Surah Al Baqarah

 Surah Al Baqarah

29-30 July 2024

Quran 2:30

1) If Angels have no free will, why did they question Allah SWT?

Angels in Islamic tradition are considered beings who do not possess free will in the same way humans do. They are commanded by Allah and act in perfect obedience. Their questioning in this verse is not out of defiance but out of a quest for understanding. It demonstrates their commitment to comprehending Allah’s wisdom. The question was a way of seeking clarity about the divine plan, not an act of rebellion.

2) How can Angels purify Allah?

Angels do not "purify" Allah in the literal sense. Instead, they praise and glorify Him, acknowledging His perfection and majesty. The term "purify" here is used metaphorically to signify their constant worship and acknowledgment of Allah’s perfection.

Quran 2:31

1) What are these names?

The names mentioned are traditionally understood to be the names of various things or entities related to knowledge, such as objects, creatures, or perhaps concepts that Adam (AS) was taught by Allah. The exact nature of these names is not explicitly detailed in the Quran, and interpretations vary among scholars.

2) Is it peak unlimited knowledge?

The knowledge mentioned is vast, but not necessarily "unlimited." It demonstrates Adam’s capacity for learning and understanding as bestowed by Allah. It signifies the potential for humans to gain knowledge, but it is not indicative of absolute or infinite knowledge.

Quran 2:40

1) Why did Allah favor Bani Israel exclusively over creation?

In this context, Allah’s favor upon Bani Israel was a matter of temporal blessing and responsibility. They were given many blessings and prophets to guide them. The favor was not absolute but specific to their time and circumstances. Later, the message was extended to all humanity through Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).

Quran 2:40

1) Is it a sin to preach without practicing?

Preaching without practicing is considered hypocritical and is condemned in Islamic teachings. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of aligning one’s actions with one’s words. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) cautioned against this behavior.

2) Who were the first people to not practice?

Historically, hypocrisy is often attributed to some members of the early Jewish tribes and hypocrites among the early Muslims, who outwardly followed religious teachings but did not truly adhere to them.

3) Why is a good word nullified just because we don't practice it ourselves?

The effectiveness of preaching is diminished if the preacher does not practice what they preach because it undermines their credibility. This is emphasized in the hadith you mentioned (Sahih Bukhari 2989), which highlights the importance of integrity and consistency in one's conduct.

Quran 2:46

1) How to become Al Khashi'oon? Any examples?

"Al-Khashi'oon" refers to those who are humble and fearful of Allah. To become one, one should develop a deep consciousness of Allah, engage in regular worship, and strive for humility and sincerity in their actions. Examples include the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and the Companions, who are often cited for their exemplary humility and fear of Allah.

Quran 2:54

1) Why is the punishment of apostasy self-execution?

The punishment of apostasy is a complex issue within Islamic jurisprudence. In this context, it refers to a severe breach of the covenant with Allah. Classical interpretations sometimes viewed it as a matter of societal stability. However, contemporary scholars debate the application of such punishments, emphasizing repentance and forgiveness instead.

2) How is repentance accepted when they killed themselves?

Repentance and forgiveness are themes emphasized in Islam, but the verse refers to a specific historical context. Repentance generally requires one to be alive and seek forgiveness sincerely. The application of repentance is more nuanced and context-specific.

Quran 2:62

1) How can they have reward with Allah if they are Mushriks?

The verse highlights that righteous deeds are rewarded by Allah. Classical interpretations suggest that the verse might be addressing people of faith who, despite their shortcomings, are still recognized for their good deeds. The concept of reward is complex and involves Allah’s mercy and justice.

Quran 2:65

1) This is, with no wrong intention, feels as if it is figurative or mystical folklore. But, it is the truth from Allah, converting Humans to Apes. Research more about this!

The transformation mentioned is a historical event described in the Quran. Some scholars interpret it literally, while others view it as allegorical or symbolic. It reflects the severity of divine punishment for disobedience, but its exact nature is debated among scholars.

Quran 2:67

1) Why did Allah command to slaughter a cow?

The command to slaughter a cow was meant to serve as a test of obedience and to resolve a dispute among the Israelites. The details and the purpose behind the command were meant to demonstrate adherence to divine instructions and humility.

Quran 2:74

1) Does this refer to landslides?

The verse refers to people whose hearts became hard despite witnessing miracles. The reference to stones is metaphorical, indicating that their hearts were unresponsive, not literal landslides.

Quran 2:87

1) How did Allah support Isa with Jibreel?

Allah supported Jesus (Isa) through the angel Gabriel (Jibreel) by providing him with divine guidance and strength to perform miracles and convey His message.

2) Is Ruh-Al-Quds the same as the Holy Spirit in the Bible?

Ruh-Al-Quds (the Holy Spirit) in Islam is often equated with the concept of the Holy Spirit in the Bible, but with differences in understanding. In Islam, it is seen as an angelic presence that assists prophets and delivers divine guidance.

Quran 2:90

1) Why did Jews want Allah to decrease His gift?

The verse suggests that some people from among the Jews expressed a wish for Allah to decrease the blessings He had given them, possibly out of dissatisfaction or as a form of rejection of divine gifts. This can reflect a lack of gratitude or a misunderstanding of divine favor.

Quran 2:96

1) Why are Jews greedy?

The verse criticizes certain attitudes rather than all Jews. It refers to a specific group that was particularly covetous and stubborn. Generalizations about any group should be approached with caution, focusing on the specific context of the criticism.

2) Why are Jews so rich?

This question is more socio-economic than religious. The wealth of any group is influenced by a variety of factors including historical, social, and economic conditions. It's important to approach such topics with sensitivity and avoid stereotypes.

Quran 2:115

1) Is this literal or metaphorical?

The verse speaks about Allah’s omnipresence and His encompassing knowledge. The "direction" mentioned is often understood metaphorically to signify that Allah is beyond all physical limitations and not confined to any specific direction.

Quran 2:129

1) Did Ibrahim AS predict or foresee the coming of Muhammad SAWS?

Ibrahim (AS) is believed to have prayed for the coming of a prophet from among his descendants, which is seen as a prophecy regarding the future coming of Muhammad (SAWS). This prayer reflects his recognition of the significance of future revelations.

Quran 2:189

1) Who and why did they enter from the back?

This verse addresses a specific incident where some people were criticized for inappropriate behavior during certain rituals or practices. The exact details are less clear, but the principle is to maintain respect and proper conduct in religious matters.

Quran 2:229

1) Mahr (bridal money given by husband to wife at time of marriage), why doesn't this exist in the Indian subcontinent, and only Jahez exists? Does Jahez have authenticity in Islam?

Mahr is a mandatory gift in Islam, while Jahez (dowry) is a cultural practice prevalent in some regions like the Indian subcontinent. Jahez is not an Islamic requirement and has been criticized for contributing to social issues such as dowry-related violence. Mahr, however, is an essential part of Islamic marriage contracts.

Quran 2:275

1) Is Riba (usury) the same as Interest?

Riba (usury) and interest are often equated in Islamic finance discussions. Riba refers to any guaranteed increase in capital, which includes conventional interest. Islam prohibits riba due to its exploitative nature, while interest in modern financial systems is often discussed within different contexts and interpretations.

If you need further details or clarifications, feel free to ask!