In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
*Al-Ta'liq al-Latif 'ala Kitab Bitaqat al-Ta'rif bi-Suwar al-Mushaf al-Sharif* (Gentle Commentary on the Identification Cards for the Surahs of the Noble Mushaf),
by Dr. Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn 'Umar Nassif, may Allah preserve him.
Surah al-Baqarah.
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
We continue with our gentle commentary on the identification cards, and this is the third segment on Surah al-Baqarah, which is the final segment covering this noble surah.
Here we have three focal points and a conclusion.
The first point concerns the third section of the surah; we have already covered the introduction,
the first section, and the second section, and now we are in the third section, which begins with Allah Almighty's words in verse 208.
“O ye who believe! Come, all of you, into submission (unto Him); and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.” (2:208)
Memorize this verse well, for it is an essential key to understanding what follows it,
because the text from here to the end of the surah revolves around rulings that, in general, are unlike the preceding ones.
We have already encountered Hajj and fasting, and no Muslim would ever think that these do not fall within Islam and God-fearing piety (taqwa),
or doubt that Hajj and fasting are obligatory.
As for the rulings in this third section, however, you find discussion of divorce,
jihad, financial matters, and usury (riba).
Many Muslims might assume that these three areas fall outside the sphere of religion.
Thus, you might see a righteous, pious, devoted man who prays in the mosque and performs 'Umrah and Hajj,
yet when he enters his home, conduct that does not please Allah transpires between him and his family.
Divorce does not merely concern the marital relationship itself, but governs their interaction
in times of dispute and discord—moments when many people stray far from the command of Allah.
A person might think it sufficient simply to pray, pay zakat, and perform Hajj, though these are indeed great pillars;
nevertheless, the matter of divorce has ordained legal rulings, as does the matter of jihad.
A Muslim might overstep and violate Allah's bounds in jihad, or conversely neglect it entirely,
viewing it through the lens of pride, tribal zeal, nationalism, or the like.
The third matter is financial affairs: you may find a man who is righteous in all his circumstances,
even with his family, except in matters of money. These three areas might thus be thought of
as falling outside of Islam and the bounds of piety. Yet Allah stated at the beginning of this section,
as I mentioned: "O you who have believed, enter into al-silm," meaning into Islam.
Here, *al-silm* does not mean the opposite of war; rather, *al-silm* here means Islam.
Imam al-Tabari affirmed and established this, even if some have differed with him.
Although there is scholarly disagreement on the issue, it carries little weight here; the position of Imam al-Tabari is that
*al-silm* is Islam. Entering into the rulings of Islam in this section—
the command to embrace the rulings of Islam—subsequently encompassed rulings that, as I said,
one might fail to realize are an integral part of piety and religion.
Then comes the second point, which is directly related to the first:
we should observe that these rulings are frequently linked at the ends of verses
to the mention of Allah's Most Beautiful Names, which is particularly evident in the verses on divorce.
Verse endings, in general, are an important feature in the verses of the Qur'an,
as they frequently reinforce or elevate the meaning conveyed within the verse.
In the verses on divorce and what follows them, you will find a considerable number of Allah's
Most Beautiful Names. Reflect upon them, and realize that the safety valve and the ultimate aid in
adhering to these rulings is knowing Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He.
Consider the words of Saul (Talut) and those with him when they said: "How many a small company..."
“And when Saul set out with the army, he said: Lo! Allah will try you by (the ordeal of) a river. Whosoever therefore drinketh thereof he is not of me, and whosoever tasteth it not he is of me, save him who taketh (thereof) in the hollow of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of them. And after he had crossed (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power this day against Goliath and his hosts. But those who knew that they would meet Allah exclaimed: How many a little company hath overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave! Allah is with the steadfast.” (2:249)
and this appears within verses urging toward jihad: "...and Allah is with the patient."
This provides tremendous fortitude for jihad. Staying connected to Allah helps one
observe the Sacred Law in the rulings of divorce, and in fighting
it grants steadfastness and support as well, just as in financial matters: "And Allah multiplies
for whom He wills, and Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing." When a person focuses in his recitation of
this section on this meaning, he will find immense good, if Allah wills.
The third point is that the revelation of this surah extended over a very long period.
If you reflect on the reason for the revelation of the end of the surah, regarding His saying,
Exalted is He: "The Messenger has believed..."—and I do not wish to cite it at length here so as not to prolong things—
read it and perceive the profound state of the Companions, as they mentioned
the burdensome obligations placed upon them: prayer, fasting, jihad,
and charity. Recall the rulings contained in the surah, for it includes the mention of
prayer, fasting, jihad, and charity. Charity is mentioned in the context of
financial matters and in other verses. Bear in mind that the Companions
were nurtured upon this surah, upon other surahs, and upon these rulings.
“O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.” (4:171)
“Unto Allah (belongeth) whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and whether ye make known what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Allah is Able to do all things.” (2:284)
How deeply the Companions lived with this surah! This is wherewith I conclude
my remarks, and I say: having heard this concise yet comprehensive exposition,
make sure, during Ramadan and after Ramadan, that you dedicate
personal effort to studying, understanding the fiqh of, and practicing Surah
al-Baqarah. Remember what I mentioned previously, that Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased
with him and his father, spent four years with this surah
learning it. How commendable it is for an individual to allocate a period of
time for himself—a year, two years, or more—to truly learn Surah al-Baqarah.
Whenever students studied Surah al-Baqarah in Tafsir under some of the scholars,
the scholar would say: "By mastering this, you have acquired what
will aid you in reading through the entire Tafsir." Therefore, let us be diligent regarding
Surah al-Baqarah, seeking the help of Allah first and last, and let us not neglect
it hereafter, just as we do not neglect al-Fatihah, nor neglect any part
of the Qur'an. With al-Fatihah, we diversify and read from its Tafsir from time to time
so that it remains ever fresh, while al-Baqarah requires sustained devotion over a period
of time, that we may be among the companions of Surah al-Baqarah.
May Allah send blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and Companions,
all together. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.