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Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:40-43 Imam Askari asws

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:40-43 Imam Askari asws

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:41
Regarding the Almighty’s words:

وَآمِنُوا بِمَا أَنزَلْتُ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا مَعَكُمْ وَلَا تَكُونُوا أَوَّلَ كَافِرٍ بِهِ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا وَإِيَّايَ فَاتَّقُونِ

And believe in what I have revealed, verifying that which is with you, and be not the first to deny it, neither take a mean price in exchange for My communications; and Me, Me alone should you fear. Surah Baqarah 2:41

You should be cautious regarding Muhammad and his legatee. If you truly fear Me, you wouldn’t dispute the prophethood of Muhammad (S) or the succession of his Wasi (Ali). Allah’s arguments have conclusively proven your claims and excuses to be false, exposing your plots and deceit.

Then, His Eminence mentioned that the Jews of Medina rejected Muhammad’s (S) prophethood and were dishonest, acknowledging in their hearts that he was indeed the messenger and Ali was his Wasi. They said: “We are well aware that Muhammad is the messenger and that Ali is his Wasi; however, O Muhammad! And O Ali! You are not the messenger and the Wasi mentioned therein.”

In response, Allah empowered their clothing and socks to speak, declaring: “O enemy of Allah! You are a liar. This Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and this is Ali, the Wasi of the messenger. If Allah permits, we will crush you.”

The Messenger of Allah stated that Allah would grant them time, knowing that from their descendants would emerge faithful and righteous individuals. Had they been separated from them, He would have surely punished them severely. Only those who fear losing an opportunity act hastily, not Me.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:42-43

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا الْحَقَّ وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ{42}

Don’t confuse falsehood with truth, and don’t hide the reality even though you know this is the messenger mentioned in the Torah. Pray, give Zakat, and bow with those who bow. Do you command others while forgetting yourselves, even though you read the Book? Don’t you understand?

Turn to Prayer and patience for your worldly and spiritual goals. Prayer may seem challenging, but it’s not burdensome for those who fear Allah, are humble, and hope to meet their Lord. O Children of Yaqoob!

Remember the blessings bestowed upon you. I favored you over all in this world. Fear the Day when no one can help another, no intercession will be accepted, no ransom will be taken, and no aid will be given.

Recall when We saved you from Firon’s tyranny, a descendant of those who oppressed you by killing your sons and sparing your women. It was a severe test from your Lord.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) explained how Allah addressed the Jews who mixed truth and untruth, believing that Muhammad (S) is the messenger and Ali (a.s.) is the legatee, but this would occur after 500 years. When the Holy Prophet (S) asked if they accepted the Torah’s decision between them and him, what was their response?

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:43

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ {43}

And perform prayer and pay charity and bow with the bowers, which means to carry out the obligatory Prayer that Muhammad (S) has received from Allah. Additionally, recite durood on Muhammad and his lineage (a.s.), with Ali (a.s.) being the foremost and superior to all. Pay Zakat on all your wealth whenever it becomes due, and also pay Zakat of your bodies when it is required. Furthermore, provide Zakat of your assistance whenever someone requests it, and bow alongside those who humble themselves before Muhammad, Ali, and the Holy Imams (a.s.), who are the chosen ones of God, always submitting to Almighty Allah. Therefore, adopt humility and show lowliness.

The Holy Prophet (S) stated: One who performs all five daily prayers will have their sins forgiven by Allah Almighty between any two prayers. Their condition is akin to a person living next to a flowing canal, bathing in it five times a day, ensuring that no dirt remains on their body.

In the same way, all their sins are cleansed, except for the major sins, such as denying messengership or Imamate, oppressing fellow believers, or abandoning dissimulation when it brings harm to oneself or other believers. Whoever pays Zakat on their wealth becomes purified of their sins, and one who pays Zakat of their body—by alleviating the troubles of a fellow believer or by picking up the belongings of a believer that have fallen—receives a reward for such actions.

Conclusion

In examining Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 2:42-49, we gain profound insights into the essence of faith, accountability, and the importance of upholding truth. These verses not only remind us of our duties toward God and each other but also emphasize the consequences of neglecting our responsibilities. As we reflect on the blessings bestowed upon the Children of Israel, we are called to appreciate our own favors and remain steadfast in prayer and charity. The message is clear: humility and sincerity in our actions are crucial for achieving true piety and preparing for the Day of Judgment. By embracing these teachings, we can strive for a life of integrity, service, and gratitude.

References

  1. Salwa M. S. El – Awa, Introduction to Textual Relations in Qur’an, pg. 1. Part of the Routledge Studies in the Qur’an series. LondonRoutledge, 2005. ISBN 9781134227471
  2. Quran 2:1
  3. Sale, George (1891). The Koran: Commonly Called the Alkoran of Mohammed ... New York: John B. Alden.
  4. Michael Binyon, Fighting is ‘allowed’ during the holy month of fasting The Times, 18 December 1998
  5. Jump up to:a b Sadr-‘ameli Sayyid Abbas. “Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, Introduction”. Al-islam. Retrieved 14 May 2015.
  6. Mahmoud Ayoub, The Qurʾan and its interpreters, pg. 55. AlbanyState University of New York Press, 1984. ISBN 9780791495469

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