×

The Hypocrites’ Parable Exposition on Faith & Deception

Exegesis of Surah Al-Baqarah , , , , , ,

The Hypocrites’ Parable Exposition on Faith & Deception

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:26-27

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَسْتَحْيِي أَنْ يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا ۚ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا ۘ يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيرًا ۚ وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِ إِلَّا الْفَاسِقِينَ {26}

الَّذِينَ يَنْقُضُونَ عَهْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مِيثَاقِهِ وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِهِ أَنْ يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ {27}

Surely Allah is not ashamed to set forth any parable-(that of) a lowest or anything above that. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord, and those who disbelieve say: What is it that Allah means by this parable: He causes many to err by it and many He leads aright by it! but He does not cause to err by it (any) except the transgressors. Who break the covenant of Allah after its confirmation and cut asunder what Allah has ordered to be joined, and make mischief in the land; these it is that are the losers. Surah Baqarah 2:26-27

Introduction:

In the Quran, Allah uses parables and examples to communicate profound truths and lessons to humanity. These parables, whether involving a small mosquito or something grander, are meant to guide believers and reveal the nature of disbelief and hypocrisy. Through the teachings of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) and Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.), we gain deeper insights into the significance of these parables and how they impact both the faithful and the transgressors. This commentary explores the wisdom behind such parables, the reactions they provoke, and the ultimate message they convey about faith and obedience to Allah.

Explanation:

Almighty Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not shy away from using any example, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to illustrate His messages. Believers recognize these parables as truth from Allah, while disbelievers question their purpose and significance.

Allah responds by explaining that such parables serve to guide some and lead others astray. Those who are misled are the evildoers who break their covenant with Allah, spread corruption, and disregard His commands. These individuals are the real losers.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) recounts Imam Muhammad Baqir’s (a.s.) explanation of the verse from Surah Hajj 22:73, where Allah compares idols to flies, highlighting their powerlessness. Similarly, in Surah Hajj 29:41, those who take guardians beside Allah are likened to spiders building fragile homes.

These examples underscore the futility of idolatry and the fragility of relying on anything other than Allah. The parables from Surah Baqarah 2:17 and 2:19 further illustrate the conditions of disbelievers, likening them to fire-igniters and those caught in a downpour, who fail to benefit from divine guidance due to their stubbornness.

When disbelievers mock these parables, Allah clarifies that He is not ashamed of using such examples, as they convey important truths. The parables are meant to guide those who seek the truth and to test those inclined to disbelief and transgression.

Believers understand and accept the wisdom of these parables, recognizing them as true and from their Lord. In contrast, disbelievers, who question and reject divine guidance, fail to grasp their significance. Allah emphasizes that He misguides only those who are transgressors, highlighting the self-inflicted nature of their misguidance.

The passage continues to describe the attributes of such sinners: those who break their covenant with Allah, sever what He has commanded to be joined, and spread corruption. These individuals harm themselves by driving themselves to hellfire and depriving themselves of Paradise, making them the true losers.

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) adds that those who trust the Imams and follow their guidance will be rewarded in Paradise, while those who question or oppose their authority will face severe consequences. He also emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s vows and promises, and the significance of maintaining relationships, especially with the family of the Prophet Muhammad (S).

Summary:

The passage delves into the use of parables in the Quran, explaining how they serve to guide believers and expose the disbelief and hypocrisy of transgressors. Allah uses even the smallest creatures, like mosquitoes and flies, to convey profound truths. Believers recognize and accept these parables as divine wisdom, while disbelievers mock and question them. The commentary by Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) and Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) further elucidates these points, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and maintaining relationships with the Prophet’s family. Those who follow divine guidance are rewarded, while those who reject it suffer the consequences of their actions.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:28

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

كَيْفَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِاللَّـهِ وَكُنتُمْ أَمْوَاتًا فَأَحْيَاكُمْ ثُمَّ يُمِيتُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ

How do you deny Allah and you were dead and He gave you life? Again He will cause you to die and again bring you to life, then you shall be brought back to Him. Surah Baqarah 2:28

Introduction:

The Quran uses vivid parables to impart crucial lessons and guide believers toward righteousness. Through these parables, Allah communicates profound truths, illustrating the consequences of faith and disbelief. The following explanation, enriched by the insights of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) and Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.), sheds light on these parables, emphasizing their significance in guiding the faithful and exposing the folly of the transgressors. This commentary also explores the themes of life, death, and the afterlife, providing a comprehensive understanding of divine justice and mercy.

Explanation:

Allah questions the disbelievers, asking how they can deny Him when He gave them life after death and will bring them back to Him after death. This life-death cycle demonstrates Allah’s power and control over existence. The verse addresses the Quraysh and the Jews, emphasizing that denying Allah is irrational because He has guided them towards righteousness and protected them from destruction.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) explains that before being born, humans were lifeless, existing in the loins of their fathers and the wombs of their mothers. Allah gave them life, and eventually, He will cause them to die in this world. Believers in Muhammad’s messengers and Ali’s Wilayat will find peace in their graves, while those who deny these truths will face divine punishment in their graves.

The verse continues, explaining that after death, humans will be resurrected and brought back to Allah for judgment. The righteous will receive rewards promised to them, while sinners will face divine punishment.

In response to a question about reward and punishment in the grave, the Prophet Muhammad (S) affirms their existence. He describes the grave as a place where the faithful will be visited by the Prophet, Ali, Hasan, Husain, and other virtuous individuals. These visits will bring comfort to the believer, and the Angel of Death will treat them with kindness.

When the angels Munkir and Nakeer come to question the believer, they will greet the Prophet and his companions before asking the believer about their faith. The believer’s affirmation of Allah, Muhammad, Ali, and the Imams will confirm their faith, ensuring their place in Paradise.

The Prophet also describes the punishment for those who opposed the true leaders and supported their enemies. Such individuals will face severe torment in the grave, experiencing a glimpse of Hell’s punishment. They will see the bounties of Paradise they have forfeited and the torments of Hell awaiting them.

Summary:

The passage discusses how Allah uses the cycle of life and death to demonstrate His power and authority. Believers who follow divine guidance will find peace in their graves and rewards in the afterlife, while disbelievers and hypocrites will face severe punishment. The Prophet Muhammad (S) and the Imams will provide comfort to the faithful in their graves, affirming their faith and securing their place in Paradise. Conversely, those who opposed the true leaders and embraced falsehood will experience torment and the realization of the bounties they have lost. This commentary underscores the importance of faith, obedience, and the consequences of one’s beliefs and actions in the afterlife.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:29

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ لَكُم مَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَسَوَّاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

He is Who created for you all that is in the earth, and He directed Himself to the heaven, so He made them complete seven heavens, and He knows all things. Surah Baqarah 2:29

Introduction:

The Quran reveals Allah’s magnificent creation of the heavens and the earth, emphasizing His wisdom and knowledge. Through these verses, believers are reminded of the purpose behind creation and are urged to seek guidance and avoid punishment. The insights provided by Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) and Amirul Momineen (a.s.) further illuminate the meaning and significance of these divine acts. This passage explores Allah’s creation, His intent, and His encompassing knowledge.

Explanation:

He is the Lord Who created all things on earth for you. Then He willed to create the sky and leveled seven skies, and He is the Knower of everything.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) said that Amirul Momineen (a.s.) explained:

Allah is the One Who made everything on the earth for your benefit. This creation is meant to help you gain wisdom, learn lessons, and earn His pleasure, ultimately saving you from Hellfire.

After creating the earth, Allah then turned His attention to the heavens. He meticulously crafted and solidified the seven skies, demonstrating His unparalleled ability and power.

Furthermore, He is aware of everything, which means He knows all that is beneficial for you. Therefore, O sons of Adam, understand that everything on earth has been made for your benefit.

Summary:

Allah created all things on earth for the benefit of humanity, allowing them to gain wisdom and seek His pleasure. He then directed His creative power towards the heavens, forming and solidifying seven skies. Allah’s knowledge encompasses all things, indicating that His creation is designed with humanity’s best interests in mind. This divine knowledge and purposeful creation serve as a reminder for humans to seek wisdom, follow His guidance, and avoid the consequences of disbelief.

References[edit]

  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. London: Routledge, 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. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1984. ISBN 9780791495469
  7.  Maariful Quran
  8.  Qurtubi

External links:

Tag