The Light of the Holy Qur'an

Sura Al-baqarah (the Cow)

N0. 2 (286 Verses)

Volume 1 & 2 & 3

Transliteration of Arabic Letters

Sura Al-Baqarah (The Cow) No. 2

Contents of the Sura

Various Subjects Discussed

Virtue of Studying this Sura

Every Virtue Closely Corresponds with the Contents .

Commentary: Verse 1 - 5

Commentary: Verse 1

The Abbreviated Letters of the Qur'an

Commentary: Verse 2

Explanation

What is Guidance ?

Divine Guidance

Characteristics of Two Groups Who Lack in Faith

Religious Guidance

Why is Guidance Particular to the Pious Ones ?

Piety in Lexicon and Religion

The Stages of Piety

First Stage

Second Stage

Third Stage

Commentary: Verse 3

The Effects of Piety on Man's Spirit and Body

The Pious Ones, the First Group

Faith in the Unseen

Relationship with Allah

The Excellence and Importance of Prayer

Words of the Late Sahib Jawahir

Relationship with People

Commentary: Verse 4

Belief in Divine Revelations.

Certainty of the Hereafter.

This Life Likened to the Prenatal Period of a Foetus.

Profound Effect of Belief in the Hereafter.

Commentary: Verse 5

Both Guidance and Success Guaranteed to the Pious Ones Allah

Commentary: Verses 6-7

Disbelievers, the Second Group .

Infidelity and its Meaning

Infidelity, ' the Corrupt Tree '.

Faith, ' the Good Tree '

Commentary: Verses 8-16

Hypocrites the Third Group

Hypocrisy, a Disease

Hypocrites, Claim to be ' Reformers ' .

Hypocrites, Think Themselves Wise .

Hypocrites, Change Colour Everyday

Explanations

The Appearance of Hypocrisy and its Roots

The Necessity of Knowing the Hypocrite

A Few of Their Characteristics

Commentary: Verses 17-20

Two Interesting Parables Illustrating the Hypocrite

Commentary: Verses 21-22

Do Worship Allah!

What is Servitude and Worship ?

Some Explanations

The Sky and the Earth are Bounties

The Earth

The Gravity

The Sky

The Rain

Idolatry in Different Forms

A Detailed Scientific Meaning of Atmosphere

Commentary: Verses 23-24

Why is the Holy Qur'an a Miracle and How?

Why do Prophets Need Miracles ? .

The Holy Qur'an, The Everlasting Miracle of

the Prophet of Islam (p.b.u.h.) !

The Holy Qur'an, Global and Eternal .

Commentary: Verse 25

The Specialties of the Bounties in Heaven

Bountiful Gardens

The Fruits

Purified Spouses

Occasion of Revelation

Explanations

Faith and Deeds

Purified Spouses

The Material and Spiritual Blessings in Heaven

Commentary: Verse 26

The Parable of the Gnat

Occasion of Revelation

Explanation

Commentary: Verse 27

The Real Losers!

Commentary: Verses 28-29

The Mysterious Bounty of Life!

Conclusion

The Seven Firmaments

Commentary: Verses 30-33

Arabic and English Translation

Man, Allah's Deputy on Earth!

Angels on Trial

Commentary: Verses 34-36

Arabic and English Translation

Adam in the Garden

Explanations

Why did Iblis Disobey ?

Was the Prostration for Allah or for Adam?

Why was Adam and his Spouse Originally Placed in the Garden ?.

Realization of Responsibilities

Limits of Freedom

Understanding Repentance

Recognizing Friends and Enemies

The Heavy Forfeit Paid By Adam

Comments by the Late Allamah Tabatabaie

Commentary: Verses 37-39

Adam's Return to Allah

The True Meaning of Repentance / taubah /

Explanation

The ' Words ' Adam Learnt from the Lord

Commentary: Verses 40

The Remembrance of the Favours of Allah

Explanation

Jews in Medina

The Jews' Twelve Coventants with Allah

Allah will Fulfil His Covenant, too!

Why are Jews Called the Children of Israel?

Commentary: Verses 41-43

Explanation

Islam, the Means of Discipline and Training

The Purpose of Prayer

Commentary: Verses 44

Commentary: Verses 45-46

How to Overcome Difficulties

Patience and Prayer

What is ' Meeting with Allah ' ?

Commentary: Verses 47-48

The Vain Imaginations of the Jews

Intercession in the Qur'an and Traditions

Commentary: Verse 49

The Greatest Bounty Bestowed on the Children of Israel

Slavery of Females, Past and Present

Commentary: Verse 50

The Rescue from Pharaoh!

Detailed Account from the Bible .

Commentary: Verses 51-54

The Israelites' Greatest Deviation

Their Punishment .

' You have Indeed Wronged Yourselves ' .

Commentary: Verses 55-56

An Unjust Demand! .

Result of their Demand .

Resurrection from the Dead .

Biblical Account .

Commentary: Verse 57

Abundant Bounties!

Commentary: Verses 58-59

The Israelites' Intensive Obstinacy

Refusal by Some to Repent

Commentary: Verse 60

The Miracle of Water Gushing Forth in the Desert!

Commentary: Verse 61

Demanding a Variety of Food

Why were the Israelites Stamped with Abasement and Humiliation?

Commentary: Verse 62

A General Principle for Salvation

Who are the Sabians?

Who are the ' People of the Book ' ?

Commentary: Verses 63-64

Hold the Signs of Allah Firmly!

How was the Mountain Raised over the Israelites' Heads?

Commentary: Verses 65-66

Those Who Exceeded on the Sabbath

Explanation

Divine Miracles of Moses (a.s.)

Commentary: Verses 67-74

Arabic-English Translation

Commentary: Verses 67-74

The Story of the Israelites' Cow

Commentary: Verses 75-77

Occasion of Revelation .

A Futile Expectation!.

' What Allah has Revealed to You '.

Commentary: Verses 78-79

Occasion of Revelation .

The Jewish Learned Men's Plots of Oppression Against The Laymen

Commentary: Verses 80-82

Explanation

Earning Sin .

Commentary: Verses 83-86

Arabic - English Translation

Commentary: Verses 83-86 .

The Breachers of the Covenant!

The Best Strategy for the Survival of Nations .

Commentary: Verses 87-88

Their Covered Hearts

Commentary: Verses 89-90

A Religious Adherent & an Infidel ! .

Commentary: Verses 91-93

Racial Bigotries of the Jews

Commentary: Verses 94-101

Arabic - English Translation

The Jews' Claim on Heaven .

Allah Challenges the Jews' Claim

Occasion of Revelation .

None Denies Divine Signs Save the Transgressors!

Commentary: Verses 102-103

Arabic - English Translation .

Solomon (a.s.) and the Sorcerers in Babylon

Solomon Accused of Being a Sorcerer

The Story of the Two Angels, Harut and Marut

The Spread of Sorcery

Sorcery ö A Whirlpool of Blasphemy.

Commentary: Verses 104-105

Occasion of Revelation .

Leave No Pretext for Enemies! .

A Precise Meaning .

The Curtain Pulled Back on Enmity and Grudge

Commentary: Verses 106-107

The Purpose of Abrogation

Commentary: Verse 108

Occasion of Revelation

Commentary

Some Futile Pretexts

Commentary: Verses 109-110

Envy and Obstinacy

Prayer and Alms-giving

Commentary: Verses 111-112

The Qur'an Nullifies Racial Bigotry .

Commentary: Verse 113

Occasion of Revelation .

Commentary .

Exclusivity Originates from Ignorance .

Commentary: Verse 114

Occasion of Revelation .

Commentary .

The Most Unjust Ones! .

Explanation

Mosques and the Ways of their Desolation

Supplication

Commentary: Verse 115

Occasion of Revelation .

Commentary .

Allah, the Omnipresent

The Philosophy of the Qiblah

Three Authentic Traditions.

Commentary: Verses 116-117

The Jews, Christians, and Pagans and their Superstitions

Explanation

Commentary: Verses 118-119

Another Pretext .

The Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) Duty Defined in Regard to their Pretext

Explanation

Their Hearts are All Alike!

Two Instructive Principles: Glad Tidings and Warning

Mistaken Belief in ' Ransom ' for Sins

Observing the Parallel between Encouragement and

Punishmentfor Training People

Commentary: Verses 120-121

The Occasion of Revelation

Commentary

Two Unsatisfiable Groups!

Explanation

Pleasing Enemies has its Limits

Allah's Guidance is the Only True Guidance

How Should the Book Be Read ?

Three Groups of Readers Defined

Commentary: Verses 122-123

Blessings Come with Responsibilities

Intercession

Commentary: Verse 124

Imamate, the Climax of Abraham's (a.s.) Honour

Explanation

What does ' Words ' Mean ?

Eligibility for Imamate

Imam ö What Does it Mean ?

Imamate Bestowed on Abraham (a.s.)

Prophethood, Messengership, Imamate and their Difference

Imamate, the Climactical Rank of Abraham (a.s.) .

Who is Unjust ? .

An Imam, by Allah's Commission

Two Questions

The Distinguished Personality of Abraham (a.s.)

Commentary: Verse 125

The Magnificence of the Ka'bah

Explanation

The Secure Refuge, its Social and Educational Effects

Why the ' House ' of Ka'bah ? .

Commentary: Verse 126

Abraham's (a.s.) Petition to Allah! .

Allah's Answer

Commentary: Verses 127-129

The Structure of the House of Ka'bah

The Ka'bah, Originally Built by Adam (a.s.) .

Abraham (a.s.) and Ismail's (a.s.) Invocations

Commentary: Verses 130-132

Abraham (a.s.) , a Human Prototype .

Abraham's (a.s.) Submission .

Worthiness, the Byproduct of Purity and Sincerity .

Abraham's (a.s.) Bequest to His Children

Commentary: Verses 133-134

Occasion of Revelation .

Commentary .

Everyone is Responsible for His Own Deeds .

Improve Your Own Faith and Deeds!

Commentary: Verses 135-137

Occasion of Revelation .

Commentary .

Only Our Creed is True!

How to Recognize the Pure Religion

Accepting All Prophets of Allah

Explanation

The Oneness of the Prophets' Invitation

Who were ' Asbat ' ?

The Meaning of / hanif /

Commentary: Verses 138-141

Arabic and English Translation.

Commentary .

The Baptism of Allah

Prophets before Moses (a.s.) , neither Jews nor Christians.

Thrive on Your Own Excellencies .

End of Part One .

Beginning of Part Two

Commentary: Verse 142

Occasion of the Change of the Qiblah .

Commentary: Verse 143

An Ummat of Middle Standing .

Commentary: Verse 144

Turn Towards the Sacred Mosque

Commentary: Verse 145

They will Never be Content!

Commentary: Verses 146-147

Characteristics of Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.)

Contained in (Earlier) Book

Commentary: Verse 148

Every Religion has a Qiblah

Explanation

The Day When Imam Mahdi's (a.s.) Adherents Assemble

Commentary: Verses 149-150

Turn Your Face Towards the Ka'bah

Some Points and Messages

  1. Fulfilment of Prophecy

  2. Reiterated to be Renewed and Settled in the Minds and

Hearts of People Conclusions

Commentary: Verses 151-152

Messengership of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)

Rank of Man Promoted

Explanation:

Descriptions and Messages Derived from These Verses

Commentary: Verse 153

Aid of Allah Requires Eligibility.

Patience

Commentary: Verse 154

Purgatory Life for All .

Martyrdom

Sorts of Life

Allah, the Living

Man's Life does not Perish after Death

Commentary: Verses 155-157

Trial, an Indisputable Divine Rule

Allah Tests All Human Being

Fear

Hunger

Loss of Property

Loss of Life

Famine

Glad Tidings to Those Who Persevere with Patience

Imam Al-Mahdi

/Salawat/

Commentary: Verses 158

Occasion of Revelation

Acts Done Ignorantly

Commentary: Verses 159-160

The Qur'an, the Book of Guidance

Repentant Ones

Commentary: Verses 161-163

Repentance at the Moment of Death

Faith in Theism

Unity of Allah, Fate of the Polytheists

Commentary: Verse 164

Existence of Providence

Harmony of Universe

Creation of the Heavens and the Earth

Constant Change of the Day and the Night

Ships that Sail on the Sea

Rain

Commentary: Verse 165

Disbelievers / Pagans

Commentary: Verse 166

Beware Who Your Leader Is

Beware of Whose Love You Carry in Your Heart

Commentary: Verse 167

Following Unfaithful Leaders

The Cruel Rulers Will Disown Their Faithful Followers

Only Lawful and Clean Food Should be Taken

Commentary: Verses 168-169

Lawful and Unlawful Food

Stages of Satan's Invitations unto Temptation

Commentary: Verses 170-171

Blind Following of the Ancestors is Condemned

Commentary: Verse 172

Gratefullness

Commentary: Verse 173

Logical Reasons for the Laws of Prohibition of Particular Food

May Eat Unlawful Food Only if Forced by Necessity

Explanations

Islam's Attention to the Problem of Food-stuff

Invoking Allah's Name at the Time of Slaughtering Animals

Islam, a Complete and Easy Religion

Do not Misuse the Exception Made for "Necessary Circumstances"

General Conclusion

Commentary: Verses 174-176

Prophet Mohammad's (p.b.u.h.) Advent Recited by the Jews

Results of Barring the Truth

Explanations

Selling Faith is a Loss

Unlawful Food or Drinks will Incarnate in the Form of Fire

Punishment should be Appropriate to Crime

Concealing the Truth

Genuine Righteousness, Retaliation, & Bequest

Commentary: Verse 177

Faith and Its Effects

Explanations

Acting According to this Verse is Equivalent with Complete Faith

Those Who " Claim " Faith and Those Who Practice It

Belief in Allah, Resuurection, and the Revealed Book

Reaching a True Piety: Donations to the Poor

Patience and Perseverance

Righteousness

Commentary: Verses 178-179

Saving of Life in Retaliation

Answers to Questions Regarding Retaliation

Retaliation & Pardon, a Complete Assemblage

Other Questions Concerning Retaliation Addressed

Commentary: Verses 180-182

Bequest in a Fair Manner

Circumstances Under Which Bequests can be Changed

The Philosophy of Testament

Justice in Testament

Bequest, Obligatory or Recommended

Bequest is Changeable During the Life

Fasting during Ramadan; Rights of Property

Commentary: Verses 183-185

Fasting, the Origin of Piety

Some Specifics Regarding Fasting

Fasting and Its Educational, Social, and Hygienical Effects

Fasting in Former Religions

Ramadan, the Transcendent Month

The Principle of ' No Hardship

Conclusion

Commentary: Verse 186

Occasion of Revelation

How are Supplications Answered?

Commentary: Verse 187

Occasion of Revelation

Allah's Limits

The Dawn

Piety, the Beginning and the End

Commentary: Verse 188

Bribery, a Calamity

Fighting in Self-Defence; Pilgrimage under Restrictions

Commentary: Verse 189

Natural Measures

Commentary: Verse 190

Fight :Why & Against Whom

Commentary: Verses 191-192

Explanations

Commentary: Verse 193

The Preliminary Holy Wars for Freedom

A Defensive Holy War

Holy War Against Infidelity & Idolatry

Commentary: Verse 194

Explanation

Commentary: Verse 195

Spending, a Prevention of Destruction

Commentary: Verse 196

The Rites of Pilgrimage

Rites Regarding Hajj and 'Umrah

Commentary: Verse 197

Hajj

Commentary: Verses 198-199

Economic Activities in Hajj Season

Why 'Arafat?

Mash 'ar-ul-Haram

Explanations

Main Conditions Related to the Pilgrimage

A Few of the Qur'anic Verses on Hajj

The Time for the Pilgrimage and the Discipline Therein

Disciplinary Restrictions of Amnesty during the Hajj Period

Lawful Game during the Pilgrimage

The Sanctity of the Holy Ka'bah and the Month and Offerings

The Disciplinary Conduct to be followed during the Pilgrimage

Commentary: Verse 200-202

Hajj & the Remembrance of Allah

Commentary: Verse 203

Celebrate the Praises of Allah

Commentary: Verses 204-206

Occasion of Revelation

Hypocrisy

Commentary: Verse 207

The Plot to Kill Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)

Explanations

Speech of an Evil Person

Gaining Allah's Pleasure

Facing Danger in the Way of Allah

Commentary: Verses 208-209

Occasion of Revelation

Wordly Peace

Satanic Temptations and Deviations Usually Come Forth

Gradually

Commentary: Verse 210

Signs and Evidence of Allah

Allah, the Self-Sufficient

Rejection of the Signs and the Apostles from Allah

Commentary: Verse 211

Manner of the Children of Israel

Commentary: Verse 212

Occasion of Revelation

Commentary: Verse 213

Mankind, but a Single Nation

Explanations

Complexity of Life Varies with size of Population

Necessity of a Judge

Faith in the Resurrection

Intentional Contradiction

Path to the Solution of Contradiction

Judgement of Prophets

Disputes Between Believers

" The Straight Path "

Commentary: Verse 214

Occasion of Revelation

Intense Adversities as a Divine Practice

Commentary: Verse 215

Occasion of Revelation

Charity: What Should be Spent and on Whom

Commentary: Verse 216

Fighting in the Cause of Allah

Divine Laws of Creation and Legislation

Holy War

Referential Text from the Book of the Old Testament

Questions about Various Important Topics

Commentary: Verses 217-218

Occasion of Revelation

Fighting in the Sacred Months

Effects of Belief and Disbelief on Deeds

Commentary: Verse 219

Wine and Gambling

Disadvantages Resulting from Drinking Wine and Gambling

Commentary: Verse 220

Concerning Orphans

Explanations

Orphans are Our Younger Brothers/Sisters

Endeavor Justly for Orphans

Beware not to Consume the Wealth of Orphans Unjustly

Duties in Islam are not Unbearable

Commentary: Verse 221

Occasion of Revelation

Selection of an Appropriate Spouse

Regulation about Divorce

Commentary: Verse 222

Occasion of Revelation

Hygienic Concerns During Menstruation

Permitted Sexual Intercouse

Old Testament: Concerning Menstruation

Commentary: Verse 223

A Means of Protection for the Human Race

Be Mindful of Your Future (Life After Death)

Commentary: Verse 224

Occasion of Revelation

Oath Taking

Commentary: Verse 225

Responsibility of an Oath Taken

Messages

Commentary: Verses 226-227

'Forswear' in the Age of Ignorance

Messages

Duty of Prophets: Wipe Out Superstitions

Husband to be Attentive to his Wife

Giving Respits

Islam, the Advocator of the Oppressed

Divorce Accepted in Islam When Necessary

Commentary: Verse 228

Waiting Period After Divorce Prior to Remarriage for Women

Divorce & respect for the Law

Commentary: Verse 229

Occasion of Revelation

Rules Regarding Divorce

Messages

Divorce should not be Taken Lightly

Limits of Allah Regarding Duty of Husband and Wife

A Law-Breaker is Unjust

Commentary: Verse 230

Occasion of Revelation

Another Rule Regarding Divorce

Messages

Men Should not Misuse Conjugal Rights

Importance of Insight

Observing Family Affairs are Among the Limits of Allah

Commentary: Verse 231

Divorce in a Fair Manner

Mock not Allah's Laws

Discipline During the Term, Remarriage

Commentary: Verse 232

Occasion of Revelation

Another Chain was Broken

Commentary: Verse 233

Seven Instructions upon Suckling

Commentary: Verse 234

Superstition Against Women in Old Times

Commentary: Verse 235

Can Widows be Engaged During Waiting Period?

Commentary: Verse 236

Divorce Prior to Settling Dowry & Consummation of

Commentary: Verse 237

Divorce Prior to Consummation but After Settling Dowry

Commentary: Verse 238

Occasion of Revelation

Guard Your Prayers

Commentary: Verse 239

How to Pray when Conditions are Unsafe or during Travel

Commentary: Verse 240

Maintenance for the Widow

Commentary: Verse 241

Provision for the Divorced Woman

Commentary: Verse 242

Clear Signs of Allah

Fight in the Cause of Allah; References to the Conduct of the Ancient People

Commentary: Verse 243

Occasion of Revelation

Fate of One of the Old Nations

Explanation of Ezekiel's Invocation

Commentary: Verses 244-245

Why is Donation Rendered into Giving a loan?

Commentary: Verses 246-252

Explanation

An Introduction to above Group of Verses

A Marvellous Incident!

Commentary: Verse 246

Israelites Request a king

Disobedience of the Israelites

Commentary: Verse 247

Saul Appointed King

Commentary: Verse 248

Ark of the Covenant

Explanation

Description of the Holy Ark

Commentary: Verse 249

Saul's Troops Tested at the Stream

Encounter With Goliath

Tradditions

Commentary: Verse 250

Saul and his Troops Ask Allah for Patience & Perseverance

Reference to this Incident in the Bible

Leader should have Inspired Knowledge of Good and Evil

Commentary: Verse 251

David Slew Goliath

Commentary: Verse 252

Signs of Allah Recited to Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)

THE END OF PART TWO

Commentary: Verse 253

Some privileges of a few prophets

Some privileges of the Prophet of Islam

Commentary: Verse 254

A warning to the believers as for giving alms

Commentary: Verse 255

'Ayat-ul-Kursiy, one of the most important verses

The importance of the verse

Allah, the particular appelation for God

Some attributes of Allah

Allah may give some concealed knowledge to those He pleases

Commentary: Verse 256

Occasion of revelation

Embracing Islam needs no compulsion or force

It should not be fulfilled by mere pretence

Commentary: Verse 257

The situation of believers and disbelievers, and their leaders

How the dead are again raised by Allah

Commentary: verse 258

Nimrod and his disputation with Abraham about Allah

Abraham's reasons for Allah

Commentary: verse 259

Resurrection and illustration of guidance

The story of 'Uzayr (Ezra)

Explanations of the verse

Commentary: verse 260

Abraham thought how bits of body could be gathered together

Explanations of the verse

Commentary: verse 261

A solution to the problem of difference of social classes

Explanations of the verse

Spending in charity is praised by the Quran

Commentary: verse 262

A worthy charity

The reward of the givers of charity is reserved with Allah

Commentary: verse 263

Confronting a needy, have a good manner

Commentary: verse 264- 265

Charities should not be followed with reproach and injury

A similitude: a rock sown with seeds

Another similitude: a green garden is likened to some faithful ones

Commentary: verse 266

Man is in need of righteous deeds

The similitude of an old man

Commentary: verse 267

Occasion of revelation

What kind of property can be given in charity ?

Giving charities have two ends: the needy ones, and Allah

Commentary: verse 268

Satan threatens you of poverty when you decide to give charity

Abundance in wealth is under the cause of giving charity

Commentary: verse 269

The recognition between Satanic temptation and godly inspiration

Commentary: verses 270 - 271

The objective meaning of the unjust'

Giving alms 'hiddenly' is better

Commentary: verse 272

The verse was revealed upon giving charity to non-Muslims

Explanations of the verse

Commentary: verse 273

Companions of the Ledge

Explanations of the verse

Commentary: verse 274

The verse has been revealed about Had¤rat Ali (a.s.)

Commentary: verse 275

Usurers are like mad persons

Explanations of the verse

Traditions upon usury

The disadvantages of usury

Trading without knowing its laws is falling into usury

Commentary: verse 276

Discription about usury

Explanation for the verse

Commentary: verse 277

Some qualittes of the believers

Commentary: verse 278

Interests of usury must be abandon

Explanations for the verse

Commentary: verse 279

Explanation for the verse

Commentary: verse 280

Explanation for the verse

Giving respite to the debtor

Commentary: verse 281

Some traditions upon usury and usurers

Commentary: verse 282

Commercial documents in the Qur'an

The existence of 19 different ordinances in the verse

Commentary: verse 283 Commentary: verse 284 Commentary: verse 285

Occasion of Revelation

Commentary: verse 286

The End of Sura Al-Baqarah