Sura 1. Al-Fatiha – The Opening (Mecca)
“In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;
Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgement.
Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
Show us the straight way,
The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.”
This sura is held in high esteem by all Muslims and it is regarded as the essence of the whole Quran. The first word in Arabic is Al-Hamd, in praise of Allah. It states the attributes of Allah and man’s relationship and obligation towards Him. It is both earnest and devout and occurs in the daily salat ritual prayers. It is repeated over the sick as a means of healing and recited as as an intercession for souls departed.
It is sometimes referred to as Ummu’l-Quran, (the mother or the essence of the Quran and Sab ‘al Mathani (the oft repeated seven). The Al-Fatiha may have been a favourite sura in the early Muslim community and is probably referred to in the verse below which was given on a later occasion: “And We have bestowed upon thee the seven oft-repeated and the grand Quran” (Al-Hijr 15:87).
Traditions relating to Al-Fatiha
- Bukhari Volume 1, Book 12, Number 723: Narrated ‘Ubada bin As-Samit: Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid.”
- Bukhari Volume 6, Book 60, Number 226: Narrated Abu Said Al-Mualla: While I was praying, the Prophet passed by and called me, but I did not go to him till I had finished my prayer. When I went to him, he said, “What prevented you from coming?” I said, “I was praying.” He said, “Didn’t Allah say” “O you who believe give your response to Allah (by obeying Him) and to His Apostle.” (8.24) Then he added, “Shall I tell you the most superior Sura in the Quran before I go out of the mosque?” When the Prophet intended to go out, I reminded him and he said, “That is: “Alhamdu-lillahi Rabbil-’Alamin (Surat-al-fatiha)’ which is the seven oft repeated verses and the grand Quran which has been given to me.
- Muslim Book 4, Number 780: ‘Ata’ reported it on the authority of Abu Huraira who said: Recitation (of Surat al-Fatiha) in every (rak’ah) of prayer in essential. (The recitation) that we listened to from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) we made you listen to it. And that which he recited inwardly to us, we recited it inwardly for you. And he who recites Umm al-Quran, it is enough for him (to complete the prayer), and he who adds to it (recites some other verses of the Holy Qur’an along with Surat al-Fatiha), it is preferable for him.
Unusual features of Al-Fatiha
- It is at the beginning while other short suras are at the end.
- It is more like a prayer rather than a statement of Allah.
- An Amen is usually said at the conclusion of this sura.
Rejection of Judaism and Christianity in Al-Fatiha
“The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray” (v 7)
Those against whom Allah is angry are said to be the Jews and those who have erred are said to be Christians.
The Merciful God
The only reason men can be saved is because God is merciful. If God does, not, in His mercy, pardon our sins, we cannot escape hell. But how can God who is here described as ‘Master of the Day of Judgement’ show mercy to us sinners? Suppose a man has comitted murder, however merciful the Judge may be he is unable to show mercy to him. He must judge according to the law. Though he may love mercy himself, he must condemn the murderer. We are all sinners, we sin every day. Who can reckon the number of our sins? Then how can God, one of whose name is Al-Adil, ‘the Just’ the ’Master of the day of Judgement,’who at the last day will judge all men according to their works be also ar-Rahim, the Merciful? The solution is found in the Injil. It is written there that the Lord Jesus Christ gave his life for sinners; by his death he made an atonement for sin, and by virtue of that atonement God can be merciful to sinners. Christ suffered the punishment sinners deserved.
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Sura 2 Al-Baqarah (The Cow) Mecca/Medina
T
his sura throws light into the changing policy of Muhammad after he had entered Medina. The rift with the Jews and their rejection of the Quran caused him to change the direction of the Qibla and abandon the Jewish fast in favour of the newly instituted Ramadan. Muhammad also accuses the Jews of corrupting the scriptures. In respect of the Pagans, divine approval is obtained for the retention of certain ancient ceremonies. At this early stage of residency in Medina open war with his own countrymen seems unavoidable as his plunder of mercantile caravans continued. The great bulk of legislative material of which only a few examples are given from this chapter was also a subject which engrossed Muhammad and his followers attention at this time.With certain exceptions the code contains nothing greatly open to question. It is not enough, however, that a religion should contain some great truths and excellent moral maxims, the question is, are there other things also contained in them which prove that they are not from God?
This is the longest chapter in the Quran. It is called ‘The Cow’ from its containing an account of the sacrifice of a cow by Moses (v 6, 7). With certain exceptions the code contains nothing greatly open to question. It is not enough, however, that a religion should contain some great truths and excellent moral maxims, the question is, are there other things also contained in them which prove that they are not from God?
Sura Al- Baqarah in tradition
Abu Umama said he heard Allah’s Messenger say: Recite the Quran, for on the day of resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite it. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqara and Surah Al ‘Imran, for on the day of resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah al-Baqara, for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it (Muslim Book 4, Number 1757)
Ibn ‘Abbas reported that while Gabriel was sitting with the Apostle (may peace be upon him) he heard a creaking sound above him. He lifted his head and said: This is a gate opened in heaven today which had never been opened before. Then when an angel descended through it, he said: This is an angel who came down to the earth who had never come down before. He greeted and said: Rejoice in two lights given to you which have not been given to any prophet before you: Fatiha al-Kitab and the concluding verses of Surah al-Baqara. You will never recite a letter from them for which you will not be given (a reward) (Muslim Book 4, Number 1760).
Ascribing excellency to the Quran
“Alif-Lam-Mim This is the book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah; Who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them; And who believe in the revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the hereafter”. (v 1-4)
Alif. Lam. Mim and the mystical letters occur at the beginning of six suras – 2; 3; 29; 30; 31 and 32. Other chapters of the Quran begin with certain mystic letters – Sura 20 – Taha; Sura 36 – Yasin; Sura 38 – Sa’d; Sura 50 – Qaf. Some Muslims claim to know the meaning of these letters; others say there is no meaning; while some Muslims say that God alone knows what they mean. Muhammad never explained their meaning, therefore they are disputed. One European explanation is that they denote the first letter of the names of certain persons from whom the chapters were obtained.
The challenge to produce a chapter like the Quran
“And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true. But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the fire whose fuel is men and stones, – which is prepared for those who reject faith.” (v 23-24)
Sell says ‘ The fact is that the claim is overstated, for the challenge was not to produce something equal to the Quran in rhetoric or poetry, but with regard to the subject matter, the unity of God, future retribution and so on. Now, from the nature of the case, the Qurraish could not do this. They could not produce a book showing, as the Quran did, the unity of God, for as pagans, they did not believe such a dogma ……. as no one could reproduce the individuality of Muhammad stamped upon his book, he could safely challenge anyone to produce its like.’
In respect of the principles of rhetoric, Noldeke, who was one of the finest Arabic scholars, said ‘On the whole many parts of the Quran undoubtedly have considerable rhetoric power, even over an unbelieving reader, when the book is considered aesthetically, however, it is by no means a first-class performance ………… Indispensable links, both in expression and in the sequence of events, are often omitted, so that to understand these histories is sometimes far easier for us than for those who heared them first, because we know most of them from better sources ………… The connection of ideas is extremely loose, and even the syntax betrays great awkwardness.’ The Quran, then, instead of being a proof of Muhammad’s mission from God, is found to be the reverse.
Angels, excepting Iblis, bow down to Adam
“A nd He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: “Tell me the names of these if ye are right.” They said: “Glory to Thee, of knowledge we have none, save what Th o u Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom. He said: “O Adam! Tell them their names.When he had told them, Allah said: “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal? And behold, We said to the angels: “Bow down to Adam and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject faith” (v 31-34).
This is one of the legends which refer to Adam. Here are two other legends recorded in the ahadith in respect of Adam: 1) Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall. When He created him, He said to him, “Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation) and the greeting (salutations of your offspring. So, Adam said (to the angels) ……………. Any person who will enter Paradise will resemble Adam (in appearance and figure). People have been decreasing in stature since Adam’s creation (Bukhari Volume 4, Book 55, Number 543); 2) Abu Huraira reported the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying: The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created. on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the last hour will take place on no day other than Friday (Muslim Book 4, Number 1857).
Adam lived with his wife in Paradise (The Seventh Heaven)
“We said: “O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression. Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: “Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood for a time. Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful” (v 35-37).
In Islam, Adam is considered the first prophet and was given ten portions of scripture. Tradition says that Adam and Eve were cast out of Paradise (the seventh heaven). Eve arrived at Arafat, Adam at Ceylon (Sarandib). Seeking his wife he travelled many years until he came to the Mountain of Mercy and when he arrived there he recognised and met his wife.
Jews accused of covering the truth with falsehood
O Children of Israel! call to mind the favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil your covenant with Me as I fulfil My Covenant with you, and fear none but Me. And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject faith therein, nor sell My signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone. And cover not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth when ye know (what it is). (v 40-42)
This early Medinan sura is said to have been revealed in the second year of the Hijra (although certain parts seem to refer to the Meccan period).
No atonement; no Saviour
“Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped ” (v 48)
Despite this verse, which denies any intercession is possible on the day of judgement many Muslims think Muhammad will in the end intercede for them. The Quran suggests, and the Traditions confirm that Muhammad was a sinner and the Quran clearly states that one sinner cannot intercede for another. Jesus or Muhammad, on who will you rely? Muhammad confessed himself a sinner and according to historians he was in twenty-seven battles and by his command his followers made thirty eight expeditions, chiefly for plunder. He caused the assisination of several persons; he ordered the execution in cold blood of seven hundred Jewish prisoners of the Quraiza tribe. Of what use would be the intercession of Muhammad? Jesus Christ came down from heaven not to destroy men’s lives but to save them. When one of his disciples wished to defend him from being seized by wicked men he said, ‘Put up thy sword into the sheath’. When dying on the cross he prayed for his murderers, ‘Father, forgive them; they know not what they do’. We need a holy, sinless intercessor and who is that intercessor? It is Jesus Christ.
The Law given to Moses as a guide – the Criterion
“And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion (between right and wrong): There was a chance for you to be guided aright.” (v 53)
Christians and Jews who follow their religion will have no eternal fear
Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (v 62)
During the Meccan period Muhammad looked on Christianity and Judaism as co-ordinate religions, the followers of which would find salvation and here at this stage of his career in Medina he still held to this view. Some hold that this passage has been abrogated by Al-Imran 3:85 ’If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted of him.‘ The general opinion of the commentators is that the Sabians were a tribe whose religion was a mixture of Judaism and Christianity; they worshipped one God, though some deny this, read the Psalms, prayed towards Mecca and worshipped angels.
The sacrifice of a cow by Moses
“And remember Moses said to his people: “Allah commands that ye sacrifice a heifer. They said: “Makest thou a laughing-stock of us? He said: “Allah save me from being an ignorant (fool)! They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what (heifer) it is! He said; “He says: The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age. Now do what ye are commanded! They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us her colour. He said: “He says: A fawn-coloured heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders! They said: “Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what she is: To us are all heifers alike: We wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills. He said: “He says: A heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish.They said: “Now hast thou brought the truth.Then they offered her in sacrifice, but not with good-will. Remember ye slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to the crime: But Allah was to bring forth what ye did hide. So We said: “Strike the (body) with a piece of the (heifer). Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His signs: Perchance ye may understand” (v 67-73)
The Muslim sacrifice of this cow is based on the following legend. A Jew was killed by a relation of his, who hid the body at some distance. The friends of the slain man brought a charge against certain persons, but there was no proof. God then told Moses to offer a cow with certain marks. The body of the murdered man, when struck with a part of the dead cow, revived, and standing up named the murderer, and then fell down again. The true account is found in Deuteronomy 21:1-9.
Hypocrisy of the Jews who had become Muslims
Behold! when they meet the men of faith, they say: “We believe”: But when they meet each other in private, they say: “Shall you tell them what Allah hath revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?” Do ye not understand (their aim)? Know they not that Allah knoweth what they conceal and what they reveal? And there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book, but (see therein their own) desires, and they do nothing but conjecture. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say: “This is from Allah, to traffic with it for miserable price! Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby” (v 76-79).
One party of the Jews is represented as upbraiding the other for making known passages taken from the scriptures which Muhammad might use against them. Then the accusation is made that the Jews were concealing passages which were supposed to refer to Muhammad. No such corruption of the text occurred and no passages referring to Muhammad have ever been found. The Jewish and Christian scriptures were in the hands of millions, other than Jews throughout the Roman and Persia n empires the accusation of tampering with the scriptures could not apply to them. Nowhere in the Quran are Christians accused of corrupting the scriptures – only the Jews.
Jews exhorted to believe their scriptures in their entirety
Then is it only a part of the book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? but what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do. (v 85b)
There were said to be quarrels between the two leading Jewish tribes, each claiming some scriptural authority for their actions. Muhammad rebukes them and exhorts them to obey the whole of their scriptures. This would include of course the references that he believed were written concerning him. This is a striking instance of the Quranic testimony to the authority of the Old Testament, whole and entire, as it then existed.
The divine mission of Moses and Jesus is acknowledged
“We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers; We gave Jesus the son of Mary clear (signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit.”(v 87)
In Islam, Gabriel is the Holy Spirit. Muhammad either knowingly rejected the divinity of the Holy Spirit, or confused Gabriel who announced the conception of Jesus with the Holy Spirit that overshadowed Mary. It is probable that Muhammad’s ideas of the Spirit were at first indefinite, but that the two expressions, Gabriel and the Holy Spirit, became ultimately synonymous.
Muhammad’s professed revelation
Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe” (v 97)
Tradition is unanimous that Gabriel was the agent of revelation to Muhammad. Yet Gabriel is only mentioned two times in the Quran and both during the Medina period. The association of Gabriel with the early revelations seems to be a later interpretation of something Muhammad interpreted differently.
The devils, Harut and Marut who taught men sorcery
“They followed what the evil ones gave out (falsely) against the power of Solomon: the blasphemers were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men magic, and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut” (v 102).
The Muslim belief is that Harut and Marut, two angels, having fallen in love with the daughters of men. Were condemned to hang in chains in a pit at Babylon, where they teach men magic.
The doctrine of abrogation
“None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?” (v 106)
Both pagan Meccans and the Jews pointed out that some of Muhammad’s sayings were contradictory to former ones and so Muhammad responded with a new revelation indicating that because God is Almighty He can change or abolish His laws at His own discretion. An example of abrogation can be seen in this very sura verse 115 “To Allah belong the east and the west: whithersoever ye turn; there is the presence of Allah.” This verse rightly teaches that God is everywhere so therefore no Qibla is necessary; but it is considered to be abrogated by verse 145 of this same sura, see notes below. Jallalud-din says that the number of abrogated verses has been variously estimated from five to five hundred. He gives a list of twenty, which most commentators acknowledge to be abrogated. The abrogated verses refer only to the teaching of Muhammad himself, some Muslims try to make out that the Quran also abrogates the former scriptures. This is not the view of the great Imams and the commentators Baidawi, Jalalain, Jalalu’Din, Hussain and others.
No intercession at the day of judgement
“Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped” (v 123).
Many believe that Muhammad will act as an intercessor but it here denied.
Abr
aham an Imam to the nations
“And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: “I will make thee an Imam to the nations.He pleaded: “And also (Imams) from my offspring!He answered: “But My promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.”
The promise in Genesis 17 that Abraham was going to be the ‘father of many nations’ has been changed by Islam into ‘an Imam (leader) to the nations.’ The command to ‘walk before me and be perfect’ has been changed in the opinion of some Muslims to the practice of fitrah. This ancient practice of the prophets before the time of Muhammad was said to include circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, cutting the moustaches short, clipping the nails and removing the hair from under the armpits.
The Ka’ba said to be built by Abraham and Ishmael
“Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma’il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).”
“And remember Abraham and Isma’il raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing” (v 125,127).
The Ka’ba is honoured by calling it the House. It is claimed that in the Ka’ba enclosure there is a footprint of Abraham on a stone. According to Bukhari the pictures of Abraham and Ishmael were found inside the Ka’aba when Muhammad entered Mecca: When Allah’s Apostle came to Mecca, he refused to enter the Ka’ba with idols in it. He ordered (idols to be taken out). So they were taken out. The people took out the pictures of Abraham and Ishmael holding Azlams in their hands. Allah’s Apostle said, “May Allah curse these people. By Allah, both Abraham and Ishmael never did the game of chance with Azlams.Then he entered the Ka’ba and said Takbir at its corners but did not offer the prayer in it (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 26, Number 671).
No distinction between the Quran and the Old and New Testaments
“Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).” (v 136).
The Baptism of Allah
“(Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah: And who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He Whom we worship. (v 138)
Muslims believes that those who enter Islam experience the true regeneration of man. The commentators differ in their interpretations of the meaning of this verse. Some say the phrase ‘Baptism of Allah’ means the ‘religion of God’ others say it means ‘circumcision’ and is meant to show that though the Christians have substituted baptism for that rite, yet the Muslims also have a rite which purifies the recipient. One other view is that the term also means colour; referring to the Christian rite of changing into yellow coloured clothing when a person was admitted into the Christian Church or the baptism of children said to be conducted in yellow water. The point the commentators are trying to make is that Muslims have been purified from the contamination of idolatry, under the metaphor of dyeing which is a kind of spiritual baptism. In all this the commentators are attempting to show that Christians have no superior rites to those found in Islam.(Rev Canon Sell)
The Arabs appointed a middle nation
“Thus, have We made of you an ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations and the messenger a witness over yourselves” (v 143)
Now the pride of the Arabs is honoured in its task of spreading Islam. They are the chosen people while the Jews are rejected.
The momentous change of the direction of the Qibla
“and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the faith). Indeed it was (a change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.”
“We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heav ens): now shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the sacred mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful” (v 144).
While Muhammad retained his admiration for the genuineness and authenticity of the scriptures he had no further use of the Jews in Medina and therefore began to remove their customs. One of these customs was the change in the direction of the Qibla. Here is an example of the doctrine of abrogation as was seen in verse 106. The text states the change was due because of a test set by Allah but the background was that Muhammad had tried to conciliate the Jews by telling his followers to turn their faces to Jerusalem. When he failed to win them over, in the second year of the Hijrah, and animosity was increasing amongst them he sought to please the Arabs and recognised the Ka’ba as the place towards which prayer should be offered. Bukhari’s hadith concerning this event is here given Bukhari Volume 9, Book 91, Number 358: Narrated Al-Bara’: When Allah’s Apostle arrived at Medina, he prayed facing Jerusalem for sixteen or seventeen months but he wished that he would be ordered to face the Ka’ba. So Allah revealed: ‘Verily! We have seen the turning of your face towards the heaven; surely we shall turn you to a prayer direction (Qibla) that shall please you.’ (2.144) Thus he was directed towards the Ka’ba. A man prayed the ‘Asr prayer with the Prophet and then went out, and passing by some people from the Ansar, he said, “I testify. that I have prayed with the Prophet and he (the Pro
phet) has prayed facing the Ka’ba. Thereupon they, who were bowing in the ‘Asr prayer, turned towards the Ka’ba.
Going round Safa and Marwa
“Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the season or at other ti mes should compass them round, it is no sin in them.
And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good, be sure that Allah is He Who recogniseth and knoweth” (v 158).
Safa and Marwa were two mountains near Mecca, where in ancient times two idols were worshipped by the Arabs. This passage was intended to take away the scruples of going round these mountains, as the idolaters did. The true reason seems to be that the institution was so ingrained that it could not be restrained. The custom of running between these two hills is still observed. Narrated ‘Asim: I asked Anas bin Malik: “Did you use to dislike to perform Tawaf between Safa and Marwa?He said, “Yes, as it was of the ceremonies of the days of the Pre-Islamic period of ignorance, till Allah revealed: ‘Verily! (the two mountains) As-Safa and Al-Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. It is therefore no sin for him who performs the pilgrimage to the Ka’ba, or performs ‘Umra, to perform Tawaf between them.’ (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 26, Number 710)
The Ramadan fast ordained
“Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful” (v 185).
Soon after his arrival at Medina, Muhammad observed the Jewish fast; but later he proclaimed the Ramadhan to be the ninth month of the Muslim year. In the later part of the month comes the Night of Power in which the Quran was said to have been brought down to the lowest heaven. The rewards of sins forgiven during the month of Ramadhan are shown in the following hadiths: 1) Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven (Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 125). 2) Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven (Bukhari Volume 3, Book 32, Number 227).
When the fast should begin and end
“……. eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall” (v 187).
Muhammad was an Arab, who had never travelled far beyond his native country, and was unaquainted with geography. While the Arabs might be able to fulfill the pilgrimage it was impractical when required of a world religion. Muhammad lived in a country where the days and nights are nearly equal all year round. During Ramadan Muslims are required to fast from the early dawn, when they can distinguish a white thread from a black one, till the same test in the evening. In countries to the far north, the sun does not set for some weeks, but seems to make only circles through the sky. It would be death to observe the Ramadan. The true religion should be able to be observed in every part of the world.
War for Islam
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the sacred mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith” (v 190, 191).
This is perhaps the first command to establish his religion by the sword. The following hadith shows how jihad is considered a good deed in Islam: Narrated Abdullah bin Masud: I asked Allah’s Apostle, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is the best deed? He replied, “To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times. I asked, “What is next in goodness? He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.I further asked, what is next in goodness?He replied, “To participate in Jihad in Allah’s Cause. I did not ask Allah’s Apostle any more and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more (Bukhari Volume 4, Book 52, Number 41).
Directions concerning the pilgrimage
“”And complete the Hajj or ‘umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (necessitating shaving), (he should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the ‘umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the sacred mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is strict in punishment. For Hajj are the months well known.* If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, Allah knoweth it. And take a provision for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.” (196-197)
The pilgrimage to Mecca is obligatory to every Muslim once in his life if he is an adult, free, sane, healthy and has sufficient money to provide for his journey and support his family while he is away. The Hajj takes place in the month of Dhu’l hajja the twelth month of the Muslim calendar. A person who has completed the pilgrimage takes the title Hajji. The dyeing of the hair, beard or both with the reddish brown dye, henna, is a sign that a person has been on the Haj.
Entrance into Islam must be whole-hearted
O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.
If ye backslide after the clear (signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is exalted in power, wise. (v. 208, 209)
“Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (signs) We have sent them. But if any one, after Allah’s favour has come to him, substitutes (something else), Allah is strict in punishment.” (v 211)
Some of the converts from Judaism still desired to observe portions of the Jewish Law. Hussain says that Ibn Salam and his friends were converts to Islam but they wished to keep the laws of the Pentateuch. The above is a warning and a rebuke to them (Rev Canon Sell).
Revelation allowing Muhammad to make war in the sacred months
They ask thee concerning fighting in the prohibited month.
Say: “Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members.” (v 217)
Muhammad had been personally engaged in booty-gaining expeditions but they made little impact on the Quarraish and failed to bring in much booty. The Arabs recognised the month of Rabu’l-Arab as one of the sacred months where from time immemorial peace amongst the warring tribes prevailed. In this month the Muslims attacked and plundered a caravan at Nakhla and took prisoners. The Quarraish objected to Muhammad saying he had desecrated the holy month by shedding blood, seizing goods and making captives in it. At first Muhammad denied that he had given any order to attack but as anxiety still remained in the hearts of his people he received this revelation condoning his actions. The violation of the sacred months however lost him no followers as their anxieties were quenched when they received four-fifths of the plunder.
The use of wine and lots forbidden
“They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: “In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit” (v 219),
Under the heading ‘wine’ all sorts of strong drink should be included. Again this subject has been influenced by the doctrine of abrogation. In the early Meccan period along with water, milk and honey, wine, was regarded as a sign of God’s provision for Muslims (sura 16:67). Later there was a warning against wine but not an absolute ban (sura 4:43). The complete ban came in 10A.H.and is found in sura 5:93, 94.
“Divorce must be pronounced twice and then (a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness. And it is not lawful for you that ye take from women aught of that which ye have given them; except (in the case) when both fear that they may not be able to keep within the limits (imposed by) Allah. And if ye fear that they may not be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin for either of them if the woman ransom herself. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Transgress them not. For whoso transgresseth Allah’s limits: such are wrong-doers. And if he hath divorced her (the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she hath wedded another husband. Then if he (the other husband) divorces her it is no sin for both of them that they come together again if they consider that they are able to observe the limits of Allah. These are the limits of Allah. He manifesteth them for people who have knowledge. When ye have divorced women, and they have reached their term, then retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. Retain them not to their hurt so that ye transgress (the limits). He who doeth that hath wronged his soul.” (v 229-231).
A Muslim may have four wives at a time. Sir William Muir says that ” A Muslim wife is liable to be cast adrift without the assignment of a single reason or the notice of a single hour. While the husband possesses the power of divorce, absolute, immediate, unquestioned; no privilege of a corresponding nature has been reserved for the wife.” A man may divorce his wife twice and take her back at any time; but if he divorces her a third time he cannot take her back until she has become the wife of another man, and has been divorced by him. This is a grievous blot on Islamic law that is so dishonouring to women. In respect of married life, the condition alotted by the Quran to woman is that of an inferior dependant creature even though when she is divorced she can claim her dower but the knowledge that the wife can make this claim is at its best a miserable security.
Warfare encouraged by reference to the wars of Saul (Talut) and David
“Hast thou not turned thy vision to the chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? they said to a prophet (That was) among them: “Appoint for us a king, that we may fight in the cause of Allah.” He said: “Is it not possible, if ye were commanded to fight, that ye will not fight?” They said: “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?” but when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah Has full knowledge of those who do wrong.” (v 246)
When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: “Allah will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army: Only those who taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused.” but they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- He and the faithful ones with him, they said: “This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces” but those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said: “How oft, by Allah’s will, hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.” When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed: “Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: Help us against those that reject faith.” By Allah’s will they routed them; and David slew Goliath. (v 249-251)
The time to prepare hearts and minds for war with their own countrymen was now unavoidable. To stimulate their zeal and courage examples were given from Jewish history. Muhammad’s lack of knowledge of the history is seen in his confusing Saul and Gideon together. However, Muhammad’s point was that Gideon overcame the Midianites with small numbers, likewise Muslims shall overcome the Quarraish.
The Throne Verseb- Ayat al-Kursi
“Allah! There is no god but He,the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme(in glory).” (v 255)
This verse is greatly admired by Muslims, some of whom wear it on their person or engrave it on a precious stone. If a person repeats it at night it is supposed that he will be kept in perfect safety as seen in the following hadith: Narrated Abu Mas’ud: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah ‘s Apostle ordered me to guard the zakat revenue of Ramadan. Then somebody came to me and started stealing of the foodstuff. I caught him and said, “I will take you to Allah’s Apostle!Then Abu Huraira described the whole narration and said: That person said (to me), “(Please don’t take me to Allah’s Apostle and I will tell you a few words by which Allah will benefit you.) When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-al-Kursi, (2.255) for then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all night long, and Satan will not be able to come near you till dawn.(When the Prophet heard the story) he said (to me), “He (who came to you at night) told you the truth although he is a liar; and it was Satan (Bukhari Volume 6, Book 61, Number 530).
Let there be no compulsion in religion
“Let there be no compulsion in religion” (v 256).
When Muhammad came to Medina he made an attempt to conciliate the Jews by teaching toleration. This verse is however more liberal in appearance than in fact, for it only applied only to Jews, Christians and Parsees, and Sabians and only to them if they accepted the position of dhimmi status and paid the jaziyah or poll-tax. As regards to the pagan Arabs tribes the verse is abrogated by Sura Al-Baqarrah 2:190 “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.” This verse does not teach religious liberty or establish freedom of thought; all that is gained by it is that certain classes may escape death by payment of a poll-tax and by abject submission to the terms of the established religion of the country.
Ezra’s Miracle
“Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: “Oh! how shall Allah bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?” but Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: “How long didst thou tarry (thus)?” He said: (Perhaps) a day or part of a day.” He said: “Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; but look at thy food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; and look at thy donkey: And that We may make of thee a sign unto the people, Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh.” When this was shown clearly to him, he said: “I know that Allah hath power over all things.” (v 259)
The commentators say this refers to Ezra, who is said to have passed by the ruins of Jerusalem and to have doubted whether it could be ever be rebuilt. God then performed this miracle of raising him from the dead as a sign to men.
Almsgiving and charity
“O ye who believe! Give of the good things which ye have earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad” ……. (v 267)
“Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (v 274).
“Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (v 277).
Islam attaches great importance to almsgiving. The Khalifah ‘Umar is said to have said ‘prayer carries us half-way to God; fasting brings us to the door; and alms procures our admission.’ Compulsory charity, zakat (literally’ that which purifies’), is an annual levy of about 2 ½% of a persons disposable income. Payment of zakat is considered an expression of worship and is frequently mentioned along with prayer. It is allowed for alms to be given publicly although it is better if they are concealed. It may be said that by public giving others may be induced to give, but it can promote pride. Indiscriminate Muslim charity can have injurious effects encouraging the able-bodied to live a life of laziness by begging.
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