Sabbath, We said to them: “Be despicable apes!”

Be despicable apes. This is not from the Torah.

 

VERSE 66. So it was that We made it burdensome for what had happened in it and also afterwards, and as a reminder to the righteous.

 

VERSE 67. And Moses said to his people: “God orders you to slaughter a heifer.” They said: “Do you mock us?” He said: “I seek refuge with God that I not be of the ignorant ones.”

God orders you to slaughter a heifer. Many people find it morally objectionable that a religion requires the killing of innocent animals.

 

VERSE 68. They said: “Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify which it is.” He said: “He says it is a heifer neither too old nor too young, an age between that. So now do as you are commanded.”

an age between that. Or “middle-aged.”

 

VERSE 69. They said: “Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify what color it is.” He said: “He says it is a yellow heifer with a strong color, pleasing to those who see it.”

 

VERSE 70. They said: “Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify which one it is, for the heifers all look alike to us and we will, God willing, be guided.”

 

VERSE 71. He said: “He says it is a heifer which was never subjugated to plough the land, or water the crops, without any patch.” They said: “Now you have come with the truth.” And they slaughtered it, though they had nearly not done so.

without any patch. Or “without any blemish.”

 

VERSE 72. And you had murdered a person, then disputed in the matter; God was to bring out what you were keeping secret.

 

VERSE 73. We said: “Strike him with part of it.” It is thus that God brings the dead to life, and He shows you His signs that you may comprehend.

that you may comprehend. Or “that perhaps you will be reasonable.”

 

VERSE 74. Then your hearts became hardened after that, they became like rocks or even harder; but even from the rocks there are rivers that burst forth, and from them are those that crack so that the water comes forth, and from them are what descends from concern towards God; and God is not unaware of what you do.

 

VERSE 75. Did you expect that they would believe with you, when a group of them had heard the words of God then altered them knowingly after having understood?

 

VERSE 76. And when they come across those who believe, they say: “We believe!” And when they are alone with each other they say: “Why do you inform them of what God has said to us? Then they would use it in argument against us at your Lord. Do you not comprehend?”

do you not comprehend. Or “Will you not, then, be reasonable.”

 

VERSE 77. Do they not know that God knows what they conceal and what they declare?

 

VERSE 78. And among them are gentiles who do not know the Book except by hearsay, and they only conjecture.

among them are gentiles. Or “among them are the unlettered.”

 

VERSE 79. So woe to those who write the Book with their hands then say: “This is from God,” so that they can purchase with it a cheap price! Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they gained.

 

VERSE 80. And they said: “The Fire will not touch us except for a number of days.” Say: “Have you taken a pledge with God? If so, then God will not break His pledge. Or do you say about God what you do not know?”

 

VERSE 81. Indeed, whoever gains a sin, and is surrounded by his mistakes; those are the people of the Fire, in it they will abide.

Many Christians equate monetary success with godliness. But the Lord Jesus asks: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Read more »

 

VERSE 82. And those who believe and do good works, they are the people of Paradise, in it they will abide.

believe and do good works. The Qur’an resolves the age-old question that Christians have been arguing about for centuries: are we saved by faith, or by good works. The Qur’an combines them.

Are we are saved by faith? By God’s grace? By our own good works? Or by some combination of those? What does the Bible tell us? Read more »

 

VERSE 83. And We took the covenant of the Children of Israel: “You shall not serve except God, and do good to your parents, and regard the relatives, and the orphans, and the needy, and say kind things to the people, and hold the Connection, and contribute towards purification.” But then you turned away, except for a few of you; you were objecting.

hold the Connection. Or “perform the formal prayer.”

 

VERSE 84. And We have taken a covenant with you: “You shall not spill the blood of each other, nor drive each other out from your homes.” And you agreed to this while bearing witness.

 

VERSE 85. But then, here you are slaying yourselves, and driving out a group of you from their homes; you act towards them with sin and animosity. And if they come to you as prisoners, you demand ransom for them, while it was forbidden for you to drive them out! Do you believe in part of the Book and disbelieve in part? The punishment for those among you who do so is humiliation in this worldly life, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be delivered to the most severe retribution. God is not unaware of what you do.

driving out a group of you from their homes. This is happening in the U.S.

act towards them with sin and animosity. This is happening in the U.S.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

Resurrection. By our count, the resurrection is mentioned four times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 86. These are the ones who have purchased this worldly life instead of the Hereafter. The retribution will not be reduced for them, nor will they be supported.

 

VERSE 87. And We gave Moses the Book, and after him We sent the messengers. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, the clear proofs, and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that every time a messenger comes to you with what your souls do not desire, you become arrogant? A group of them you deny, and a group of them you kill!

Jesus, son of Mary. The Lord Jesus is mentioned in the Qur’an.

 

VERSE 88. And they said: “Our hearts are sealed!” No, it is God who has cursed them for their rejection, for very little do they believe.

 

VERSE 89. And when a Book came to them from God, affirming what is with them; while before that they were mocking those who rejected; so when what they knew came to them, they rejected it! The curse of God be upon the rejecters.

 

VERSE 90. Miserable indeed is what they purchase with their souls, that they disbelieve in what God has sent down as a resentment that God would send down from His grace to whom He pleases of His servants; thus they have incurred wrath upon wrath. And the rejecters will have a humiliating retribution.

 

VERSE 91. And if it is said to them: “Believe in what God has sent down;” they say: “We believe only in what was sent down to us,” and they reject what came after it, while it is the truth affirming what is with them. Say: “Why then did you kill the prophets of God if you were believers?”

what God has sent down. To whom does this refer?

 

VERSE 92. And Moses had come to you with clear proofs, then you took the calf after him; you were wicked!

 

VERSE 93. And We took your covenant, and raised the mount above you: “Take what We have given you with strength, and listen.” They said: “We hear and disobey!” And they had consumed the calf inside their hearts by their disbelief. Say: “Miserable indeed is what your belief orders of you if you are believers!”

We hear and disobey. They knew the right thing. But they deliberately rejected it.

 

VERSE 94. Say: “If the abode of the Hereafter has been set exclusively for you with God, to the exception of all other people, then you should wish for death if you are truthful!”

the abode of the Hereafter. Such a place is not discussed in the Torah. Except in one verse toward the end of the Book of Deuteronomy.

The New Testament describes heaven and eternal life. But what does the Old Testament say about life after death? Read more »

 

VERSE 95. They will never wish for it because of what their hands have delivered; and God is aware of the wicked.

 

VERSE 96. And you will find them the most obsessive people regarding longevity; even more than the polytheists; each one of them wishes that he could live a thousand years. It will not change for him the retribution even if he lived so long, God is watchful over what you do.

 

VERSE 97. Say: “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, then know that he has sent it down into your heart with the permission of God, affirming what is with him, and a guide and good news for the believers.”

Gabriel. Christian artists often portray angels as obese caucasian babies with blond hair. However, angels are powerful spirit entities with immense power and authority. Read more »

 

VERSE 98. “Whoever is an enemy to God and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then so God is the enemy to the disbelievers.”

His angels. Christian artists often portray angels as obese caucasian babies with blond hair. However, angels are powerful spirit entities with immense power and authority. Read more »

 

VERSE 99. We have sent down to you clear revelations; only the wicked would disbelieve in them.

clear revelations. This is a lovely sentiment. However, the biblical revelation is not always clear. Peter himself said the Bible is sometimes hard to understand:

2 Peter 3:16. as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

 

VERSE 100. Is it that each time they make a pledge, a group of them breaks it? Alas, most of them do not believe.

 

VERSE 101. And when a messenger came to them from God, affirming what was with them, a group of those who had already received the Book placed the Book of God behind their backs as if they did not know.

 

VERSE 102. And they followed what the devils recited regarding the kingship of Solomon. Solomon did not reject, but it was the devils who rejected; teaching people magic and what was sent down on the two angels in Babylon: Haroot and Maroot. Though these two did not teach anyone until they said: “We are but a trial, so do not renounce!” Thus they learn from them what can separate between a person and his mate; but they cannot harm anyone except with the permission of God. And they learn what harms them and does not benefit them, and they have known that he who purchases such has no place in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed is what they purchased with their souls if only they knew!

Haroot and Maroot. They are only mentioned in the Quran. They are said to tempt humans by teaching them the arts of sorcery.

 

VERSE 103. And had they believed and been righteous, it would have brought them a reward from God which is far better if only they knew!

 

VERSE 104. O you who believe, do not say: “Shepherd us,” but say: “Be patient with us,” and listen. For the rejecters is a painful retribution.

 

VERSE 105. Neither do those who have rejected from among the people of the Book, nor from among the polytheists, wish that any good comes down to you from your Lord. But God chooses with His mercy whom He wishes; and from God is the greatest grace.

 

VERSE 106. We do not duplicate a sign, or make it forgotten, unless We bring one which is like it or even greater. Did you not know that God is capable of all things?

 

VERSE 107. Did you not know that to God is the kingship of the heavens and the earth, and that you do not have besides God any guardian or supporter?

 

VERSE 108. Or do you want to ask your messenger as Moses was asked before? Whoever replaces belief with rejection, he has indeed strayed from the right path.

your messenger. To whom does this refer?

 

VERSE 109. Many of the people of the Book have wished that they could return you to being rejecters after your believing, out of envy from their souls after the truth was made clear to them. You shall forgive them and overlook until God brings His will. God is capable of all things.

 

VERSE 110. And hold the Connection, and contribute towards purification; and what you bring forth of good for your souls you will find it with God. God is watching what you do.

 

VERSE 111. And they said: “None shall enter Paradise except those who are Jewish or Nazarenes;” this is what they wish! Say: “Bring forth your proof if you are truthful.”

they said. That is, Jewish people and Christians are saying the things in this verse.

None shall enter Paradise. This is an exclusionary statement.

except those who are Jewish. Some Jewish people believe they alone have the possibility of Paradise.

or Nazarenes. Some Christians believe they alone have the possibility of Paradise.

 

VERSE 112. No; whoever submits himself to God, while doing good, he will have his recompense with his Lord. There will be no fear over them, nor will they grieve.

No. Those statements in the previous verse are wrong.

whoever submits himself to God. To submit yourself to God is the essence of Islam. After all, the word “Islam” means voluntary submission to the will of God.

 

VERSE 113. And the Jews say: “The Nazarenes have no basis,” and the Nazarenes say: “The Jews have no basis,” while they are both reciting the Book! Similarly, those who do not know have said the same thing. God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection in what they dispute.

the Day of Resurrection. By our count, the resurrection is mentioned four times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 114. And who are more wicked than those who prevent the temples of God that His name be mentioned in them; and they seek their destruction? They will not be able to enter them except in fear; they will have humiliation in this world and in the Hereafter a painful retribution.

 

VERSE 115. And to God belongs the east and the west, so wherever you turn, there is the face of God. God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

wherever you turn, there is the face of God. God is everywhere.

 

VERSE 116. And they said: “God has taken a child!” Be He glorified. To Him is all that is in the heavens and the earth, all are dutiful to Him.

 

VERSE 117. Initiator of the heavens and the earth, when He decrees a command, He merely says to it: ‘Be,’ and it is.

He merely says to it: ‘Be,’ and it is. That is the essence of the Creation narrative in the Book of Genesis.

God speaks, and it happens.

 

VERSE 118. And those who do not know said: “If only God would speak to us, or a sign would come to us.” It is the same thing that the people before them have said, their hearts are so similar! We have clarified the signs for a people who comprehend.

 

VERSE 119. We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news and a warner. You will not be questioned about the people of Hell.

 

VERSE 120. Neither the Jews nor the Nazarenes will be pleased with you until you follow their creed. Say: “The guidance is the guidance of God.” And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, then there is none who can help or protect you against God.

 

VERSE 121. Those to whom We gave the Book, they recite it as it truthfully deserves to be recited; they believe in it. As for those who disbelieve in it, they are the losers.

Those to whom We gave the Book. Presumably this refers to the Jewish people.

 

VERSE 122. O Children of Israel, remember My favor that I had bestowed upon you, and that I had preferred you over all the worlds.

 

VERSE 123. And beware of a Day when no soul can avail another soul, nor will any amendment be accepted from it, nor will any intercession help it; they will not be supported.

 

VERSE 124. And it was so, that Abram was tested by commands from his Lord, which he fulfilled. He said: “I will make you a leader for the people.” He said: “And also from my progeny?” He said: “My pledge will not encompass the wicked.”

 

VERSE 125. And it was so, that We have made the Sanctuary to be a model for the people and a place of safety. And you shall take the station of Abram as an orientation for connecting. And We made a pledge to Abram and Ishmael: “You shall purify My Sanctuary for those who visit, and those who are devoted, and the kneeling, the prostrating.”

the Sanctuary. Presumably this refers to the temple in Jerusalem.

 

VERSE 126. And it was so, that Abram said: “My Lord, make this a land of peace, and provide for its inhabitants of the fruits for whoever believes in God and the Last Day.” He said: “As for he who rejects, I will let him enjoy for a while, then I will force him to the retribution of the Fire. What a miserable destiny!”

make this a land of peace:

Psalm 122:6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.

 

VERSE 127. And it was so, that Abram was raising the foundations for the Sanctuary, and Ishmael: “Our Lord accept this from us, You are the Hearer, the Knowledgeable.”

Abram … Ishmael. This verse combines Abram with Ishmael.

That is different than we see in the Old Testament. It combines Abram with Isaac.

 

VERSE 128. “Our Lord, and let us submit to You and from our progeny a nation submitting to You, and show us our practices, and forgive us; You are the Forgiver, the Merciful.”

let us submit to You. To submit yourself to God is the essence of Islam. After all, the word “Islam” means voluntary submission to the will of God.

 

VERSE 129. “Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from among themselves, that he may recite to them Your revelations and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify them. You are the Noble, the Wise.”

 

VERSE 130. And who would abandon the creed of Abram except one who fools himself? We have selected him in this world, and in the Hereafter he is of the righteous.

in the Hereafter he is of the righteous. Abram is seen as righteous.

 

VERSE 131 When his Lord said to him: “Submit,” he said: “I submit to the Lord of the worlds.”

Submit. To submit yourself to God is the essence of Islam. After all, the word “Islam” means voluntary submission to the will of God.

 

VERSE 132. And Abram enjoined his sons and Jacob: “O my sons, God has selected the system for you, so do not die except as ones who have submitted.”

ones who have submitted. To submit yourself to God is the essence of Islam. After all, the word “Islam” means voluntary submission to the will of God.

 

VERSE 133. Or were you present when death came to Jacob and he said to his sons: “Who shall you serve from after me?” They said: “Your god, and the god of your fathers Abram, and Ishmael, and Isaac; One god and to Him we submit.”

to Him we submit. To submit yourself to God is the essence of Islam. After all, the word “Islam” means voluntary submission to the will of God.

 

VERSE 134. That is a nation that has passed away; to them is what they have earned, and to you is what you have earned; and you will not be asked regarding what they did.

to them is what they have earned. There is a law of “sowing and reaping” throughout the Bible. How shall we reconcile it with grace and mercy? Here are the verses we’ve found »

 

VERSE 135. And they said: “Be Jewish or Nazarenes so that you may be guided!” Say: “No, rather the creed of Abram, monotheism; for he was not of the polytheists.”

 

VERSE 136. Say: “We believe in God and in what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abram, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make a distinction between any of them and to Him we submit.”

to Him we submit. To submit yourself to God is the essence of Islam. After all, the word “Islam” means voluntary submission to the will of God.

 

VERSE 137. So, if they believe exactly as you have believed, then they are guided; but if they turn away, then they are in opposition and God will suffice you against them, and He is the Hearer, the Knower.

 

VERSE 138. Such is the coloring of God, and who is better than God in coloring? And to Him we are in service.

 

VERSE 139. Say: “Do you debate with us regarding God? He is our Lord and your Lord, and we have our works and you have your works, and to Him we are believers.”

 

VERSE 140. “Or do you say that Abram and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Patriarchs were Jewish or Nazarenes?” Say: “Are you more knowledgeable or is God?” Who is more wicked than the one who conceals a testimony with him from God? God is not unaware of what you do.

Abram and Ishmael and Isaac. This verse lists Ishmael prior to Isaac.

That is different than we see in the Old Testament. It lists Isaac, and almost always ignores Ishmael.

 

VERSE 141. That is a nation that has passed away; to them is what they have earned, and to you is what you have earned; and you will not be asked regarding what they did.

a nation that has passed away. This is called Supersessionism.

Supersessionism is a viewpoint of some professing Christians who believe the Christian Church has superseded the Jewish people and taken over their role as God’s people.

In this verse the Qur’an itself appears to have a Supersessionist mindset.

 

VERSE 142. The foolish from among the people will say: “What has turned them away from the focal point that they were on?” Say: “To God is the east and the west, He guides whomsoever He wishes to a straight path.”

 

VERSE 143. And as such, We have made you a balanced nation so that you may be witness over the people, and that the messenger may be witness over you. And We did not make the focal point that you came on except that We may know who is following the messenger from those who will turn on their heels. It was a great thing indeed except for those whom God had guided; God was not to waste your belief. God is Merciful and Compassionate over the people.

We have made you a balanced nation. This is a strong claim.

 

VERSE 144. We see the shifting of your face in the heaven; We will set for you a focal point that will be pleasing to you: “You shall set your face towards the Restricted Temple; and wherever you may be, you shall all set your faces towards it.” Those who have been given the Book know it is the truth from their Lord. And God is not unaware of what you do.

You shall set your face towards the Restricted Temple. Presumably this refers to the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

 

VERSE 145. And if you come to those who have been given the Book with every sign they will not follow your focal point, nor will you follow their focal point, nor will some of them even follow each others focal point. And if you were to follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, then you would be one of the wicked.

 

VERSE 146. Those to whom We have given the Book recognize it as they recognize their own sons; and a group of them hides the truth while they know.

 

VERSE 147. The truth is from your Lord, so do not be one of those who doubt.

 

VERSE 148. And to each is a direction that he will take, so you shall race towards good deeds. Wherever you may be, God will bring you all together. God is capable of all things.

you shall race towards good deeds. This is a lovely resolution of the age-old debate among Christians concerning faith versus works.

Matthew 7:22. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’

 

VERSE 149. And from wherever you go out, you shall set your face towards the Restricted Temple; it is the truth from your Lord; and God is not unaware of what you do.

set your face towards the Restricted Temple. Presumably this refers to the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

 

VERSE 150. And from wherever you go out, you shall set your face towards the Restricted Temple. And wherever you may be, you shall all set your faces towards it; that the people will have no room for debate with you, except those of them who are wicked. You shall not be concerned by them, but be concerned by Me; so that I may complete My blessings upon you and that you may be guided.

set your face towards the Restricted Temple. Presumably this refers to the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

 

VERSE 151. As We have sent a messenger to you from among yourselves to recite Our revelations to you, and purify you, and teach you the Book and the wisdom, and teach you what you did not know.

 

VERSE 152. So remember Me that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me and do not disbelieve.

remember Me that I may remember you. This seems to imply that God will not remember us unless we first remember him.

 

VERSE 153. O you who believe, seek help through patience and through the Connection, God is with the patient ones.

 

VERSE 154. And do not say of those who are killed in the cause of God that they are dead; no, they are alive but you do not perceive.

they are alive. The Qur’an envisions life after death.

 

VERSE 155. And We will test you with some fear and hunger, and a shortage in money and lives and fruits. And give good news to those who are patient.

We will test you. We are to consider it pure joy when we face any kind of suffering or temptation, difficulty or trial. This is not natural for most of us. Read more »

 

VERSE 156. The ones who, when afflicted with adversity, they say: “We are to God and to Him we will return.”

 

VERSE 157. For those there will be connections from their Lord and a mercy, they are the guided ones.

 

VERSE 158. The flawless and the healthy are for the rites of God. So whoever makes Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, or undertakes such, commits no error if he directs them. And whoever donates in goodness, then God is Thankful, Knowledgeable.

Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary. Presumably this refers to Hajj, which is a pilgrimage to the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

 

VERSE 159. Surely those who conceal what We have sent down to them of the clarities and the guidance, after We had made it clear for the people in the Book; these will be cursed by God and be cursed by those who curse.

 

VERSE 160. Except those who repent and amend and clarify; for those I will accept their repentance, for I am the One who accepts repentance, the Merciful.

 

VERSE 161. Surely, those who have disbelieved and then died as disbelievers; they will be cursed by God, and the angels, and all the people.

those who have disbelieved and then died as disbelievers. If you do not repent prior to your death, a miserable eternity is in store for you:

they will be cursed by God, and the angels, and all the people. You will be universally cursed.

 

VERSE 162. They will abide therein, where the retribution will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved.

They will abide therein. The suffering will never end.

 

VERSE 163. And your god is but One god, there is no god except He; the Almighty, the Merciful.

 

VERSE 164. Surely, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the differences between the night and the day, and the ships that sail in the sea for the benefit of the people, and what God has sent down of water from the sky so He brings the earth back to life after it had died, and He sent forth from it every creature, and the dispatching of the winds and the clouds that have been commissioned between the earth and the sky are signs for a people who comprehend.

 

VERSE 165. And from among the people are some who take other than God as equals to Him, they love them as they love God; but those who believe love God more strongly; and when those who were wicked see the retribution, they will see that all power belongs to God, and that God is severe in retribution.

God is severe in retribution. God will punish. Severely.

 

VERSE 166. When those who were followed will disown those who followed them, and they will see the retribution, and all excuses will abandon them.

 

VERSE 167. And those who followed them said: “If we only could have a chance to disown them as they have disowned us.” It is such that God will show them their works which will be regretted by them; they will not leave the Fire.

 

VERSE 168. O people, eat from what is on the earth as good and permissible, and do not follow in the footsteps of the devil. He is to you a clear enemy.

the devil. He is to you a clear enemy. The devil is not just a metaphor. He actually exists.

 

VERSE 169. He only orders you to evil and immorality, and that you may say about God what you do not know.

 

VERSE 170. And if they are told: “Follow what God has sent down,” they say: “No, we will follow what we found our fathers doing!” What if their fathers did not comprehend anything and were not guided?

 

VERSE 171. And the example of those who disbelieve is like one who repeats what he has heard of calls and cries; deaf, dumb, and blind, they do not comprehend.

 

VERSE 172. O you who believe, eat from the good things We have provided for you, and be thankful to God; if it is Him you serve.

 

VERSE 173. He has only forbidden for you that which is already dead, and blood, and the meat of pig, and what was sacrificed with to other than God. Whoever finds himself forced out of need, without seeking disobedience or transgression, then there is no sin upon him. God is Forgiving, Merciful.

He has only forbidden for you. Here is a list of forbidden foods:

that which is already dead. Presumably this refers to carrion.

and blood. Muslims may not consume blood.

the meat of pig. Like Jewish people, Muslims may not eat pork.

what was sacrificed with to other than God. Like Christians, Muslims may not eat food that was sacrificed to idols.

Acts 15:20. but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 174. Surely, those who conceal what God has sent down of the Book, and they purchase with it a cheap price; they will not eat in their bellies except the Fire, and God will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they will have a painful retribution.

the Day of Resurrection. By our count, the resurrection is mentioned four times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 175. These are the ones who have purchased straying with guidance, and retribution for forgiveness; they have no patience towards the Fire.

 

VERSE 176. This is because God has sent down the Book with the truth; and those who have disputed about the Book are in far opposition.

 

VERSE 177. Piety is not to turn your faces towards the east and the west, but pious is one who believes in God and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the prophets, and he gives money out of love to the relatives, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and those who ask, and to free the slaves; and he holds the Connection, and contributes towards purification; and those who keep their pledges when they make a pledge, and those who are patient in the face of adversity and hardship and when in despair. These are the ones who have been truthful, and these are the righteous.

to free the slaves. This is called for in the Qur’an.

 

VERSE 178. O you who believe, reparation has been decreed for you in the case of those who are killed; the free for the free, and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. Whoever is forgiven anything by his brother, then it is to be followed with kindness and goodness towards him. That is an alleviation from your Lord, and a mercy; so whoever transgresses after that, he will have a painful retribution.

 

VERSE 179. And through reparation you will be protecting life, O you who possess intelligence, that you may be righteous.

 

VERSE 180. It is decreed for you that if death should come to any of you, that it is best if he leaves a will for his family and relatives out of goodness; this is a truth for the righteous.

leaves a will for his family. Do you have a Last Will and Testament?

 

VERSE 181. Whoever alters it after having heard it, then the sin will be upon those who alter it. God is Hearer, Knowledgeable.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 182. If anyone fears harm or sin from his beneficiary, and reconciles between them, there is no sin upon him. God is Forgiving, Merciful.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 183. O you who believe, fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you, perhaps you may be righteous.

fasting has been decreed. For Christians, fasting is optional. But for Muslims, fasting is mandatory.

 

VERSE 184. A few number of days. Whoever of you is ill or traveling, then the same count from different days; and as for those who can do so but with difficulty, they may redeem by feeding the needy. And whoever does good voluntarily, then it is better for him. And if you fast it is better for you if only you knew.

 

VERSE 185. An autumn month, in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guide to the people and a clarification of the guidance and the Criterion. Those of you who witness the month shall fast therein; and whoever is ill or traveling, then the same count from different days. God wants to bring you ease and not to bring you difficulty; and so that you may complete the count, and magnify God for what He has guided you to, and that you may be thankful.

An autumn month. The mandatory fast will last a month.

 

VERSE 186. And if My servants ask you about Me, I am near answering the calls of those who call to Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.

 

VERSE 187. It has been made permissible for you during the night of fasting to approach your women sexually. They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. God knew that you used to betray your souls, so He has redeemed you, and forgiven you; now you may approach them and seek what God has written for you. And you may eat and drink until the white thread is distinct from the black thread of dawn; then you shall complete the fast until night; and do not approach them while you are devoted in the temples. These are the boundaries of God, so do not transgress them. It is thus that God clarifies His revelations to the people that they may be righteous.

your women. This is a way of referring to women as property.

Gender bias is hostile to Jesus Christ. When it comes to gender bias, we Christians have often been the most egregious offenders. It is time for us to change our behavior.

 

VERSE 188. And do not consume your money between you unjustly by bribing the decision makers so that you may consume a part of the money of other people sinfully while you know!

bribing the decision makers. Muslims are forbidden from offering bribes.

We wish Christians were also forbidden from offering bribes.

 

VERSE 189. They ask you regarding the crescents, say: “They provide a timing mechanism for the people and the Pilgrimage.” And piety is not that you would enter a home from its back, but piety is whoever is righteous and comes to the homes from their main doors. And be aware of God that you may succeed.

 

VERSE 190. And fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not aggress, God does not like the aggressors.

do not aggress. This seems to say that Muslims may not instigate a conflict.

 

VERSE 191. And you may kill them wherever you engage them, and expel them from where they expelled you, and know that persecution is worse than being killed. And do not fight them at the Restricted Temple unless they fight you in it; if they fight you then kill them, thus is the recompense of the rejecters.

you may kill them. This seems to say that if Muslims are attacked, they may defend themselves with lethal intensity.

 

VERSE 192. And if they cease, then God is Forgiving, Merciful.

 

VERSE 193. And fight them so there is no more persecution, and so that the system is for God. If they cease, then there will be no aggression except against the wicked.

 

VERSE 194. The restricted Month shall be met in the restricted Month, and the prohibitions shall have reparation. Whoever attacks you, then you shall attack him the same as he attacked you; and be aware of God, and know that God is with the righteous.

 

VERSE 195. And spend in the cause of God, but do not throw your resources to disaster. And do good, for God loves those who do good.

God loves those who do good. This seems to imply that God does NOT love those who do not do good.

 

VERSE 196. And complete the Pilgrimage and the undertaking for God. But, if you are prevented, then provide what offering is affordable; and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination. Whoever of you is ill or has an ailment to his head, then he may redeem by fasting or giving a charity or a rite. When you are secure, then whoever benefited from the undertaking until the Pilgrimage, then to provide what offering is affordable; but for he who cannot find, then the fast of three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he returns; this will make a complete ten—this is for those whose family had not been at the Restricted Temple. And be aware of God, and know that God is severe in retribution.

 

VERSE 197. The Pilgrimage is in the appointed months; so whoever decides to perform the Pilgrimage in them, then there shall be no sexual approach, nor wickedness, nor baseless argument in the Pilgrimage. And any good that you do, God is aware of it; and bring provisions for yourselves, though the best provision is righteousness; and be aware of Me O you who possess intelligence.

there shall be no sexual approach. During the pilgrimage to the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, sexual activity is forbidden.

 

VERSE 198. There is no sin upon you if you are seeking provisions from your Lord; so when you disperse from the place of knowing one another, then remember God at the sacred place of sacrifice, and remember Him as He has guided you; for you were straying before that.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 199. Then you shall disperse from where the people dispersed, and seek the forgiveness of God; God is surely Forgiving, Merciful.

seek the forgiveness of God. This chapter seems permeated with notions of sin and forgiveness.

 

VERSE 200. When you have completed your practices, then remember God as you remember your fathers or even greater. From among the people is he who says: “Our Lord, give us from this world!” But in the Hereafter he has no part.

 

VERSE 201. And some of them say: “Our Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and spare us from the retribution of the Fire.”

This reminds us of many Christians. Their prayers are singularly focused on not going to Hell.

 

VERSE 202. These will have a share for what they have earned; and God is swift in reckoning.

 

VERSE 203. And remember God during a few number of days. Whoever hurries to two days, there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays, there is no sin upon him if he is being righteous. And be aware of God, and know that it is to Him that you will be gathered.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 204. And from among the people are those whose words you admire in this worldly life, but God is witness as to what is in his heart, for he is the worst in opposition.

 

VERSE 205. And if he gains power, he seeks to corrupt the earth and destroy its crops, and the lineage. God does not like corruption.

God does not like corruption. We wish this were a part of the Christian revelation.

 

VERSE 206. And if he is told: “Be aware of God,” his pride leads him to more sin. Hell shall be sufficient for him; what a miserable abode!

 

VERSE 207. And from among the people is he who sells his soul seeking the grace of God; God is kind to His servants.

God is kind to His servants. This seems to imply that God is NOT kind to those who do not serve him.

 

VERSE 208. O you who believe, join in peace, all of you, and do not follow in the footsteps of the devil. He is to you a clear enemy.

 

VERSE 209. But if you slip after the clarity has come to you, then know that God is Noble, Wise.

 

VERSE 210. Are they waiting for God to come to them shadowed in clouds with the angels? The matter would then be finished! And to God all matters are returned.

they. This section is addressing the Jewish people.

 

VERSE 211. Ask the Children of Israel how many clear signs did We give them? And whoever changes the grace of God after it has come to him, then God is Mighty in retribution.

 

VERSE 212. This worldly life has been made pleasing to the disbelievers, and they mock those who believe. And those who are righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; God provides for whoever He wishes without reckoning.

the disbelievers. This seems to be referring to the Jewish people.

those who believe. This seems to be referring to Muslims.

the Day of Resurrection. By our count, the resurrection is mentioned four times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 213. The people used to be one nation, then God sent the prophets as bearers of good news and warners, and He sent down with them the Book with the truth so that they may judge between the people in what they were disputing. But after receiving the clarity, the people disputed in it due to animosity between them. And God guided those who believed with His permission regarding what they disputed in of the truth. And God guides whoever He wishes to a straight path.

 

VERSE 214. Or did you expect that you would enter Paradise, while the example of those who were before you came to you; they were stricken with adversity and hardship, and they were shaken until the messenger and those who believed with him said: “When is the victory of God?” Yes indeed, the victory of God is near.

When is the victory of God? When will God’s ultimate victory take place?

It seems that it will happen very soon. Or maybe it will happen in ten thousand years.

 

VERSE 215. They ask you what they should spend, say: “What you spend out of goodness should go to your family and the relatives and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer. And any good you do, God is fully aware of it.”

 

VERSE 216. Warfare has been decreed for you while you hate it; and perhaps you may hate something while it is good for you, and perhaps you may love something while it is bad for you; and God knows while you do not know.

 

VERSE 217. They ask you about the restricted Month: “Is there fighting in it?” Say: “Much fighting is in it, and to repel from the path of God and to disbelieve in it, and the Restricted Temple, to drive its inhabitants out from it is far greater with God, and persecution is worse than being killed.” And they still will fight you until they turn you back from your system if they are able. And whoever of you turns back from his system, and he dies while disbelieving, then these have nullified their works in this world and the next; these are the people of the Fire, in it they will abide!

the restricted Month. The mandatory fast will last a month.

 

VERSE 218. Indeed, those who believe, and those who have immigrated and strived in the cause of God-these are seeking the mercy of God, and God is Forgiving, Merciful.

 

VERSE 219. They ask you about intoxicants and gambling. Say: “In them is much sin, and a benefit for the people; but their sin is greater than their benefit.” And they ask you how much they are to give, say: “The excess.” It is thus that God clarifies for you the revelations that you may think.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 220. In this world and the next; and they ask you regarding the orphans, say: “To fix their situation is best, and if you are to mix with them, then they are your brothers.” And God knows the corrupt from the good, and if God had wished He could have made things difficult. God is Noble, Wise.

 

VERSE 221. And do not marry the female polytheists until they believe; for a believing servant is better than a polytheist, even if she is pleasing to you. And do not give in marriage to the male polytheists until they believe; for a believing servant is better than a polytheist, even if he is pleasing to you. These invite to the Fire, while God is inviting to Paradise and forgiveness by His consent. He clarifies His revelations for the people that they may remember.

do not marry the female polytheists until they believe. A polytheist woman must convert before she can marry a Muslim man.

do not give in marriage to the male polytheists until they believe. Similarly, a polytheist man must convert before he can marry a Muslim woman.

a believing servant is better than a polytheist. This chapter has no tolerance for a polytheist.

 

VERSE 222. And they ask you about the menstruations? Say: “It is harmful, so retire yourselves sexually from the women during the menstruations, and do not approach them until they are purified. When they are purified, then you may approach them as God has commanded you.” God loves the repenters and He loves the purified.

It is harmful. Menstruation is a perfectly normal human experience. However, this chapter portrays it as harmful.

do not approach them until they are purified. Apparently after a woman’s cycle of menstruation has ended, she must be purified.

 

VERSE 223. Your women are a cultivation for you. So approach your cultivation as you wish towards goodness. And be aware of God and know that you will meet Him, and give good news to the believers.

your women. This is a way of referring to women as property.

Gender bias is hostile to Jesus Christ. When it comes to gender bias, we Christians have often been the most egregious offenders. It is time for us to change our behavior.

 

VERSE 224. And do not make God the subject of your casual oaths. Be pious and righteous and reconcile among the people; and God is Hearer, Knower.

 

VERSE 225. God will not call you to account for your casual oaths, but He will call you to account for what has entered your hearts. God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

 

VERSE 226. For those who abstain from their wives, they shall be given four months. If they renounce, then God is Forgiving, Merciful.

 

VERSE 227. And if they insist on the divorce, then God is Hearer, Knowledgeable.

the divorce. Apparently divorce is permitted.

 

VERSE 228. And those divorced shall wait for three menstruation periods; and it is not permissible for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And their husbands have a greater right to return them in this, if they wish to reconcile. And for them are rights similar to those owed by them. And the men will have a degree over them. And God is Noble, Wise.

husbands have a greater right. Apparently husbands have greater rights than wives.

men will have a degree over them. Apparently men have authority over women.

 

VERSE 229. The divorce may occur twice. So, either they remain together equitably, or part ways with goodness. And it is not permissible for you to take back anything you have given them unless you fear that they will not uphold the boundaries of God. So if you fear that they will not uphold the boundaries of God, then there is no sin upon them for what is given back. These are the boundaries of God so do not transgress them. And whoever shall transgress the boundaries of God, then these are the wicked.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 230. If he then divorces her, she will not be permissible for him until after she has married a different husband. If he were to divorce her; then there is no sin that they come back together if they think they will uphold the boundaries of God. These are the boundaries of God, He clarifies them for a people who know.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 231. And if you have divorced the women, and they have reached their required interim period, then either you remain together equitably, or part ways equitably. And do not reconcile with them so you can harm them out of animosity; whoever does so is doing wrong to his soul; and do not take the revelations of God as mockery. And remember the blessings of God upon you, and what was sent down to you of the Book and the wisdom, He warns you with it. And be aware of God and know that God is knowledgeable of all things.

 

VERSE 232. And if you divorce the women, and they reach their required interim period, then do not make difficulty for them if they wish to remarry their husbands if they have amicably agreed among themselves out of what is best. This is to remind any of you who believe in God and the Last Day, this is better for you and purer; and God knows while you do not know.

 

VERSE 233. And the birth mothers may suckle their children two full cycles, if they wish to complete the suckling. And the man for whom the child is born is responsible for both their provisions and clothing equitably. A soul is not burdened except with what it can bear. No mother shall be harmed because of her child, nor shall a father be harmed because of his child. And for the guardian is the same requirement. So if they wish to separate out of mutual agreement and counsel, then there is no sin upon them. And if you want to hire nursing mothers, then there is no sin upon you if you return what you have been given equitably. And be aware of God, and know that God is watching over what you do.

birth mothers may suckle their children two full cycles. This seems to impose a limit on the amount of time a mother may breastfeed her child.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 234. And those of you whose lives are terminated, and they leave wives behind, they will have a required interim period of four months and ten. So when they reach their required interim, then there is no sin upon you for what they do with themselves in goodness. And God is Expert to what you do.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 235. And there is no sin upon you if you openly propose marriage to the women, or you keep it between yourselves. God knows that you will be thinking about them, but do not meet them secretly, unless you have something righteous to say. And do not finalize the marriage contract until the interim in the book is reached. And know that God knows what is in your souls, so be aware of Him, and know that God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 236. There is no sin upon you if you divorce the women before having sexual intercourse with them, or before setting the dowry for them. Let them have recompense, the rich according to his means, and the poor according to his means. A recompense in goodness, a responsibility for the good doers.

divorce the women before having sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse seems to be the defining factor of whether a marriage has actually taken place.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 237. And if you divorce them before having sexual intercourse with them, but you have already set the dowry for them; then you must give half of what you have agreed, unless they forgive or the guardian over the marriage contract forgives. And if you forgive, it is closer to righteousness. And do not forget the favor between you; God is Seer of what you do.

divorce them before having sexual intercourse with them. Sexual intercourse seems to be the defining factor of whether a marriage has actually taken place.

 

VERSE 238. Maintain the Connections, and the central Connection; and stand dutifully for God.

 

VERSE 239. But if you are fearful, then you may do so while walking or riding. If you become secure, then remember God as He has taught you what you did not know.

 

VERSE 240. And those of you whose lives are terminated, and they leave wives behind, a decree to their wives that they be provided with support for one cycle, if they do not leave. If they leave then there is no sin upon you for what they do with themselves of goodness; and God is Noble, Wise.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 241. And for those divorced, to have support in goodness is an obligation upon the righteous.

 

VERSE 242. It is such that God clarifies for you His revelations that you may comprehend.

 

VERSE 243. Did you not note those who left their homes in groups, all the while they were fearful of death; so God said to them: “Die,” then He resurrected them. God has bestowed a great grace over the people, but most of the people are not thankful.

He resurrected them. By our count, the resurrection is mentioned four times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 244. And fight in the cause of God and know that God is the Hearer, the Knowledgeable.

fight in the cause of God. When I lived in Birmingham in England, a Muslim street-preacher told me this refers to evangelizing for Allah.

 

VERSE 245. Who will lend God a loan of righteousness that He may multiply it for him many times over? God collects and He distributes, and to Him you will return.

 

VERSE 246. Did you not note the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, they said to their prophet: “Send us a king that we may fight in the cause of God;” he said: “Are you not concerned that if fighting is decreed for you, you will then not fight?” They said: “And why should we not fight in the cause of God when we have been expelled from our homes along with our children.” So it was, that when fighting was decreed for them they turned away, except for a few of them! God is fully aware of the wicked.

Send us a king. That was a very sad moment in the history of the Old Testament.

 

VERSE 247. And their prophet said to them: “God has sent Saul to you as a king.” They said: “How can he have the kingship when we are more deserving than him, and he has not been given an abundance of wealth?” He said: “God has chosen him over you and increased him in knowledge and physical stature.” God grants His sovereignty to whom He chooses; and God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

 

VERSE 248. And their prophet said to them: “The sign of his kingship shall be that he brings to you the ark in which there is tranquility from your Lord and the legacy of what was left behind by the descendants of Moses and the descendants of Aaron being carried by the angels. In this is a sign for you if you are believers.”

 

VERSE 249. So when Saul set out with the soldiers, he said: “God will test you with a river, whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste from it except one scoop with his hand is with me.” They all drank from it, except for a few of them. So when he and those who believed with him crossed it, they said: “We have no power today against Goliath and his soldiers!” But the ones who understood that they would meet God said: “How many a time has a small group beaten a large group with the permission of God, and God is with the patient ones!”

 

VERSE 250. And when they came forth to Goliath and his soldiers, they said: “Our Lord grant us patience, and make firm our foothold, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.”

 

VERSE 251. So they defeated them with the permission of God, and David killed Goliath, and God gave him the kingship and the wisdom and taught him what he wished. And if it were not for God defending the people against themselves, then the earth would have long been corrupted; but God has bestowed grace upon the worlds.

defending the people against themselves. The people were their own worst enemy.

 

VERSE 252. These are the revelations of God, We recite them to you with the truth, and you are one of the messengers.

you are one of the messengers. Nations send ambassadors abroad. And the Lord Jesus Christ sends us out as his ambassadors to the world. Read more »

 

VERSE 253. Such messengers, We have preferred some over others; some of them talked to God, and He raised some of them in rank, and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, the clear proofs and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. And had God wished, the people after them would not have fought after the proofs had come to them, but they disputed, some of them believed and some of them rejected. If God had wished they would not have fought, but God does what He pleases.

Jesus, son of Mary. The Lord Jesus is mentioned in the Qur’an.

 

VERSE 254. O you who believe, spend from what We have provided for you before a Day comes when there is no trade, nor friendship, nor intercession; and the rejecters are the wicked.

 

VERSE 255. God, there is no god except He, the Living, the Eternal. No slumber or sleep overtakes Him; to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. Who will intercede with Him except with His permission? He knows their present and their future, and they have none of His knowledge except for what He wishes. His Throne encompasses all of the heavens and the earth and it is easy for Him to preserve them. He is the Most High, the Great.

 

VERSE 256. There is no compulsion in the system; the proper way has been clarified from the wrong way. Whoever rejects evil, and believes in God, indeed he has taken grasp of the strongest hold that will never break. God is Hearer, Knower.

There is no compulsion in the system. Islam respects people’s free will.

 

VERSE 257. God is the ally of those who believe, He brings them out of the darkness and into the light. As for those who reject, their allies are the evil ones, they bring them out of the light and into the darkness; these are the people of the Fire, in it they will abide.

 

VERSE 258. Have you not noted him who debated with Abram regarding his Lord, while God had given him a kingship? Abram said: “My Lord is the One who gives life and death,” he said: “I bring life and death.” Abram said: “God brings the sun from the east, so you bring it from the west.” The one who rejected was baffled! And God does not guide the wicked people.

 

VERSE 259. Or the one who passed through a town which had become ruins. He said: “How can God possibly revive this after it had died?” So God put him to death for one hundred calendar years, then He resurrected him. He said: “How long have you stayed here?” He said: “I have stayed here a day or part of a day.” He said: “No, you have stayed here for one hundred calendar years! Look at your food and drink, they have not changed, but look at your donkey! And We will make you a sign for the people; and look at the bones how We let them arise, then We cover them with flesh.” So when it was clear to him what happened, he said: “I now know that God is capable of all things!”

 

VERSE 260. And Abram said: “My Lord, show me how You resurrect the dead.” He said: “Do you not already believe?” He said: “I do, but it is so my heart can be relieved.” He said: “Choose four birds, then cut them, then place parts of the birds on each mountain, then call them to you; they will come racing towards you. And know that God is Noble, Wise.”

show me how You resurrect the dead. Apparently Abram knew about the resurrection of the dead.

The New Testament describes heaven and eternal life. But what does the Old Testament say about life after death? Read more »

 

VERSE 261. The example of those who spend their money in the cause of God is like a seed that sprouts forth seven pods, in each pod there is one hundred seeds; and God multiplies for whoever He chooses, and God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

spend their money in the cause of God. Tithing takes many forms. For example, to financially support the people who teach the faith. Or to give money directly to Poor People.

 

VERSE 262. Those who spend their money in the cause of God, then they do not follow what they have spent with either insult or harm; they will have their recompense with their Lord, there is no fear over them nor will they grieve.

spend their money in the cause of God. Tithing takes many forms. For example, to financially support the people who teach the faith. Or to give money directly to Poor People.

 

VERSE 263. Kind words and forgiveness are far better than a charity that is followed by harm. God is Rich, Compassionate.

Kind words and forgiveness. Christians in the U.S. need to re-learn these important truths.

 

VERSE 264. O you who believe, do not nullify your charities with insult and harm; like one who spends his money to show off to the people, and he does not believe in God and the Last Day. His example is like a stone on which there is dust, then it is subjected to a heavy rain which leaves it bare. They cannot do anything with what they have earned; and God does not guide the rejecting people.

 

VERSE 265. And the example of those who spend their money seeking the grace of God, and to save their souls, is like the example of a garden that is on a high ground and is subjected to a heavy rain, and because of that it produces double its crop. And if no heavy rain comes, then it still gives enough. And God is Seer of what you do.

 

VERSE 266. Does anyone of you desire that he has an estate with palm trees and grapevines, and rivers flowing beneath it, and in it for him are all kinds of fruits, then he is afflicted with old age and his progeny is weak, and a firestorm strikes it and it all burns? It is thus that God makes clear for you the signs that you may reflect.

 

VERSE 267. O you who believe, spend from the good things that you have earned, and from what We have brought forth from the earth. And do not select the rotten from it to give, while you would not take it yourselves unless you closed your eyes regarding it. And know that God is Rich, Praiseworthy.

do not select the rotten from it to give. Our giving is to be from our very best.

 

VERSE 268. The devil promises you poverty and orders you to immorality, while God promises forgiveness from Him and grace. God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

 

VERSE 269. He grants wisdom to whom He chooses, and whoever is granted wisdom has been given much good. Only those who possess intelligence will remember.

 

VERSE 270. And whatever you spend out of your monies, or whatever you pledge as a promise, then God knows it. The wicked have no supporters.

The wicked have no supporters. In our day, wicked people have many supporters.

 

VERSE 271. If you openly give charities, then it is acceptable; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, then that is better for you. And He cancels some of your sins; and God is Expert to all that you do.

that is better for you. We are to give in secret.

 

VERSE 272. You are not responsible for their guidance, but it is God who will guide whoever He wishes. And whatever you spend out of goodness is for your own souls. And anything you spend should be in seeking the face of God. And whatever you spend out of goodness will be returned to you, and you will not be wronged.

 

VERSE 273. For the poor who face hardship in the cause of God, they cannot go forth in the land; the ignorant ones think they are rich from their modesty; you know them by their features, they do not ask the people repeatedly. And what you spend out of goodness, God is fully aware of it.

 

VERSE 274. Those who spend their money in the night and in the day, secretly and openly, they will have their recompense with their Lord, there is no fear over them nor will they grieve.

 

VERSE 275. Those who consume usury do not rise except as one being influenced by the touch of the devil. That is because they have said: “Trade is the same as usury.” While God has made trade permissible, and He has made usury forbidden. Whoever has received understanding from his Lord and ceases, then he will be forgiven for what was before this and his case will be with God. But whoever returns, then they are the people of the Fire, in it they will abide.

usury. In ancient Israel, lending was a way to help a fellow Israelite. Charging interest was forbidden. But in our day, Christian lenders go against this prohibition. And get rich from it. Read more »

 

VERSE 276. God condemns usury, and He grants growth to the charities. And God does not like any wicked sinner.

God condemns usury. This is very clear.

In ancient Israel, lending was a way to help a fellow Israelite. Charging interest was forbidden. But in our day, Christian lenders go against this prohibition. And get rich from it. Read more »

 

VERSE 277. Those who believe and do good works, and hold the Connection, and contribute towards purification; they will have their recompense with their Lord and there is no fear over them nor will they grieve.

believe and do good. The Qur’an resolves the age-old question that Christians have been arguing about for centuries: are we saved by faith, or by good works. The Qur’an combines them.

 

VERSE 278. O you who believe, be aware of God and give up what is left from usury, if you truly are believers.

In ancient Israel, lending was a way to help a fellow Israelite. Charging interest was forbidden. But in our day, Christian lenders go against this prohibition. And get rich from it. Read more »

 

VERSE 279. And if you will not do this, then be informed of a war from God and His messenger; but if you repent, then you will have back your principal money, you will not be wronged nor will you wrong.

 

VERSE 280. If the person is facing difficulty, then you shall wait until he becomes able. And if you relinquish it as a charity it is better for you if only you knew.

 

VERSE 281. And be aware of a Day when you will be returned to God, then every soul will be paid what it has earned, and they will not be wronged.

every soul will be paid what it has earned. There is a law of “sowing and reaping” throughout the Bible. How shall we reconcile it with grace and mercy? Here are the verses we’ve found »

 

VERSE 282. O you who believe, if you borrow for a future period, then you shall record it. And let a scribe of justice record it for you; and let not the scribe refuse to record as God has taught him. Let him record and let the person who is borrowing dictate to him, and let him be aware of God, and let him not reduce from it anything. If the one who is borrowing is immature or weak or he cannot dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate with justice; and bring two witnesses from among your men; if there are not two men, then a man and two women from whom you will accept their testimony, so that if one of them becomes blindsided, then the one can remind the other. And let the witnesses not refuse to come if they are called. And do not fail to record it no matter how small or large until its maturity, that is more just with God and better for the testimony, and better that you do not have doubts. Exempt is trade done on the spot between you, then there is no sin upon you if you do not record it-and have evidence if you trade. No scribe shall be harmed nor any witness; for if you do so then it is a wickedness on your part, and be aware of God and God teaches you and God is aware of all things.

sin. By our count, the word “sin” occurs 19 times in this chapter.

 

VERSE 283. And if you are traveling or do not find a scribe, then a pledge of collateral. So, if you have entrusted each other in this manner, then let the one who was entrusted deliver his trust, and let him be aware of God his Lord. And do not hold back the testimony. And whoever holds it back, then he has sinned in his heart, and God is aware of what you do.

 

VERSE 284. To God is what is in the heavens and in the earth, and whether you declare what is in your souls or hide it, God will call you to account for it. He will forgive whom He wishes, and punish whom He wishes, and God is capable of all things.

 

VERSE 285. The messenger believes in what was sent down to him from his Lord; and the believers, all who believe in God, and His angels, and His Books, and His messengers: “We do not make a distinction between any of His messengers;” and they said: “We hear and obey, forgive us our Lord, and to You is our destiny.”

The messenger. Presumably this refers to Mohammad.

 

VERSE 286. God does not burden a soul except with what it can bear. For it is what it earns, and against it is what it earns. “Our Lord, do not mind us if we forget or make mistakes; our Lord, do not place a burden upon us as You have placed upon those before us; our Lord, do not place upon us what we cannot bear; pardon us, and forgive us, and have mercy on us; You are our patron, so grant us victory over the rejecting people.”

God does not burden a soul except with what it can bear:

1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV translation)

 

RESOURCES

At Wikipedia:

Hajj

Mohammad

Supersessionism

 

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THE QUR’AN

CHAPTERS: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114

RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize, Phrases, Adventures

Here at the Explore the Faith website, we are using the Modern Literal Translation of the Qur’an by Free Minds. According to their About Us page, all their work at that site, unless specified, may be copied and/or distributed on condition that reference is given back to www.free-minds.org. According to Wikisource, the Modern Literal Translation “is in the public domain worldwide because it has been so released by the copyright holder.”

To help our understanding, we are consulting The Sublime Quran, Revised Edition, translated by Laleh Bakhtiar, Ph.D., distributed by Kazi Publications.

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.

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