“Deep Insights from Imam Hasan Askari’s Tafseer of Quran”
Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:48
وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا لَا تَجْزِي نَفْسٌ عَنْ نَفْسٍ شَيْئًا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا شَفَاعَةٌ وَلَا يُؤْخَذُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ يُنْصَرُونَ {48}
The passage reflects a profound aspect of Islamic eschatology in Shi’a beliefs, specifically regarding the role of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)—the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—in interceding for believers on the Day of Judgment.
According to the teachings of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.), the verse being referenced emphasizes that, at the time of death, no exchange or intercession will be accepted to prevent an individual from facing their predetermined end. However, on the Day of Judgment, there is a unique exception for the Shias of Ahlul Bayt, who have a special relationship with them.
1. The Day of Death and Intercession:
Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) explains that on the day of one’s death, there will be no exchange, plea, or intervention allowed that might delay or alter one’s departure from this world. This aligns with the Quranic principle that death is fixed, and each person must face it alone.
However, this applies only to the moment of death; Judgment Day holds a different possibility for the Shias who have upheld their faith and connection with the Ahlul Bayt.
2. The Role of Ahlul Bayt on the Day of Judgment:
Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) emphasizes that the Ahlul Bayt will intercede on behalf of their followers on the Day of Judgment. They will stand on Araf, a place between Paradise and Hell, where the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ali, Hasan, Husain, and their progeny will witness the trials faced by some Shias.
The Ahlul Bayt will intervene for those who are enduring hardships due to their deeds, sending specially chosen Shias, such as Salman al-Farsi, Miqdad, Abu Tharr, and Ammar, to swiftly deliver their fellow believers to safety in Paradise.
3. Intercession Based on Degrees of Faith:
This passage also explains that different levels of intercession will be performed based on the Shias’ relationship with Ahlul Bayt and their level of devotion. Some Shias will be aided directly by the select companions of the Ahlul Bayt, who will carry them like eagles to Paradise.
Others, whose devotion was perhaps less intense or who struggled with certain obligations, will be gently lifted, symbolically “like a pigeon picking grain,” indicating a more gradual or gentler salvation.
4. Redemption for the Less Devout:
Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) discusses a specific group of Shias who, despite being believers, were less diligent in fulfilling the rights of other believers. Practicing good deeds, or observing Taqiya (dissimulation to protect one’s faith in hostile environments). For these Shias, their release from Hell will involve an “exchange” with Nasibis (those hostile to Ahlul Bayt), who will be cast into Hell as a form of recompense, allowing the Shias to enter Paradise.
This notion of exchange illustrates a complex understanding of divine justice, where, ultimately, the devoted will receive mercy through their bond with the Ahlul Bayt, while those antagonistic toward them will face punishment.
5. Understanding the Verse:
This interpretation, attributed to Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.), reflects a mystical and allegorical reading of the Quran. It emphasizes loyalty to the Ahlul Bayt and the belief that their intercession is a source of salvation for the faithful, demonstrating the grace and mercy bestowed upon those who hold firm to their love and allegiance.
This passage provides an intricate portrayal of Shi’a eschatological views, stressing the transformative power of the Ahlul Bayt’s intercession, with salvation offered based on degrees of faith and devotion. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual importance of loyalty and righteousness in the teachings of Shi’a Islam.
وَإِذْ نَجَّيْنَاكُم مِّنْ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَسُومُونَكُمْ سُوءَ الْعَذَابِ يُذَبِّحُونَ أَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيُونَ نِسَاءَكُمْ وَفِي ذَٰلِكُم بَلَاءٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَظِيمٌ2:49
And when We saved you from Pharaoh’s people, who inflicted harsh suffering upon you, killing your sons and leaving your women alive. In this, there was a tremendous test from your Lord.
The Imam explained that Allah reminds the children of Israel of the time He saved their ancestors from the brutal rule of Pharaoh. Pharaoh imposed severe punishments on them, forcing them into labor, especially in constructing grand structures, shackling their feet to prevent escape.
Many were injured or killed when they fell from heights, yet the rulers were indifferent to their suffering. Allah revealed to Musa (Moses) that the people should send blessings (Durood) on Muhammad and his family before starting any task to make it easier.
Those who forgot this and were harmed would find healing if Musa recited Durood on their behalf. By following these instructions, they remained safe.The Quran says:”Recall when We saved you from Pharaoh’s people who inflicted terrible torment, slaughtering your sons…” –
This verse refers to Pharaoh’s order to kill the newborn boys of the children of Israel, as he had heard that one among them would eventually bring about his downfall. In response, mothers hid their pregnancies and left their newborn sons in caves, reciting Durood ten times over them. Allah then assigned angels to protect these children, providing them milk from their own fingers and food from another. Thus, many boys were miraculously saved from Pharaoh’s soldiers, even outnumbering those killed.The verse continues:“… and sparing your women…”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:49
Pharaoh’s people spared the daughters of Israel, often taking them as wives or slaves. When the people complained to Musa, Allah instructed the young women to recite Durood upon Muhammad and his family when faced with danger. By Allah’s grace, the oppressors were distracted or made ill, sparing the women from harm. No Israelite woman was forced into marriage with Pharaoh’s men due to the power of Durood.
Allah also says:”… and in this was a great trial from your Lord.” –
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:49
The relief and protection provided were great blessings from Allah. He reminds the children of Israel that if Durood on Muhammad and his family could bring such blessings to their ancestors, how much more favor would come if they believed in these noble figures who now stand before them.
References
- Salwa M. S. El – Awa, Introduction to Textual Relations in Qur’an, pg. 1. Part of the Routledge Studies in the Qur’an series. London: Routledge, 2005. ISBN 9781134227471
- ^ Quran 2:1
- ^ Sale, George (1891). The Koran: Commonly Called the Alkoran of Mohammed ... New York: John B. Alden.
- ^ Michael Binyon, Fighting is ‘allowed’ during the holy month of fasting The Times, 18 December 1998
- ^ Jump up to:a b Sadr-‘ameli Sayyid Abbas. “Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, Introduction”. Al-islam. Retrieved 14 May 2015.
- ^ Mahmoud Ayoub, The Qurʾan and its interpreters, pg. 55. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1984. ISBN 9780791495469
External links
- Q2:111, 50+ translations, islamawakened.com
- Works related to The Holy Qur’an (Maulana Muhammad Ali)/2. The Cow at Wikisource
- “The Cow”, a manuscript, dating from the 13th-century, of the al-Baqarah via the World Digital Library
- Qur’anic Verses, a manuscript for al-Baqarah from the 13th-century
- Surah Baqarah Last 2 Ayat,
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