“Wonderful Surah Baqarah Verses 2:6-8 with Syeda”

Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:6

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَأَنذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنذِرْهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

Surely those who disbelieve, it being alike to them whether you warn them, or do not warn them, will not believe. Surah Baqarah 2:6

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) explained that when Allah concluded mentioning the believers, praising them for their faith in Allah’s oneness, the Prophethood of Muhammad (S), and the succession of Ali (a.s.), He then mentioned the infidels who opposed the believers due to their disbelief. The verse says:

“Surely those who disbelieve…” (Surah Baqarah 2:6)

refers to those who do not believe in the same matters as the believers, specifically the oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad (S), and the succession of Ali (a.s.). It further states:

“It being alike to them whether you warn them, or do not warn them, they will not believe.” (Surah Baqarah 2:6)

This means that it is the same to them whether they are warned or not; they are never going to believe.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) recounted that when the Holy Prophet (S) arrived in Medina and his prophethood became evident to everyone, the Jews conspired maliciously against him, seeking to harm him in various ways. Notable among these conspirators were Malik bin as-Saif, Ka’b bin al-Ashraf, Huyay bin Akhtab, Judayy ibn Akhtab, and Abu Lubabah bin Abul Munthir and their followers. Malik once challenged the Prophet (S), demanding that a mat under his feet testify to his prophethood. The Prophet (S) responded that after the evidence of Allah’s miracles, it was improper to demand further signs, urging belief based on what had already been shown.

Nonetheless, Allah enabled the mat to speak, and it testified to the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (S), as well as the successorship of Ali (a.s.). The mat declared:

“I give witness that there is no god except Allah Almighty… I testify that O Muhammad! You are His servant and His Messenger… And I testify that Ali bin Abi Talib… is your brother and deputy for your Ummah and is the best of all after you among the entire creation.”

Seeing this miracle, the Jews called it magic. The mat then lifted and tumbled Malik bin Zaif and his companions, affirming its testimony and stating that believers should only sit upon it. Following this, the Prophet (S) invited Salman, Miqdad, Abu Tharr, and Ammar (r.a.) to sit on the mat as they had faith in its testimony.

Next, Abu Lubabah demanded a similar miracle from his whip. Allah enabled the whip to speak, and it also testified to the oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad (S), and the Imamate of Ali (a.s.). The whip declared:

“I give witness there is no one and nothing worth worship except Only One Allah… and I testify that, O Muhammad! You are His Messenger… and I testify that Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.)… is mentioned in the Higher world as the chief of creation after you…”

It then dragged Abu Lubabah repeatedly until he professed faith, but his insincere declaration did not benefit him. The Jews, observing these signs, still conspired against the Prophet (S), and Kaab bin al-Ashraf’s donkey refused to let him ride, testifying similarly and admonishing him for his disbelief. Eventually, the Prophet (S) suggested selling the donkey to a believer, Thabit bin Qais, who then rode it faithfully.

When these Jews failed to believe despite witnessing miracles, Allah revealed the verse:

“Surely those who disbelieve, it being alike to them whether you warn them, or do not warn them, will not believe.” (Surah Baqarah 2:6)

This verse underscores that those who disregard miracles and evidence will not heed warnings or accept faith.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:7
Regarding the Almighty’s words:

خَتَمَ اللَّـهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ سَمْعِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ أَبْصَارِهِمْ غِشَاوَةٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and their hearing and there is a covering over their eyes, and there is a great punishment for them. Surah Baqarah 2:7

Imam Askari’s Explanation of Divine Knowledge and the Fate of Disbelievers

Imam Askari (a.s.) explains that Allah has marked the hearts, ears, and eyes of certain people, indicating their disbelief. Angels can recognize who will believe and who will not by these divine signs. These people chose not to ponder over Allah’s commands and refused to see the truth, thereby becoming spiritually blind and deaf. Allah, respecting human free will, does not force anyone to follow His path.

The Punishment for Disbelief

Allah warns of severe punishment for disbelievers both in this life and the Hereafter. In worldly life, such punishments might include hardships like famine, intended to guide people back to righteousness. In the Hereafter, the punishment is much graver.

Revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (S)

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) recounts how Allah informed the Prophet Muhammad (S) about the condition of those who, despite witnessing miracles, remained in disbelief. This revelation is captured in the verse:

خَتَمَ اللَّـهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ سَمْعِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ أَبْصَارِهِمْ غِشَاوَةٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing and there is a covering over their eyes, and there is a great punishment for them. (Surah Baqarah 2:7)

This means Allah has sealed their hearts and ears, which angels can read from the Slate of Divine Knowledge (Lauhe Mahfooz). When angels see these marks, their faith in Allah’s hidden bounties strengthens.

Visibility of Divine Signs

When the companions of the Prophet (S) asked if humans could see these signs, The Prophet (S) affirmed that he could, and the most devout among his followers might also be granted this vision. The companions inquired about this high rank, to which The Prophet (S) emphasized that it is granted by Allah to those who perform good deeds. He encouraged his companions to strive for this honor through righteous actions.

The Incident of Repaying a Debt

The Prophet (S) shared a story about a companion who performed an exemplary act of charity. Ali (a.s.) narrated how he helped a poor believer by praying to Allah and miraculously providing gold to repay the believer’s debt. This act of charity earned Ali (a.s.) immense rewards in the Hereafter.

Defending a Believer

Ali (a.s.) also described an incident where he killed a man who earned Allah’s anger and dislike. This man was disputing a decision made by the Prophet (S). When the deceased’s heirs demanded blood money, the Prophet (S) declared that Ali (a.s.)’s action was justified by the divine witness and therefore, no compensation was due.

Acts of Modesty and Generosity

Another story involved Ali (a.s.) who, out of modesty and generosity, helped a poor man eating discarded fruit skins. Ali (a.s.) provided the man with loaves that miraculously turned into whatever food he desired, due to Ali’s prayer. This act not only fulfilled the man’s needs but also turned him from hypocrisy to true faith.

Rescuing a Believer

Ali (a.s.) recounted how he saved Thabit bin Qais from a well where he had been pushed by a hypocrite. Despite the danger, Ali (a.s.) rescued Thabit and was protected from harm by divine intervention.

The Prophet’s Praise and the Companions’ Reactions

The Prophet (S) praised Ali (a.s.) for his unwavering faith and actions. He explained that on Judgment Day, friends of Ali (a.s.) would be greatly rewarded and even be allowed to save others from Hell. Enemies of Ali (a.s.) would face severe punishment. The Prophet (S) affirmed that a friend of Ali (a.s.) is a friend of Allah, and his enemies are enemies of Allah.

Conclusion

The essence of the verse:

خَتَمَ اللَّـهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ سَمْعِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ أَبْصَارِهِمْ غِشَاوَةٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing and there is a covering over their eyes, and there is a great punishment for them. (Surah Baqarah 2:7)

is that angels see these divine signs, recognize the marked disbelievers, and after that see Ali (a.s.) as the best of Allah’s creation. The verse concludes by reiterating the severe punishment awaiting disbelievers in the Hereafter for their denial of Allah and His Messenger.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:8

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ آمَنَّا بِاللَّـهِ وَبِالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَمَا هُم بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

And some people say that we believe in Allah and the last day, and they are not at all believers. Surah Baqarah 2:8

Imam Askari (a.s.) narrated that Imam Musa bin Ja’far (a.s.) recounted an event from the Day of Ghadeer when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) made Ali (a.s.) stand at a prominent place. Addressing the crowd, the Prophet asked, “O servants of Allah! Tell me, who am I and what is my lineage?”

The people responded, “You are Muhammad, son of Abdullah, son of Abdul Muttalib, from the tribe of Hashim, from the family of Abde Manaf.”

Then the Prophet asked, “Do I not have more authority over you than you have over yourselves?” Everyone replied unanimously, “O Allah’s Messenger! You indeed have more authority over us than we have over ourselves.”

The Prophet continued, “Does not your master have more authority over you than you have over yourselves?” Again, they responded, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger!”

The Prophet then looked up to the sky and addressed Almighty Allah, saying, “O Allah! Be a witness to what these people have affirmed.” He repeated this three times, and the people responded in the same manner.

After this, the Prophet declared, “O people! Be aware, for whom I am the master, Ali is also the master. O Allah! Befriend those who befriend Ali and oppose those who oppose Ali. Be an enemy to those who are enemies of Ali. Help those who help Ali and do not help those who do not help Ali.”

Then, the Prophet asked Abu Bakr to pledge allegiance to Ali as the chief of the believers. Abu Bakr stood up and did so. Next, he asked Umar to acknowledge Ali as the commander and leader of all Muslims. Umar also stood up and complied. Following this, seven other leaders were asked to do the same, and they obeyed. Finally, all the chiefs of the Muhajirs and Ansar were instructed similarly, and they all followed the order.

After this, Umar bin Khattab stood up and said, “O Ali bin Abi Talib! Congratulations on becoming the master and authority of me and all Muslim men and women.” With this, everyone dispersed, and firm oaths were taken from all present.

However, a group of discontented individuals conspired among themselves, deciding that after the Prophet passed away, they would strip Ali of his leadership. Allah was aware of their conspiracy. These people would come to the Prophet, saying, “O Allah’s Messenger! You have appointed a man as our master and commander who is dearer to you than the entire creation of Allah, thus protecting us from oppressors.”

Yet, Allah, who knows everything, was aware of their hidden opposition and hatred towards Ali. He knew they intended to overthrow Ali’s authority after the Prophet’s departure. So, He revealed to the Prophet in the Qur’an:

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ آمَنَّا بِاللَّـهِ

“And among the people are some who say, ‘We believe in Allah…'” (Surah Baqarah 2:8).

This means that some people claim to believe in Allah, who commanded you to appoint Ali as the leader of your community.

وَبِالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَمَا هُم بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

“…and the Last Day, but they are not believers at all.” (Surah Baqarah 2:8).

This indicates that they do not truly believe in your declaration. Instead, they secretly plot to eliminate both you and Ali and have decided to revolt against Ali after you are no longer in this world.

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. 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
9.  Wherry, Elwood Morris (1896). A Complete Index to Sale’s Text, Preliminary Discourse, and Notes. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner, and Co.  This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
10.  Jump up to:a b Mubarakpuri, Safiur Rahman (2000). Tafsir Ibn Kathir (10 Volumes;Abridged). Darussalam. pp. 70–87. ISBN 9781591440208.
11.  Jump up to:a b Caner Dagli, 2 The Cow al-Baqarah, Study Quran
12.  Mubarakpuri, Safiur Rahman (2000). Tafsir Ibn Kathir (10 Volumes; Abridged). Darussalam. pp. 87–91. ISBN 9781591440208.

External links:

• Q2:49, 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,