Surah Baqarah 75-77: The Consequences of Distorting Truth -

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:75-77

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

أَفَتَطْمَعُونَ أَنْ يُؤْمِنُوا لَكُمْ وَقَدْ كَانَ فَرِيقٌ مِنْهُمْ يَسْمَعُونَ كَلَامَ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُحَرِّفُونَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا عَقَلُوهُ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ {75}

وَإِذَا لَقُوا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قَالُوا آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَا بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ قَالُوا أَتُحَدِّثُونَهُمْ بِمَا فَتَحَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لِيُحَاجُّوكُمْ بِهِ عِنْدَ رَبِّكُمْ ۚ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ {76}

أَوَلَا يَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ {77}

Translation:

Do you expect that they will truly believe in you? A group among them used to listen to the words of Allah, but after understanding it. They distorted it knowingly. And when they meet the believers, they say, “We believe.” But when they are alone with each other, they say, “Why do you share with them what Allah has revealed to you? Don’t you think they might use it against you in front of your Lord?” Don’t they realize that Allah knows what they hide in their hearts and what they reveal openly?

Introduction

Understanding Surah Baqarah 2:75-77

In Surah Baqarah (2:75-77), Allah addresses a critical issue—distorting the divine message. This passage highlights how some people who heard the word of Allah distorted it knowingly. It raises questions about truth, sincerity, and the responsibility of understanding. And conveying Allah’s guidance.

Here we’ll try to explore the hidden messages according the saying of Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ and Mola Ali علیہ السّلام. According their wisdom, that can help us understand the deeper lessons of this passage.

1. The Hypocrisy of Distorting

Allah’s Word Surah Baqarah 2:75-77

Allah speaks about the actions of certain individuals who heard the words of Allah but twisted them. Misinterpreted them for personal gain. Allah says:

“Do you then hope that they would believe in you, and a party from among them indeed used to hear the Word of Allah, then altered it after they had understood it, and they know (this).” (Surah Baqarah 2:75)

These individuals knew the truth but chose to change it for their own benefits. This distortion of Allah’s word is an act of dishonesty and deception.

2. The Role of Truth and Integrity in Islam

The distortion of divine revelation is a serious issue. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The truth will always be clear and the falsehood will be exposed, even if some people choose to ignore it.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The Prophet ﷺ emphasizes that truth cannot be hidden forever. Those who distort it will eventually face the consequences.

3. The Warning of Concealing the Truth

The people in Surah Baqarah 2:76 are described as being deceitful when interacting with the believers. They would say they believed when in the presence of Muslims but secretly plotted against them when alone:

“And when they meet those who believe, they say: ‘We believe,’ and when they are alone one with another they say: ‘Do you talk to them of what Allah has disclosed to you that they may contend with you by this before your Lord? Do you not then understand?’”* (Surah Baqarah 2:76)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of integrity in all aspects of life. He said:

“The truthful and trustworthy merchant is with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.” (Tirmidhi)

This saying highlights the importance of honesty and integrity, not just in business but in all areas of life. Distorting Allah’s word or being insincere in our actions is not only a betrayal of truth but a betrayal of our relationship with Allah.

This is an example of hypocrisy, where one hides their true intentions and acts with insincerity. They feared the consequences of their actions and tried to use Allah’s word against others.

4. The Importance of Sincerity in Faith:

Teachings of Mola Ali علیہ السلام

Mola Ali علیہ السلام, the first cousin of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and a symbol of truth, said:

“He who shows you kindness and speaks the truth, know that he is your true friend.”

Mola Ali علیہ السلام teaches us that sincerity in speech and action is key to building a true relationship with others. Those who distort the truth for personal gain are not acting in the true spirit of Islam. True believers are those who uphold truth, even when it is difficult.

5. Allah’s Knowledge of What We Conceal

Surah Baqarah 2:77 ends with a reminder that Allah knows everything:

“Do they not know that Allah knows what they keep secret and what they make known?”

(Surah Baqarah 2:77)

This verse emphasizes that Allah’s knowledge is all-encompassing. He knows what is in the hearts of people, even the things they try to hide from the world. No deceit or hypocrisy can be hidden from Him.

6. The Sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on Honesty and Integrity

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of integrity in all aspects of life. He said:

“The truthful and trustworthy merchant is with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.”(Tirmidhi)

7. Reflecting on Our Own Actions:

How Do We Apply These Lessons?

Surah Baqarah 2:75-77 challenges us to reflect on our own sincerity in faith. Do we speak the truth, or do we distort it when it suits our needs?

The Ahlul Bayt (علیہ السلام) have shown us through their lives and sayings that integrity, honesty, and sincerity are central to the path of righteousness.

Let’s take the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Mola Ali علیہ السلام to heart. We must strive to be honest in our dealings, both in public and in private. We should avoid hypocrisy and seek to align our actions with the truth revealed by Allah.

8. Conclusion:

Upholding the Truth

The message in Surah Baqarah 2:75-77 is clear: we must avoid distorting Allah’s word for personal gain and strive for sincerity in our faith. The Ahlul Bayt (علیہ السلام) have provided us with the perfect example of truthfulness and integrity. By following their guidance, we can protect ourselves from hypocrisy and live lives aligned with Allah’s will.

May we always stay true to the guidance of Allah, and may our hearts remain sincere in our faith.

Surah Baqarah 75-77: The Consequences of Distorting Truth