Ramadhan Day 1 - Quran, Chapter 1

Surah 1, Fateha (The Opening) 7 Verses & Surah 2, Al Baqarah (The Cow), Verses 1-141

Surah Fateha needs no introduction, it is arguably the most important Surah in the entire Quran. We recite it at least nine times every day in our daily prayers, infact no prayer (wajib or otherwise) can be recited without Surah Fateha.

The commentary on the seven verses of Surah Fateha is extensive and detailed, as it should be for a Surah which has been described as "the meaning of the Holy Quran as a whole synthesised into this Surah - Ummal Quran (the essence of Quran)." When reading the Surah we are educated with the essential knowledge of the basic fundamentals of life in this world and the hereafter.

As a small point of interest, it is the only Surah which counts Bismillah as an actual verse of that Surah. Of course we start with Bismillah when we recite any Surah (except Surah 9 - Al-Tauba), or any part of the Quran, but the seven verses of Fateha includes Bismillah-hir-Rahman-nir-Rahim as verse one.

For me, the stand-out verse has always been verse 3: "The Beneficent, the Merciful," simply because it is a repeat of the end of the first verse. Therefore it highlights how important Allah's mercy is and it is something we should always be cognisant of, no matter what situation or circumstance we find ourselves in. Allah is always the most merciful.

Next comes the longest Surah in the Quran, Al-Baqarah (The Cow). Chapter 1 has the first 141 verses (out of 286). The Surah was revealed at Madina and has 40 sections. Chapter 1 includes the first 16 sections.

Surah 1, al-Baqarah (The Cow)
Section 1: The essential requisites of the correct belief, verses 1-7

"This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil). Who believe in the Unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them; And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are certain of the Hereafter. These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful." (Verses 2-5)

The pious are those who believe not only in the truthfulness of the Holy Quran, but also in the Holy books sent down to the Prophets of Allah before Prophet Muhammed (SAWW). No other religion besides Islam, enjoins as an article of faith, the belief in the truthfulness of all the messengers of Allah and the Holy scriptures.

Section 2: The Hypocrites, verses 8-20

"In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie. And when it is said unto them: Make not mischief in the earth, they say: We are peacemakers only. Are not they indeed the mischief-makers? But they perceive not. And when it is said unto them: believe as the people believe, they say: shall we believe as the foolish believe? are not they indeed the foolish? But they know not." (Verses 10-13)

This is arguably one of the biggest themes throughout the Quran, the exposing of the Hypocrites. There are several mentions of the hypocrites and no matter what they plot or perceive, only Allah knows the truth and what lies in their hearts. 

Section 3: A challenge to the disbelievers about the Holy Quran, verses 21-29

"And if ye are in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah of the like thereof, and call your witness beside Allah if ye are truthful." (Verse 23)

Allah has thrown down an open challenge to mankind to compose even one Surah in the style and manner of the Holy Quran. This laid to rest all attempts at slander and rumour that the Holy Quran was a fabrication of the human mind.

Section 4: The Divine Plan in Man's creation, verses 30-39

"And He taught Adam all the names, then showed them to the angels, saying: Inform Me of the names of these, if ye are truthful. They said: Be glorified! We have no knowledge saving that which Thou hast taught us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Knower, the Wise. He said: O Adam! Inform them of their names, and when he had informed them of their names, He said: Did I not tell you that I know the secret of the heavens and the earth? And I know that which ye disclose and which ye hide." (Verses 31-33)

Man has the ability to decide, for free will, which has not been bestowed on the Angels who have been created to worship Allah. As the above verses highlight, Prophet Adam was blessed with the knowledge of the 'names'. Who were the 'names'? It has been argued that the 'names' refer to the 'Names of Allah', but the Angels knew of many names of Allah. The 'names' referred to here are none other than the Ahlul-Bayt, and specifically, Prophet Muhammed (SAWW), Imam Ali (as), Bibi Fatima (as), Imam Hasan (as) and Imam Husain (as).

Knowledge of the names was what set Prophet Adam apart from the Angels and Jinns, namely Iblis (Shaitan), whose pride got the best of him. He refused to bow to Adam as commanded by Allah, explained in verses 35-39.

Section 5: Fulfilment of the Covenant, verses 40-46

"O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you, and fulfil your (part of the) covenant, I shall fulfil My (part of the) covenant, and fear Me. And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me. Confound not truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth." (Verses 40-42)

"Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard save for the humble-minded, Who know that they will have to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are returning." (Verses 45-46)

The covenant that Allah shall fulfil is actually outlined in the Bible. "I will raise up for them a prophet like you (Musa), and I will put my words into his mouth. He shall convey all my commands to them, and if any one does not listen to the words which he will speak, I will require satisfaction from him." (Deut 18:18-19) It states the arrival of the Holy Prophet which is also confirmed by Prophet Isa: "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another to be your advocate, who will be with for ever - the spirit of truth. Your advocate will teach you everything, and will call to mind all that I have told you." (John 14: 16 & 26)

Throughout the Holy Quran, the Children of Israel continue to be mentioned, normally to be advised and warned about their behaviour. Here, Allah is exhorting the Bani Israel to accept the Quran and acknowledge the mention of the Holy Prophet in their own Holy Scriptures (the Torah and Injeel).

Islam and the Holy Quran continually highlight the importance of prayer and has made it a compulsory act for all Muslims. Whereas Jews and Christians have the option of prayer, for Muslims it is one of the foundations of our faith and a important part of everyday life.

Section 6: Children of Israel warned, verses 47-59

"O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures." (Verse 47)

"And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be received from it, nor will they be helped." (Verse 48)

"And when We did appoint for Moses forty nights (of solitude), and then ye chose the calf, when he had gone from you, and were wrong-doers." (Verse 51)

Allah highlights the blessings that the Children of Israel received, they were his chosen people. There were more Prophets among them than the rest of the people of the world put together. Allah saved them from the cursed Pharaoh and provided several blessings and despite that they still fell into degradation and disbelief.

The verse mentioning intercession is often used to attack the Shia concept of turning to the Prophet and the Holy Imams for help and support. However, in this context it is not condemning intercession but simply stating that on the Day of Judgement, it will be too late for help from anyone else. We have led our life, committed our deeds (good and bad) and it is now time for judgement.

The story of Prophet Musa is mentioned throughout the Quran and this part is the most shocking for me. After being saved from Pharaoh and escaping through the split in the Red Sea, when Prophet Musa left his tribe for a mere 40 days (appointing Prophet Haroon in his place), his followers still managed to abandon him, abandon Allah and return to idol worshipping. Idolatry was ingrained in these people.

Section 7: Moses' prayer and supply of water, verses 60-61

This section quickly touches upon one of Prophet Musa's miracles. Of all the Holy Prophets, he is mentioned the most times in the Holy Quran and will be discussed in more detail later.

Section 8: Salvation guaranteed for Believers in God, verses 62-71

"Lo! Those who believe (in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve." (Verse 62)

Section 9: Perverting the revealed Word of God, verses 72-82

"Among them are unlettered folk who know the Scripture not except from hearsay. They but guess. Therefore woe be unto those who write the Scripture with their hands and then say, "This is from Allah," that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that their hands have written, and woe unto them for that they earn thereby. And they say: The Fire (of punishment) will not touch us save for a certain number of days. Say: Have ye received a covenant from Allah - truly Allah will not break His covenant - or tell ye concerning Allah that which ye know not?" (Verses 78-80)

Certain rabbis were condemned for keeping the knowledge of the Holy scriptures to themselves and who then told lies to the illiterates in order to exert and maintain power over them. They altered any mention of the Holy Prophet in their own scriptures, but by corrupting their books, they corrupted themselves.

Section 10: Covenant with the Children of Israel, verses 83-86

"And (remember) when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none save Allah (only), and be good to parents and to kindred and to orphans and the needy, and speak kindly to mankind; and establish worship and pay the poor-due. Then, after that, ye slid back, save a few of you, being averse."(Verse 83)

A covenant is a contract of guidance. In this case it outlines the simple yet essential acts for every believer. Imagine if everyone carried out the commands in this verse. Would make for a far more peaceful and content community, society, world.

Section 11: Rejection and murder of the apostles of Allah, verses 87-96

"And when it is said unto them: Believe in that which Allah hath revealed, they say: We believe in that which was revealed unto us. And they disbelieve in that which cometh after it, though it is the truth confirming that which they possess. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Why then slew ye the prophets of Allah aforetime, if ye are (indeed) believers?" (Verse 91)

"Say (unto them): If the abode of the Hereafter in the providence of Allah is indeed for you alone and not for others of mankind (as ye pretend), then long for death (for ye must long for death) if ye are truthful." (Verse 94)

These verses are in reply to the arrogance of the Jews. The Jews, out of envy, denied that Allah had sent down Injil on the Prophet Isa and the Quran on the Holy Prophet. Although they said that they only believed in what was revealed to the Israelite Prophets, despite the prophecy of the promised Prophet in their book, they still killed their own Prophets.

The Jews thought that they were Allah's favourites to the exclusion of all other people, and they alone would go to paradise. This preposterous idea made them deny the Holy Prophet in spite of the clear proofs available in their book. If they were so specially favoured by Allah, they did not have to even take the trouble of praying for death; merely desiring it would have received His response. He who loves Allah loves death.

Section 12: Enmity towards Gabriel and the Apostles, verses 97-103

"Verily We have revealed unto thee clear tokens, and only miscreants will disbelieve in them. Is it ever so that when they make a covenant a party of them set it aside? The truth is, most of them believe not." (Verse 99-100)

The verses of the Quran are clear signs. Allah's authority is absolute. What His will bring about none can ever undo. Those who break the covenant made with Allah through any of His messengers are indeed the accursed unbelievers. Such a covenant was made with Allah by the Muslims through the Holy Prophet at Ghadir Khum. After him, they ignored the covenant and usurped Imam Ali's (as) right to guide the people.

Section 13: Abrogation of the former scriptures, verses 104-112

"Knowest thou not that it is Allah unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; and ye have not, beside Allah, any guardian or helper?" (Verse 107)

"And they say: None entereth paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian. These are their own desires. Say: Bring your proof (of what ye state) if ye are truthful. Nay, but whosoever surrendereth his purpose to Allah while doing good, his reward is with his Lord; and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve." (Verses 111-112)

The Holy Prophet was fully aware of the original text of every scripture revealed to the messengers of Allah before him, and he also knew the additions, omissions and alterations made in them by their followers in the course of time. It was, therefore, made clear by him that the idea of "no one shall enter paradise except a Jew or a Christian" was a false concoction, not mentioned in any original scripture.

Section 14: Islam alone provides perfect guidance, verses 113-121

"And they say: Allah hath taken unto Himself a son. Be He glorified! Nay, but whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth is His. All are subservient unto Him. The Originator of the heavens and the earth! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is." (Verses 116-117)

The Jews and Christian like to attribute the Prophets as the sons of Allah which led to the corrupt idea that Prophet Isa is THE son of God. However, when everything in the heavens and the earth and in between them is the creation of Allah, it becomes meaningless to believe that anything, in any sense, can be equal to Him. The basic and the main doctrine of Islam is "the absolute unity" of Allah.

Section 15: Abraham made an Imam for mankind, verses 122-129

" And (remember) when his Lord tried Abraham with (His) commands, and he fulfilled them, He said: Lo! I have appointed thee a leader for mankind. (Abraham) said: And of my offspring (will there be leaders)? He said: My covenant includeth not wrong-doers." (Verse 124)

"And when We made the House (at Makka) a resort for mankind and sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship). And when Abraham prayed: My Lord! Make this a region of security and bestow upon its people fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day, He answered: As for him who disbelieveth, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the doom of Fire - a hapless journey's end!" (Verse 125-126)

To become an Imam, leader of mankind, Prophet Abraham had to pass a great trial, that of the supposed sacrifice of his son Prophet Ismail. An Imam has to be infallible, he cannot sin. Prophet Abraham was then given the responsibility of constructing the Holy Kaaba and he and his son prayed to Allah to accept their service, make them both Muslims (submissive to Allah), and also make their descendants Muslims, and raise up in them a messenger who would recite to them Allah's revelation, teach them the book and the wisdom and purify them.

Section 16: The religion of Abraham, the correct religion, verses 130-141

"Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered." (Verse 136)

"Say (unto the People of the Scripture): Dispute ye with us concerning Allah when He is our Lord and your Lord? Ours are our works and yours your works. We look to Him alone." (Verse 139)

The religion of Islam is universal, for all people, in every age. Therefore, it is necessary for every follower of Islam to believe in all the Prophets and messengers of Allah and in what was revealed to them. No other religion besides Islam demands from its followers to believe equally in the sinless purity of the conduct and character of other prophets of Allah, and in the truthfulness of other sacred scriptures as the revealed words of Allah.

Allah is the Lord of all created beings. He is the Lord of the worlds - the universe. He is not biased against anyone, nor shows favouritism towards any. Those who sincerely devote themselves to Him receive, in return of their goodness, His special grace.

That concludes day 1 - Chapter 1, took far longer than I predicted but I will inshallah keep it up as long as possible. Hope some of it is informative.

Thanks for reading.