CHAPTER SURAH BAQRAH 176 - 185

 QURAN TAFSIR ( QURAN AS IT EXPLAIN ITSELF)

2:176.  This is because Allah has sent down the Book with the truth; and those who have disputed about the Book are in far opposition.

[4:82. Do they not reflect on the Qur'an? If it was from any other than Allah they would have found in it many a discrepancy.

25:30. And the messenger said: "My Rabb, my people have deserted this Qur'an."

Shaqq and derivatives = To split = Fall apart = Schism = Fall into disputes = Opposition = Oppose one another = Splitting of personality = Break apart the unity = Enmity]

2:177.  Piety is not to turn your faces towards the east and the west, but pious is one who believes in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the prophets, and who 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 who upholds the contact prayer, and who 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.

[Belief in Books.

 4:136. O you who believe; believe in Allah and His messenger, and the Book which was sent down to His messenger, and the Book which was sent before. And whoever rejects Allah, and His angels, and His Books, and His messengers, and the Last Day; then he has strayed a far straying.

2:4. And those who believe in what was sent down to you, and what was sent down before you, and regarding the Hereafter they are certain.

3:91. Those who have rejected and died while they were rejecters, if the earth full of gold were to be ransomed with it would not be accepted from any of them. For these there will be a painful retribution and they will have no supporters.

Yateem, Miskeen, Ibn-is-Sabeel, Fir-Riqaab, carry all the meanings rendered above.

 Please note that this verse gives us the well-known Five Articles of Faith. But belief in Taqdeer = Predetermined destiny, has been interjected in the fabricated Ajami Ahadith as the sixth article of faith by ‘Imams’, making Muslims fatalistic in their thought and behavior.

The Qur’an nowhere mentions Taqdeer or the predestined fates of individuals. Qadar or Taqdeer always denote the law, the due measure of all things appointed by Allah. And man determines his own destiny by following or defying those laws.]

2:178.  O you who believe, equivalence has been decreed for you in the case of those who are slain; 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 Rabb, and a mercy. Whoever transgresses after that, he will have a painful retribution.

[Equitable compensation takes into account the financial situation of the accused. For unintentional murder and other details,

4:92. And it is not for a believer to kill another believer except by accident. And whoever kills a believer by accident, then he shall free a believing slave, and give compensation to the family; except if they remit it. If he was from a people who are enemies to you, and he was a believer, then you shall free a believing slave. And if he was from a people with whom you have a covenant, then a compensation to his family, and free a believing slave. Whoever does not find, then the fasting of two months sequentially as a repentance from Allah; for Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.

5:32. It is because of this that We have decreed for the Children of Israel: "Anyone who kills a person for other than murder, or corruption in the land; then it is as if he has killed all the people! And whoever spares a life, then it is as if he has given life to all the people." Our messengers had come to them with clarities, but many of them are, after this, still corrupting on the earth.

17:33. And do not take a life, for Allah has made this forbidden, except in the course of justice. And whoever is killed innocently, then We have given his heir authority, so let him not transgress in the taking of a life, for He will be given victory.

42:40. The recompense for a crime shall be its equivalence, but whoever forgives and makes right, then his reward is upon Allah. He does not like the wrongdoers.

Color, creed, race, status or gender of the victim or the offender will have no bearing before the Justice System]

2:179.  And through equivalence you will be protecting life, O you who possess intelligence, that you may be righteous.

[So, Qisaas is a deterrent and not revenge]

2:180. 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.

[Any oversight or leftover from the will shall be distributed according to portions Divinely assigned in

4:11. Allah  directs you regarding the inheritance of your children: "To the male shall be as that given to two females. If they are women, more than two, then they will have two thirds of what is inherited. And if she is only one, then she will have one half. And to his parents, each one of them shall have one sixth of what is inherited, if he has a child. If he has no child and his parents are the heirs, then to his mother is one third; if he has siblings then to his mother is one sixth. All after a will is carried through or a debt. Your parents and your children, you do not know which are closer to you in benefit, a directive from Allah, for Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise."

Please remember that most Muslims forget this point, and some ‘authorities’ even revoke 2:180! How can a father will to impart equal portions to two of his sons when one of them might be righteous and needy, and the other one wicked and prodigal? ‘When death approaches any of you’ carries the reminder that it is always close and unpredictable. At the same time, it takes into account the final assets of a person]

2:181. Whoever alters it after having heard it, then the sin will be upon those who alter it. Allah is Hearer, Knowledgeable.

[A will shall be attested by two trustworthy witnesses.

5:106. O you who believe, witnessing shall be done if death is approaching one of you and a will is being made, by two among you who are equitable. If you have gone forth in the land, and death is approaching, then any two may suffice - if you have doubt regarding them, then detain them after making the contact prayer, and they will swear by Allah: "We will not purchase with it any price, even if it was from a near relative, and we will not conceal the testimony of Allah, else we are of the sinners."]

2:182 If anyone fears harm or sin from his beneficiary, then reconcile what is between them. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

[Ithm = A violation that drags down human potential or harms the ‘self’]

2:183.  O you who believe, fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you, perhaps you may be righteous.

[‘Saum’ as self-control instead of the common ‘fasting’ since it involves more than fasting,such as abstaining from intimate husband-wife relationship.

Saum = Self control = Abstinence = Collective Exercise of Self-restraint by the Society = A conscious collective effort to desist from common vices such as impatience, anger, unfair criticism, envy, impolite conversation or conduct, etc.

Taqwa = Journeying in security = Being careful = Becoming empowered against evil = To avoid overstepping the Laws = Exercising caution = Strengthening one’s ’self’ = Preserving the ’self’ against deterioration = Good conduct]

2:184. A few number of days. Whoever of you is ill or traveling, then the same number from different days. 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.*

2:185.  The month of Ramadhan, in which the Qur'an was revealed; as a guide to the people and clarities from the guidance and the Criterion. Whoever of you witnesses the month, then let him fast it. And whoever is ill or traveling, then the same number from different days. Allah wants to bring you ease and not to bring you hardship; and so that you may complete the count, and magnify Allah for what He has guided you, that you may be thankful.

The entire Qur’an was revealed upon the Prophet’s heart ‘down-loaded’ in Ramadhan of 610 CE in the order as we see today.

Thereafter, it was conveyed to people in stages. The concepts therein are not defunct theories and empty hypotheses. It has a Permanent Universal Code of Values and Laws.

The yearly training of ‘Saum’ Abstinence in this month connects the Message with intensive reflection and study.

NOTE: The Qur’an does not forbid menstruating women from praying or participating in the program of Abstinence. However, a menstruating woman may be considered unwell. The only thing forbidden by the Qur’an during menstruation is intimate husband-wife relationship.

In addition, a pregnant woman may be exempted from fasting to avoid dehydration of the fetus.

SHUKR DOES NOT MEAN just verbal THANKS.

It involves showing gratitude in practice by sharing the Allah-given bounties with others. It also denotes fulfillment of one’s noble efforts.

2:87. And We gave Moses the Book, and after him We sent the messengers. And We gave isa, son of Mariyum, 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!

2:183. O you who believe, fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you, perhaps you may be righteous.

2:222. 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 cleansed. When they are cleansed, then you may approach them as Allah has commanded you." Allah loves the repenters and He loves the cleansed.

2:233. And the divorced mothers are allowed to suckle their children two full years, 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 Allah, and know that Allah is watching over what you do.

7:189. He is the One who has created you from one person, and He made from it its mate to reside with. When he dwelled with her, she became pregnant with a light load, and she continued with it; then when it became heavy, they called on Allah, their Rabb: "If You give us an upright child, then we will be among the thankful."

9:32. They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses such and lets His light continue, even if the rejecters hate it.

14:1. ALR, a Book which We have sent down to you so that you may bring the people out of the darkness and into the light with the permission of their Rabb, to the path of the Noble, the Praiseworthy.

16:2.  He sends down the angels with the Spirit by His command upon whom He wishes of His servants: "That you shall warn that there is no god except I, so be aware of Me."

17:85.  And they ask you concerning the Spirit. Say: "The Spirit is from the authority of my Rabb; and the knowledge you were given was but very little."

26:193.  It was sent down with the trusted Spirit.

31:14.  And We enjoined man regarding his parents. His mother bore him with hardship upon hardship, and his weaning takes two years. You shall give thanks to Me, and to your parents. To Me is the final destiny.

42:52.  And thus, We inspired to you a revelation of Our command. You did not know what was the Book, nor what was faith. Yet, We made this a light to guide whoever We wish from among Our servants. Surely, you guide to a straight path.

46:15. And We enjoined man to do good to his parents. His mother bore him with hardship, gave birth to him in hardship, and his bearing and weaning lasts thirty months. So that, when he has reached his independence, and he has reached forty years, he says: "My Rabb, direct me to appreciate the blessings You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do good work that pleases You. And let my progeny be righteous. I have repented to You; I am of those who have submitted."

53:13. And indeed, he saw him in another descent.

70:4. The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a day which is equivalent to fifty thousand years.

81:17. And the night when it passes.

97:1.We have sent it down in the Night of Decree.]

CHAPTER SURAH BAQRAH 166 - 175

 *QURAN TAFSIR ( QURAN AS IT EXPLAIN ITSELF)*

2:166. When those who were followed will disown those who followed them, and they will see the retribution, and all excuses will abandon them.

2:167. 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 Allah will show them their works which will be regretted by them; they will not leave the Fire.

2:168. O people, eat from what is on the earth as good and lawful, and do not follow in the footsteps of the devil. He is to you a clear enemy.

[Satan, the rebellious desires, and satanic people lead people into transgressing. Mubeen = Open = Obvious = Known = Sure.

7:22. So he misled them with deception; and when they tasted the tree, their bodies became apparent to them, and they rushed to cover themselves with the leaves of the paradise; and their Rabb called to them: "Did I not prohibit you from that tree, and tell you that the devil is your clear enemy?"]

2:169 He only orders you to evil and immorality, and that you may say about Allah what you do not know.

[Fahasha = Lewdness = Stinginess to the point of shame = Indecent acts. The satans in the society set up rules contrary to the Divine revelation. They make their own lists of permissible and forbidden and teach people that accumulation of wealth is perfectly alright. Nay, spend on Allah servants all that is beyond your needs.

2:21. O people, serve your Rabb who has created you and those before you that you may be righteous.

2:219. They ask you about alcohol and gambling. Say: "In them is great harm, and a benefit for the people; but their harm is greater than their benefit." And they ask you how much they are to give, say: "The excess." It is thus that Allah clarifies for you the revelations that you may think.

41:10. And He placed in it stabilizers from above it, and He blessed it and established its provisions in proportion in four days, to satisfy those who ask.]

2:170. And if they are told: "Follow what Allah 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?

[5:104.And if they are told: "Come to what Allah hassent down, and to the messenger;" they say: "We are content with what we found our fathers doing." What if their fathers did not know anything nor were guided?

10:78. They said: "Have you come to us to turn us away from that which we found our fathers upon, and so that you two would have greatness in the land? We will not believe in you."

11:62. They said: "O Saleh, you were well liked among us before this. Do you prohibit us from serving what our fathers served? We are in serious doubt as to what you are inviting us."

11:87. They said: "O Shu'ayb, does your contact prayer order you that we leave what our fathers served, or that we do not do with our money as we please? It seems only you are the compassionate, the wise!"

21:53. They said: "We found our fathers worshipping them."

34:43. And when Our clear revelations were recited to them, they said: "This is but a man who wants to turn you away from what your parents were worshiping." And they also said: "This is nothing except a fabricated lie." And those who disbelieved say of the truth when it has come to them: "This is nothing except evident magic!"

38:7. "We never heard of this from the people before us. This is but an innovation."

43:23. And similarly, We did not send a warner to a town, except its carefree ones said: "We found our fathers following a certain way, and we are being guided in their footsteps."

Hudan and derivatives = Prominent = Bright = Lighted = Clearly visible = Leading = Guidance = Lighthouse = A well-lit road = A landmark of identification in the desert or sea]

2:171.  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.

[This is subhuman level of existence

7:179. And We have given to Hell many of the Jinn and mankind; they had hearts with which they did not understand, and they had eyes with which they did not see, and they had ears with which they did not hear. They are like livestock; no, they are even more astray. These are the unaware ones.

‘Unq = Shepherd’s call. Shepherd here pertains to religious leaders who have learned some meaningless words or tenets, and a herd of sheep is the masses that blindly follow them. Kufr embraces blind following in addition to denying, opposing, or concealing the truth. Perceptual senses alone cannot distinguish human beings from the rest of the animal kingdom. It is the intellectual analysis that sets them apart]

2:172.  O you who believe, eat from the good things We have provided for you, and be thankful to Allah; if it is Him you serve.[2:168]

2:173.  Allah has only made unlawful for you that which is already dead, and the blood, and the meat of pig, and what was dedicated with to other than Allah. But whoever is forced to, without seeking disobedience or transgression, then there is no sin upon him. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

[6:121.And do not eat from that which the name of God has not been mentioned, for it is wickedness. And the devils they inspire their supporters to argue with you; and if you obey them, then you are polytheists.

6:145. Say: "I do not find in what is inspired to me to be unlawful for any eater to eat except that it be already dead, or running blood, or the meat of pig - for it is tainted - or what is a wickedness, dedicated to other than Allah." But whoever is forced to, without seeking disobedience or transgression, then your Rabb is Forgiving, Merciful.

Ithm = A violation that drags down the ‘self’ = An act that hurts the human ‘self’ = Anything that makes it difficult to rise up = An impediment to activity = Any action that depletes individual or communal energy. Ghafarah = Helmet. Forgiveness involves protection from the detrimental effects of faults.]

2:174. Surely, those who conceal what Allah 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 Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will  purify them, and they will have a painful retribution.

[Those who conceal the Book = The ones who start making their own lists of the lawful and unlawful, and thus, usurp the Divine Right of law-making. Also note that this verse clearly mentions the ongoing growth and evolution of the ‘self’ in the Hereafter. Tazkiah from Zaku= Growth = Purity from vice = Development of the ‘self’ = Self-actualization]

2:175. These are the ones who have purchased straying with guidance, and retribution for forgiveness; they have no patience towards the Fire.

CHAPTER SURAH BAQRAH 155 - 165

2:155.  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.

2:156. The ones who, when afflicted with adversity, they say: "We are to Allah and to Him we will return."

[9:59. And if they had only been content with what Allah and His messenger had given them, and they had said: "Allah suffices; Allah will give us from His bounty, and His messenger; it is towards Allah that we desire."]

2:157.  For those there will be contacts from their Rabb and a mercy, they are the guided ones.[33:43.He is the One who makes contact with you, along with His angels, to bring you out of darkness and into the light. And He is ever Merciful towards the believers.

33:56. Allah and His angels make contact with the prophet. O you who believe, you shall make contact with him, and comply completely.]

2:158. Indeed, the stone and the rock outcropping are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, or is merely visiting, commits no error should he traverse them. And whoever donates for goodness, then Allah is Thankful, Knowledgeable.

[Abraham and Ishmael worked in the region of Mount Safa and Mount Marwah in Makkah, building the Ka’bah. There is nothing wrong in honoring such historical relics

2:177.Piety is not to turn your faces towards the east and the west, but pious is one who believes in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the prophets, and who 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 who upholds the contact prayer, and who 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.

22:28. So that they may witness benefits for themselves, and mention the name of Allah in the appointed days over what He has provided for them of the animal livestock. So eat from it and feed the needy and the poor.

Allah has appointed the Ka’bahas the focal point for all humanity. And that is the real purpose behind the annual Hajj convention and, when announced by the Islamic Central Authority, the ‘Umrah conferences.

2:148. And to each is a direction that he will take, so you shall race towards good deeds. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you all together. Allah is capable of all things.

2:196. And conclude the Pilgrimage and the visit for Allah. 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. But if you are secure, then whoever makes the visit, but decides to continue until the Pilgrimage, then he shall provide what offering is affordable; but for he who cannot find anything, then he must fast for three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he returns; this will make a complete ten - this is for those whose family is not resident at the Restricted Temple. And be aware of Allah, and know that Allah is severe in retribution.

3:96. The first Sanctuary established for the people is the one in Bakk'a, blessed, and a guidance for the worlds*

22:27. And call out to the people with the Pilgrimage, they will come to you walking and on every transport, they will come from every deep enclosure.*

Khair = Good things = Acts of benevolence = Community welfare = Peace and security = Betterment in both lives = Selfless service.]

2:159. 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 Allah and be cursed by those who curse.

[Allah has defined the objectives of the Hajj in this Book.

22:28. So that they may witness benefits for themselves, and mention the name of Allah in the appointed days over what He has provided for them of the animal livestock. So eat from it and feed the needy and the poor.*

Those who conceal the sublime purpose of these assemblies by making them senseless rituals, deprive humanity of a phenomenal blessing.

La’nah = Condemnation = Rejection = Curse = Deprivation from grace. Laa’inoon = Those endowed with the sense of distinguishing right from wrong, and thus able to condemn. Related non-Qur’anic word, 'Al-la'een' = Scare-crow repelling the birds]

2:160. 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.

[Taubah = Repentance = Turning to God = Returning to the right path. Salah = Corrective action = Reform = Making amends]

2:161.  Surely, those who have disbelieved and then died as disbelievers; they will be cursed by Allah, and the angels, and all the people.

[Condemnation of Allah = Deprivation of His grace. Condemnation of angels = Harm incurred for violating universal laws. Condemnation of mankind = Suffering at the hands of other nations]

2:162. They will abide therein, where the retribution will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved.

2:163.  And your Allah is but One Illah, there is no god except Allah; the Almighty, the Merciful.*

[It is only His laws that are operative in the entire Universe, and any nations falling in conflict with His laws will suffer ultimate self-destruction.

1:1.In the name of Allah, the Almighty, the Merciful.

6:45. It was thus that the remainder of the wicked people were wiped out; and praise be to Allah, Rabb of the worlds.

Al-Ilah = God = The Sovereign = The One Worthy of service, obedience and worship = The Supreme Master. Ilah = Refers to the One True God = It also indicates a false god, depending upon the context]

2:164. 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 Allah has sent down of water from the sky so Allah 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 designated between the earth and the sky are signs for a people who comprehend.

[Einstein correctly pointed out, “The Universe is too organized to be the result of an accident.”

6:73.  And He is the One who has created the heavens and the earth with the truth, and the day He says: "Be," then it is! His saying is truth; and to Him is the sovereignty the Day the horn is blown. Knower of the unseen and the seen; He is the Wise, the Expert.

Sama = Sky = Heaven = Atmosphere = Canopy = Height.

35:27.Do you not see that Allah sends down water from the sky, thus We produce with it fruits of various colors? And of the mountains are peaks that are white, red, or some other color and intense black.]

2:165.  And from among the people are some who take other than Allah as equals to Him, they love them as they love Allah; but those who believe love Allah more strongly; and when those who were wicked see the retribution, they will see that all power belongs to Allah, and that Allah is severe in retribution.

[3:30.The Day every soul will find what good it had done present; and what bad it had done, it will wish that between them was a great distance. And Allah warns you of Himself, and Allah is Compassionate towards the servants.

 7:3. Follow what was sent down to you from your Lord, and do not follow besides Him any supporters. Little do you remember!

In the Qur’an, reverence or love of Allah invariably denotes obeying His commands.

Hubb = Love = Adoring by obeying = To revere by following commands. Nidd =False god = One who tries to play Allah.

Example: Pharaoh tried to equal Allah

43:51.  And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people: "O my people, do I not possess the kingship of Egypt, and these rivers that flow below me? Do you not see?"

Andaad =Those who play god = Political tyrants = Religious leaders who issue edicts contrary to the Divine revelation. Allah being stern in punishment means His Law of Requital favoring none]

CHAPTER SURAH BAQRAH 148 - 154

 2:148. 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.

[Innallaha ‘ala kulli shayin Qadeer = Allah is Able to do all things = He is the All Powerful Appointer of His laws = He has assigned due proportion for all things and events.

2:177. Piety is not to turn your faces towards the east and the west, but pious is one who believes in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the prophets, and who 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 who upholds the contact prayer, and who 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.

57:20. Know that the worldly life is no more than play and distraction and adornments, and boasting among you, and to increase in wealth and children. It is like plants that are supplied by an abundant rain, which appear pleasing to the rejecters. But then they dry-up and turn yellow, and become useless hay. And in the Hereafter there is severe retribution, and forgiveness from Allah and acceptance. This worldly life is no more than a deceiving enjoyment.

83:19. Anddo you know what is 'Elliyeen?

102:1. Hoarding has distracted you.

Shayi = Thing = Derived meaning, event.

The real objective for you is to compete with one another in human welfare and develop your innate capacities.

Allah will bring you together under the banner of One Ideology, and ultimately gather all of you on the Day of Resurrection]

2: 149. And from wherever you go out, you shall set yourself focus on  the Scared Masjid( Masjid il haram); it is the truth from your Rabb; and Allah is not unaware of anything what you do.

2: 150. And wherever you go out, you shall set yourself focus on the Scared Masjid( Masjid il Haram). And wherever you may be you shall set yourselves 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.*

2:151. As We have sent among you a Messsnger of your own, conveying to you recite Our revelations to you, purify you, and teach you the book and wisdom, and to teach you what you did not know.

2:152. So remember Me that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me and do not disbelieve.

[2:177.Piety is not to turn your faces towards the east and the west, but pious is one who believes in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the prophets, and who 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 who upholds the contact prayer, and who 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.

2:186. 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.

2:220.  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 care for them, then they are your brothers." And Allah knows the corrupt from the good, and if Allah had wished He could have made things difficult. Allah is Noble, Wise.

15:49. Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, the Merciful.

21:10. We have sent down to you a Book in which is your remembrance. Do you not comprehend?

21:23.He is not questioned about what He does, while they will be questioned.

23:70. Or do they say that there is a madness in him? No, he has come to them with the truth, but most of them are hateful of the truth.

38:24. He said: "He has wronged you by asking to combine your lamb with his lambs. And many who mix their properties take advantage of one another, except those who believe and do good works, and these are very few." And David guessed that We had tested him, so he sought forgiveness from his Rabb, and fell down kneeling, and repented.

43:44. And this is indeed a reminder for you and your people; and you will all be questioned.

Azkurni = Remember Me = Raise My Name. Azkurkum = I will remember you = I will give you eminence. Shukr = Being grateful in word and action = Sharing Divine bounties with others = Opposite of Kufr whenever Kufr denotes concealing = Returning more than receiving = Holding a benefactor in high esteem. Note that lack of Shukr or gratitude in the Qur’anic sense is Kufr, denying the Giver! Tazkiah = Growth of the ‘self’ = Self-actualization]

2:153.  O you who believe, seek help through patience and through the contact prayer, Allah is with the patient ones.

[Salaat = Following God’s commands closely* 

2:3.  Those who believe in the unseen, and hold the contact prayer, and from Our provisions to them they spend.

Wa in the middle of this verse merges with Salaat as indicated by ‘Allah being with the steadfast’, without mentioning Salaat in the end]

2:154.  And do not say of those who are killed in the cause of Allah that they are dead; no, they are alive but you do not perceive.

[Death is like a prolonged state of sleep until the Resurrection Day

36:52. They will say: "Woe to us! Who has resurrected us from our resting place? This is what the Almighty had promised; and the messengers were truthful!"

However, those who lay their lives in the cause of Allah, themselves, undergo an emergent evolution, and instantly find themselves in a state of bliss of the Next Life. And they get honorable provision from their Rabb.

3:169. And do not think that those who are killed in the cause of God are dead. No, they are alive at their Lord receiving a bounty. ]

CHAPTER SURAH BAQRAH 140 - 147

2:140. "Or do you say that Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Yaqub and the tribes were Jewish or Nazarenes?" Say: "Are you more knowledgeable or is Allah?" Who is more unjust than the one who conceals a testimony with him from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do.

2:141 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.

2:142. The foolish from among the people will say: "What has turned them away from the focal point that they were on?" Say: "To Allah are the east and the west, He guides whomsoever He wishes to a straight path."

[‘They’ = Jews. Qiblah = Center of devotion = Symbol of uniform Ideology = Center for the unity of mankind = Deen = System of Life.*

*The Children of Israel have considered Jerusalem as their Center of devotion but the Jews always believed in a tribal Allah and, hence, a tribal center. But Allah is the Rabb of all humanity. He makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles.

And the Qur’an invites all mankind to become one community.

His Final Message is not confined to a particular tribe, nation or group of people. Ka’bah, the first House of Monotheism, was erected by Abraham.

It has always been the Qiblahfor all humanity.

2:213. The people used to be one nation, then Allah 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 Allah guided those who believed with His permission regarding what they disputed in of the truth. And Allah guides whoever He wishes to a straight path.

3:96. The first Sanctuary established for the people is the one in Bakk'a, blessed, and a guidance for the worlds.

4:170. O people, a messenger has come to you with the truth from your Rabb, so believe; that is better for you. And if you reject, then to Allah is what is in the heavens and the earth. And Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.

6:91. And they did not appreciate Allah as He deserves to be appreciated, for they said: "Allah has never sent down anything to any human being." Say: "Who then has sent down the Book which Moses had come with, a light and a guidance for the people? You treat it simply as paper for display, and you conceal much; and you were taught what neither you nor your fathers knew." Say: "Allah has." Then leave them playing in their folly.

7:158. Say: "O people, I am a messenger of Allah to you all. The One who has the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, there is no Allah except He; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allah and His Gentile messenger prophet, who believes in Allah and His words; and follow him that you may be guided.

10:19. The people were but one nation, then they differed. And had it not been for a previous command from your Rabb, the matter would have been immediately judged between them for what they differed.

12:104. And you are not asking them for any wage, it is but a reminder to the worlds.

21:107. And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.

22:49. Say: "O people, I am but a clear warner to you!"

34:28. And We have sent you to all people to be a bearer of good news, and as a warner; but most of the people do not know.

38:87. "It is but a reminder for the worlds."

57:25. We have sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the balance, so that the people may uphold justice. And We sent down the iron, wherein there is great strength, and many benefits for the people. So that Allah would distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers in the unseen. Allah is Powerful, Noble.

114:1. Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of the people,"]

2:143.  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 became on except to distinguish who follows the messenger from those who will turn on their heels. It was a great thing indeed except for those whom Allah had guided; Allah was not to waste your belief. Allah is Merciful and Compassionate over the people.

[Ummah = Community = A Community based on Divine Ideology.*

‘Middle Community’ = Equidistant to all nations.

‘Turns about on his heels’ = Goes back to his old ways = Succumbs to traditional beliefs.

2:142. The foolish from among the people will say: "What has turned them away from the focal point that they were on?" Say: "To Allah are the east and the west, He guides whomsoever He wishes to a straight path."*

4:88. What is the matter with you that you are divided into two groups over the hypocrites, while Allah has regressed them for what they have earned? Do you want to guide those whom Allah misguides? Whoever Allah causes to be misguided, you will never find for him a path.

29:25. And he said: "You have taken idols besides Allah in order to preserve some friendship among you in this worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will reject one another, and curse one another. Your destiny is Hell, and you will have no victors."]

2:144. We see the shifting of your face towards the heaven; We will thus set for you a focal point that will be pleasing to you: "You shall set yourself towards the Restricted Temple; and wherever you may be, you shall all set yourselves towards it." Those who have been given the Book know it is the truth from their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

[The verse is not commanding people to turn their faces, as usually misunderstood.

See  2:177. Piety is not to turn your faces towards the east and the west, but pious is one who believes in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the prophets, and who 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 who upholds the contact salat and who contributes towards purification(zakat); 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.

Wajh = Face = Countenance = Whole being = Purpose.

Qiblah = Direction = Center of devotion = Masjid of Security = Source of peace and security for all humanity = The Symbol of a uniform Ideology = Symbol of pure Monotheism = Source of the unity of mankind.

Ka’bah has been the Center of devotion for all humanity ever since it was erected by Prophets Abraham and Ishmael.

2:142.The foolish from among the people will say: "What has turned them away from the focal point that they were on?" Say: "To Allah are the east and the west, He guides whomsoever He wishes to a straight path."

2:213. The people used to be one nation, then Allah 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 Allah guided those who believed with His permission regarding what they disputed in of the truth. And Allah guides whoever He wishes to a straight path.*

3:96.The first Sanctuary established for the people is the one in Bakk'a, blessed, and a guidance for the worlds.

4:170. O people, a messenger has come to you with the truth from your Rabb, so believe; that is better for you. And if you reject, then to Allah is what is in the heavens and the earth. And Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.

6:91. And they did not appreciate Allah as He deserves to be appreciated, for they said: "Allah has never sent down anything to any human being." Say: "Who then has sent down the Book which Moses had come with, a light and a guidance for the people? You treat it simply as paper for display, and you conceal much; and you were taught what neither you nor your fathers knew." Say: "Allah has." Then leave them playing in their folly.

7:158. Say: "O people, I am a messenger of Allah to you all. The One who has the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, there is no Allah except He; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allah and His Gentile messenger prophet, who believes in Allah and His words; and follow him that you may be guided.

10:19.The people were but one nation, then they differed. And had it not been for a previous command from your Rabb, the matter would have been immediately judged between them for what they differed.

12:104. And you are not asking them for any wage, it is but a reminder to the worlds.

21:107. And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.

22:49.Say: "O people, I am but a clear warner to you!"

34:28.And We have sent you to all people to be a bearer of good news, and as a warner; but most of the people do not know.

38:87. And We did not create the heaven and the earth, and everything between them, in vain. Such is the thinking of those who rejected. Therefore, woe to those who have rejected from the Fire.

57:25. We have sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the balance, so that the people may uphold justice. And We sent down the iron, wherein there is great strength, and many benefits for the people. So that Allah would distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers in the unseen. Allah is Powerful, Noble.

114:1. Say: "I seek refuge with the Rabb of the people,"]

2:145. 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.

[Qiblah = Direction = Focal Point = It is the tangible but symbolic structure for unity of mankind. People honor the temples of their choice. They will recognize the Ka’bahas their own Qiblah when evolution of human civilization brings them to the right conclusion.

2:158. Indeed, the stone and the rock outcropping are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, or is merely visiting, commits no error should he traverse them. And whoever donates for goodness, then Allah is Thankful, Knowledgeable.

3:97. In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. And whoever enters it will be secure. And Allah is owed from the people to make Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, whoever can make a path to it. And whoever rejects, then Allah has no need of the worlds.

4:170.O people, a messenger has come to you with the truth from your Rabb, so believe; that is better for you. And if you reject, then to Allah is what is in the heavens and the earth. And Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.

6:84. And We granted him Isaac and Jacob, both of whom We guided; and Noah We guided from before; and from his progeny is Dawud, and Sulaiman, and Job, and yousuf, and Musa, and Haron. It is such that We recompense the good doers.

22:23.  Allah will admit those who believe and do good works to estates with rivers flowing beneath them, wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments will be of silk.

Zaalimeen = Oppressors = Those who hurt themselves or others = Those who choose to do wrong = Who displace something from its rightful place = Who relegate the truth = Violators of human rights = Misdirected = Those who prefer to live in the darkness of ignorance = Commonly translated as wrongdoers]

2:146. Those to whom We have given the Book know it as they know their own children; and a group of them hides the truth while they know.

2:147 The truth is from your Lord, so do not be one of those who doubt.

*QURANIC REQUIREMENTS FOR MARRIAGE

A number of requirements are mentioned in the Quran for marriage, they are:

*1- The couple must both be at the age of marriage.*

*2- Believers may not marry disbelievers or mushrikeen.*

*3- The couple must make a genuine commitment to one another.*

*4- The marriage must be declared.*

*5- The marriage must be contracted.*

*6- The marriage must be intended as a permanent bond.*

*7- The man must pay a dowry to his bride.*

FIRST: 1️⃣

*The age of marriage*

*You shall test the* *orphans when they reach the age of marriage. Then if you sense in them sound judgement, you shall hand over to them their money. Do not consume it wastefully or quickly before they have grown up. Those who are rich shall not charge any wage, and whoever is poor can charge equitably. When you hand over to them their money, have witnesses in their presence. God suffices as Reckoner.*

4:6

*This Quranic verse clearly speaks of an age of marriage and links it to being “sound judgement”.*

*The key Arabic word “balaghu”, which means reaching puberty, is quite significant. Reaching puberty alone is not sufficient to be at an age of marriage. We must also incorporate the added significance of the words “then if you sense in them sound judgement”.*

*Naturally, not all minors will reach puberty and attain a certain degree of maturity at the same age, hence why Allah did not set a fixed age but left it to the parents and guardians.*

SECOND: 2️⃣

*Believers may not marry disbelievers or mushrikeen.*

*Do not marry the mushrikaat (women who commit shirk) until they believe. A believing slave woman is better than a mushrikah even if you like her. And do not marry the mushrikeen (men who commit shirk) until they believe. A believing slave man is better than a mushrik even if you like him.*

2:221

*It goes without saying that the believers are not to marry atheists and disbelievers.*

THIRD: 3️⃣

 *Genuine commitment between the couple*

*How could you take it back when you have been so close to one another, and after they had taken from you a strict covenant?*

 

4:21

*The words “strict covenant” indicate that when a couple marry they should make a genuine commitment to one another.*

*The words “strict covenant” indicate that when a couple marry they should make a genuine commitment to one another.*

FOURTH: 4️⃣

*Marriage to be declared*

*There is no blame upon you if you announce your engagement to the women, or you keep it to yourself. Allah knows that you will think about them, but do not meet them secretly, unless it is for saying righteous words. Do not execute the marriage contract until the interm is fulfilled. And know that Allah knows your innermost thoughts, so beware of Him, and know that Allah is Forgiver, Forbearing.*

 2:235

*The words in 2:235 allow the engagement to be announced or kept secret, but that the marriage should not be kept secret “do not meet them secretly” but should be declared.*

FIFTH: 5️⃣

*Marriage should be contracted*

*There is no blame upon you if you announce your engagement to the women, or you keep it to yourself. Allah knows that you will think about them, but do not meet them secretly, unless it is for saying righteous words. Do not execute the marriage contract until the interm is fulfilled. And know that Allah knows your innermost thoughts, so beware of Him, and know that Allah is Forgiver, Forbearing.*

 2:235

*The words “contract the marriage” confirm that a marriage contract must be drawn rather than for couples agreeing to marry by mere verbal arrangements.*

SIXTH: 6️⃣

*Permanent bond*

*For a marriage to be lawful in the sight of Allah it must have the intention of being a permanent bond between man and woman. Any temporary kind of marriage is not lawful in the sight of Allah. Allah placed a number of conditions which must be met before a divorce can be contracted. These conditions rule out the option of having temporary marriages, and confirms that Allah regards marriage as a long lasting relationship and not a temporary arrangement. These conditions are:*

*1- The couple must wait 4 months (cooling period) before committing to divorce* (2:226).

*2- The couple must seek a council from the 2 families and genuinely attempt to reconcile* (4:35).

*3- The wife should not be evicted from the marriage home unless she commits gross immorality* (65:1).

*4- The man must pay the divorced wife a divorce compensation* (2:241).

*5- If there are children, the man must pay children’s alimony* (2:233).

*6- In addition to children’s alimony, if the man divorces a wife who is nursing his child, he must pay for her food and clothes for two years.* (2:233).

SEVENTH: 7️⃣

*Payment of the dowry*

*And also married women, except what your right hand possesses. This is Allah’s decree that is binding over you. Beyond those, all others are permitted for you, so long as you employ your money for marriage purposes and not for illicit sex. Those among them who are pleasing to you, you shall pay them their decreed dowries. There is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to after the obligation. Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.*

 4:24

*There is no fixed amount for the dowry in the Quran.

The Qur'an doesn't have any temporal punishment

 (PUNISHMENT OF THE GRAVE / AZAB-E-QABR)*

➖22:17, 6:107-8, 22:67-69, 17:84, 49:11, 4:4

🔸 *The Qur'an is the Divine Book that strongly condemns female infanticide*

➖16:58-59, 81:8-9, 6:137, 6:140, 6:151, 17:31

🔸 *The Qur'an teaches in various ways to free the slaves that come into possession as a result of war.* 

➖90:12-13, 9:60, 5:89, 2:177, 4:3, 4:25, 

4:92, 24:33, 58:3, 8:67, 47:4, etc.

🔸 *The Qur'an strongly condemns terrorism and oppression*

➖4:75, 22:39-40, 9:13-14, 42:39-43, 38:28, 2:190-193

🔸 *The Qur'an strongly condemns unjust killing and suicide*

➖5:32, 2:195, 4:29-30, 4:91-93, 

17:31, 17:33, 6:151, 25:68, 3:21, etc.

🔸 *The Qur'an teaches self-defense and tolerance*

➖60:7-9, 2:190-3, 6:107-8, 6:68, 

49:11, 39:3, 16:126-128, 73:10, 19:46-47, etc.

🔸 *The Qur'an advises Submitters-Muslims not to take terrorist,intolerant, and hypocrite Jews and Christians as friends and protectors*

➖5:51, 5:57-61, 60:8-9, 3:118-120).