Al-Baqara, alternatively transliterated Al-Baqarah (Arabic: البقرة, ’al-baqarah; lit. “The Heifer” or “The Cow”), is the second and longest chapter (surah) of the Quran. It consists of 286 verses (āyāt) which begin with the “muqatta’at” A.L.M.click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againThe surah encompasses a variety of topics and contains several commands for Muslims such as enjoining fasting on the believer during the month of Ramadan; forbidding interest or usury (riba); and several famous verses such as The Throne Verse, Al-Baqara 256, and the final two or three verses. 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.Sections: 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.
Al-Ma’idah (Arabic: ٱلمائدة, Al-Māʾidah; meaning: “The Table” or “The Table Spread with Food”) is the fifth chapter (sūrah) of the Quran, with 120 verses (āyāt).The chapter’s topics include animals which are forbidden, and Jesus’ and Moses’ missions. Verse 90 prohibits “The intoxicant” (alcohol). Verse 8 Contains the passage: “Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice”. Al-Tabligh Verse 67 is relevant to the Farewell Pilgrimage and Ghadir Khumm. Verses (Q5:32-33) have been quoted to denounce killing, by using an abbreviated form such as, “If anyone kills a person, it would be as if he killed the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people”. This verse is similar to that of one from the TalmudThere are six main points discussed in this Surah: All obligations whether they are divine or human should be fulfilled. When we have a pledge or promise or sign a treaty we must abide by it. Also Allah gave some rules for life to keep us clean and sober. Cleanliness of the body, living with justice, being upright and moral, avoiding sin, corruption and superstition, and doing the deeds of piety and righteousness are important rules and principles and must be observed. Message to the People of the Book i.e. Christians and Jews to recognize the truth. Allah’s punishment comes on those who reject Allah’s rules and knowingly violate them. The story of the two children of Adam is told. This story has many lessons. Sometime even your brothers become envious of you and they harm you. Just and righteous persons sometimes suffer at the hands of their own family members, but God’s judgment also comes. The righteous under no situation give up right attitude and behavior. Muslims must deal with justice with all people. Justice should be impartial, even to their enemies they must be just. However, relations among Muslims themselves should be deeper. There should not be only justice but also love, brotherhood, care and concern for each other. Enjoy the good things that Allah has given, but guard against excesses. Do not indulge in swearing, gambling, intoxicants, superstitions, violation of the sanctities of the Sanctuary of Allah (the Ka’bah). Jesus – peace be upon him – was a great prophet of Allah and he performed many miracles. His teachings were corrupted by some after his departure.
An-Nisa’ (Arabic: ٱلنساء, An-Nisāʾ; meaning: The Women) is the fourth chapter (sūrah) of the Quran, with 176 verses (āyāt). The title derives from the numerous references to women throughout the chapter, including verse 34 and verses 127-130.click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againAccording to many scholars, the Surah was revealed after the Battle of Uhud, which left 70 of the Muslims killed. This situation brought about the need to address issues such as inheritance left by those killed etc. Hence in Surah an-Nisa, Allah Almighty address issues such as dealing with orphans [including children of those killed at Uhud] and inheritance.Sections: Responsibility to take care of the family. Special care of orphans. Laws of inheritance. It is an obligation from Allah. Relations between men and women should be based on the principle of equity and goodness. Rules of marriage especially concerning the women who cannot be taken in marriage. Men and women’s rights over their properties. Disagreement and reconciliation between husband and wife. Internal and external purity: rules of wudu, ghusl and prayers. Fulfill the trusts and refer all disputes to Allah and His Messenger. Those who decline to accept the decisions of Allah’s Messenger are the hypocrites. It is the duty of the Believers to establish justice and protect the poor and oppressed. Hypocrites’ attitude to the Prophet and to the Believers How to deal with the hypocrites who are prone to fighting Believers must respect the life of other Believers, Murder and its punishment. Believers must join and live with other Believers unless they are unable to do so. Prayers for the travelers and those who are in the battlefield. Always be just and do not take the side of the unjust. The secret councils of the hypocrites. Allah will not forgive Shirk. Shaitan’s misleading of humans through deceptions and false promises. Some more directions about dealing with orphans and family disputes. Believers must stand for justice for all. Must pay attention to their faith. Hypocrites try to deceive Allah. They are lazy in their prayers. Their end will be the lowest part of hell. Allah’s punishment for those who broke their covenant with Him. Some People of the Book tried to crucify Jesus, but Allah saved him. The message of Islam is the same as the message of previous Prophets. Invitation to the People of the Book to accept Islam and recognize the true teachings of Jesus. Some more elaboration on the law of Inheritance.
The Surah takes its name from the Ayat, وَالَّذِينَ اسْتَجَابُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ “And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend.” (42:38).click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againThe Surah emphasizes that the message of the Qur’an is from Allah Who revealed similar messages to other Prophets and Messengers. The religion of Allah has been the same throughout history. If Allah wanted He would have made all people into one Ummah, but He has given freedom to people to make their own choice by their free will. Allah will judge all people on the Day of Judgment. In the Surah it is also mentioned that the followers of this message are those who avoid major sins and who manage their affairs with mutual consultation.Sections: Allah revealed His message to His Prophets. The purpose of revelation is to warn people about the Day of Judgment. Had Allah willed, He would have forced all people into one Ummah, but the wrong-does will see the consequences of their deeds. The judgment is in the hand of Allah. He gave the same religion to all His Prophets. Muslims must invite people to Allah. Allah deals justly with all people. Allah accepts the repentance. Allah’s mercy is manifest in the universe. Believers should avoid sins, be patient, work with each other in consultation and practice forgiveness. The Prophet guides to the right path, the path of Allah.
The surah is named after the Prophet Yunus [Jonah] and this is the only surah of the Qur’an to mention the ‘people of Yunus’ – “Then has there not been a [single] city that believed so its faith benefited it except the people of Jonah? When they believed, We removed from them the punishment of disgrace in worldly life and gave them enjoyment for a time” (10:98) There are 109 Ayat in this Surah.click the button above to listen to the recitation of this Quranic verse againThe main subject of this Surah is faith in Allah and belief in the Hereafter. Those who have true faith, they worship Allah and recognize Him as their Lord and Master and live their lives in accordance to His command. Allah sent His Messengers to remind people and to warn them. The stories of Prophets Noah and Prophet Moses with Pharaoh are told to remind people about the consequences of unfaithfulness and arrogance.Sections: The Qur’an is the Book of wisdom, it contains signs from the All Wise. Man’s ingratitude to Allah and His revelation. Allah’s mercy to His creation. Allah invites to the abode of peace. Allah’s gifts. The Qur’an is from Allah. Bring a Surah like the Qur’an if you can. Those who disbelieve in the Qur’an shall be the losers. Every people were sent a Messenger. The Qur’an is a mercy, blessing and a cure for the problems of humankind. Whatever you do Allah is a Witness. The mistakes of the Mushrikin. The story of Prophet Noah and his people. Prophet Moses and Aaron -peace be upon them all. Allah delivered the Children of Israel from the bondage of the Pharaoh. Allah’s mercy for the Children of Israel. Prophet Yunus and his people. If Allah afflicts you with any loss or wants to bestow any profit on you, none can avert it. You must always follow Allah’s guidance.
It is named ‘Hijr’ after the valley located between Madinah and Sham [Greater Syria], where the people of Salih, Thamud lived. There are 99 Ayat in this Surah.click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againThe main theme of the Surah is divine guidance, and people’s response. Allah’s warns those who deny this message and as a reminder of these warnings, we have here the stories of Prophet Lot’s people, Thamud and other groups.Sections: Qur’an is the Books of Allah. He revealed it and He will guard it. Allah knows everything in the universe. He is the Creator of all. The creation of human being is from a very humble stuff, but Allah honored him and asked angels to bow down to Adam. Satan’s response. Allah is very forgiving, but His punishment is also severe. Prophet Lot and Prophet Shu’aib’s people. The People of Hijr and what happened to them. Qur’an and Surah al-Fatihah are special gifts of Allah. Allah will take care of those who ridicule His message
The Surah takes its name after the first Ayat, إِذَا السَّمَاءُ انشَقَّتْ “When the sky has split [open]” [84:1] There are 25 Ayat in this Surah.click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againThis Surah tells us that this world has no permanence. It also speaks about the record of deeds and the rewards of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked. It reminds people to pay attention to the Qur’an.Summary 1-5 Signs of the judgment-day 6-15 The books of the righteous and the wicked given into their hands, and the consequence thereof 16-20 Oaths attesting the doctrine of the resurrection 21-25 The unbelievers denounced and threatened [3]
The Surah takes its name from the Ayat, وَزُخْرُفًا ۚ وَإِن كُلُّ ذَٰلِكَ لَمَّا مَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۚ وَالْآخِرَةُ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ “And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous.” (43:35) There are 89 Ayat in this Surah.click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againThe Surah tells us that the revelation is a mercy from Allah. Allah chooses whosoever He wills to give His revelation. The worldly goods and riches do not necessarily mean that a person is best in the sight of Allah. The real value comes from following the truth and righteousness.Sections: This revelation is given to people in Arabic so that they may understand. The revelation is a mercy from Allah. Shirk and blind following of ancestors are major problems of non-believers. Allah chooses the Prophets and Messengers according to His wisdom. The worldly riches do not mean much in the sight of Allah. Those who forget Allah come under the influence of the Satan. Pharaoh’s response to Prophet Moses. Allah’s punishment came against Pharaoh and his people. Jesus’ Message was also changed by some of his people. The Believers will succeed in the Hereafter.
Al Imran (Arabic: آل عمران, āl ʿimrān; meaning: The Family of Imran) is the third chapter (sūrah) of the Quran with two hundred verses (āyāt).click the button above to listen to the recitation of this Quranic verse againIt is named after Ale-Imran ‘the family of Imran’ – Imran being the grandfather of Jesus [Isa], and the father of Mary [Maryam]. Other than this Surah, Imran is not mentioned in the rest of the Qur’an with the exception of Surah 66: at-Tahreem – ‘Maryam daughter of Imran’ [66:12]. Zahra – The Prophet is reported to have called al-Baqarah and Ale-Imran as ‘Zahrawayn’ [Two Lights (of guidance)]The main topics of this Surah are Tawhid, Prophethood and the truth of the Qur’ an. As Surah al-Baqarah discussed the issues related to Bani Israel, this Surah discusses some issues related to the Christian community and their religious positions. It also discusses the subjects of Hajj, Jihad, Zakat and Riba. It ends, like Surah al-Baqarah, with a profound dua.
The name of the surah, at-Taubah is derived from ت و ب and it occurs 87 times in the Quran. Interestingly, this surah has the highest usage of the words derived from ت و ب compared to all other surahs – it is used 17 times. In Ayat 118, occurs the case of the three companions whom Allah turned to and accepted their tawbah to Him – those who had abstained from joining the Jihad at the Battle of Tabuk.click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againThis is the only Sūrah of the Qur’ān to which ‘In the Name of God, Most Gracious Most Merciful’ is not prefixed. Though the commentators have given different reasons for this, the correct one that which has been given by Imām Razi: namely this is because the Prophet himself did not dictate it at the beginning of the Sūrah. Therefore the Companions did not prefix it and their successors followed them. This is a further proof of the fact that utmost care has been taken to keep the Qur’ān intact so that it should remain in its complete and original form.The basic subjects of the Surah are: The non-believers who broke their treaties, Muslims have no obligation to honor treaties with them. Muslims must protect themselves from hypocrisy, weak faith and negligence. Battle of Tabuk and its lessons. Sections: Proclamation that the Treaty of Hudaibiyah is cancelled. Honor the treaties with those who honor them. Fight with those who have broken the treaty. Mushrikin are forbidden to be the caretakers of the Masjid al-Haram. Muslims should trust Allah, not just their numbers. Jews and Christians also committed Shirk. Command to spend in the path of Allah. The correct number of months. The Tabuk expedition. Those who stayed behind and did not participate in the Battle of Tabuk, hypocrites and weak in faith. The proper distribution of charity. Those who speak ill of the Prophet or make fun of Allah and His Book. The hypocrite men and women.
![Inform My servants ˹O Prophet˺ that I am truly the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful, and that My torment is indeed the most painful. Quran 15:49~50 [Surah al-Hijr (Rock City) ]](https://islamicinspirations.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Quran-15_49-50-English-27-Feb-24-576x1024.jpg)
