Quran 2:204
The surah addresses a wide variety of topics, including substantial amounts of law, and retells stories of Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses).
A major theme is guidance: urging the pagans (Al-Mushrikeen) and the Jews of Medina to embrace Islam, and warning them and the hypocrites (Munafiqun) of the fate God had visited in the past on those who failed to heed his call.
The Book of Guidance for those who want to be righteous. The difference between the believers and the non-believers.
The hypocrites: their sickness, mischief and self-deception.
Mankind, worship Allah alone. Make no partners in Allah’s divinity. The challenge of the Qur’an. This Book will guide many but many will remain in error. The character of those who shall remain in error.
The story of the creation of Adam. Allah’s plan and promise to send His guidance from time to time through His prophets.
Address to Bani Israel to accept this message. Allah’s covenant must be fulfilled.
Warnings to those who stray from the covenant of God. How some from among the Children of Israel turned away from God’s teachings.
God’s blessings on the Children of Israel and their transgressions.
The real recipients of Divine salvation. The hesitation of Bani Israel in sacrificing the cow.
Some perversions of those who were supposed to follow the law of God.
Basic principles of God’s Covenant with the Children of Israel.
Some of them were arrogant to follow the teachings of their prophets, some rejected the prophets or tried to kill them, some worshipped the calf, disobeyed God’s commands and became too greedy for the life of this world.
Opposition and enmity towards the Prophets, following devils and magic.
Reminders to the Believers to follow these examples. Stay firm on your principles. Some among the People of the Book will try to mislead you with false claims and assertions.
The true guidance of Allah is here. Read the Book of Allah and follow it.
The great example of Prophet Ibrahim. He and his son built the Ka’bah and prayed for a Prophet to come.
Prophet Ibrahim –peace be upon him- submitted to Allah and this is the message that he and his sons gave to their progeny.
The change of Qiblah and the response of the hypocrites and fools. Those who have knowledge know that this is the true Qiblah of all the Prophets.
Follow this direction wherever you are. This is the universal Qiblah for all.
Believers will be tried but they should be firm and steadfast and must face the trials with patience and prayers.
Allah’s signs and His bounties are everywhere. The polytheists and idolaters are misplacing their loyalties.
Believers should eat good and permissible food and should never follow the steps of the devil.
The true piety and righteousness. Some rules related to the punishment of murderers. The rules of bequests.
Fasting and Ramadan: the objective of fasting and some rules.
Rules of Hajj, fighting those who expelled Muslims from their homes.
No fighting during Hajj, rather seek God’s bounty when you return from Hajj.
Appreciate God’s bounties. All human beings were originally one community. Divisions came later. Be generous and defend your self and your faith.
Some important questions answered: War in the sacred months, wine and gambling, charity, orphans’ money, divorced women and their situation.
The laws of divorce
Continuation of the laws of divorce.
Rules on the remarriage of the divorced women or the widowers.
Further rules of divorce
Fighting in the cause of God: Israelites
Under the leadership of Prophet David the victory came over the forces of Goliath.
Emphasis on charity. To Allah belong everything. His Throne extends to heaven and earth. No compulsion in religion. Allah brings out people from darkness unto light.
Allah’s power over life and death, some examples: Prophet Ibrahim’s dialogue with Namrood, a man in the valley of dead (probably Prophet Ezekiel’s vision of Jerusalem), Prophet Ibrahim asks Allah how will He raise the dead to life. Allah’s answer to Prophet Ibrahim.
Allah blesses charity: some examples of how Allah blesses charity
Emphasis on charity: spend good things, give openly and secretly to the poor and needy.
Prohibition of usuary (riba) and its bad effects on individuals and society
Some rules on loan transactions
Conclusion and prayer: Everything in the heaven and earth belong to Allah, the prayer of the believers.
