Surah al-Baqarah 2:1-50
Aching for the Divine
2 – Surah Al-Baqarah
The Cow
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
A book without doubts – A guide for the God-conscious
2:1 Alif, Laam, Meem.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi admits that he does not know a great many things and that he may never know.
Life’s Lessons
The world is full of mysteries that are only known to Allah. Don’t stress – not everything is meant to be understood by you – accept it.
Principles
Humans will always be ignorant of many things.
2:2 This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah –
Journeying towards Taqwa
This ayat is the proof that this book was sent to make us muttaqi.
The greatest achievement of any Muslim is to attain taqwa.
Life’s Lessons
This book is life’s map – a book of instruction – a code to live by – a conversation with God – a book addressing the human condition.
Principles
This is the only book with no doubt, there is no other book.
Every other book has doubt in it, some more than others.
This book is a guide.
This is a textbook on how to attain taqwa.
2:3 Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them,
Journeying towards Taqwa
The greatest test is for the believer to internalise his belief in the unseen.
The most important path to taqwa is salah then zakah.
The muttaqi is conscious of the awesome spiritual benefits and the amazing closeness to Allah this brings.
Life’s Lessons
Without believing in the hereafter living in this world has no meaning. Our goal must always be to enter into paradise without accounting.
Salah teaches you discipline.
Charity makes you human.
Principles
Beliefs and actions go hand-in-hand: there cannot be one without the other.
When you spend you are only spending what Allah already gave you.
2:4 And who believe in what has been revealed to you, O Muhammad, and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Certainty of the hereafter is firmly established in the heart of the muttaqi.
Believing in the Messenger is believing in the Message.
Life’s Lessons
Qur’an is the constitution of our life.
Always refer to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Look at the past to know where you are heading for the future.
Having certainty about the hereafter makes you courageous, righteous and extremely humble.
Allah guided history so that today we could hold His book in our hands.
2:5 Those are upon right guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi knows that it is Allah’s grace that leads to guidance.
Success is achieving taqwa.
Life’s Lessons
Only Allah guides whom He pleases.
Only Allah defines success.
Principles
Guidance is only with what Allah revealed.
Success is only in following the guidance.
Those who reject faith
2:6 Indeed, those who disbelieve – it is all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them – they will not believe.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Disbelief is done with deliberation and knowledge.
A person cannot disbelief something they do not understand or have no knowledge of.
But once someone knows and then rejects Islam, then they have indeed disbelieved.
Life’s Lessons
Once someone has openly rejected faith while knowing of it then there is no hope for such a person.
Principles
Humans have the capacity to disbelieve.
No-one can be forced to believe.
2:7 Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. And for them is a great punishment.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Thus, after knowing and understanding a person rejects Islam, then Allah seals their hearts and veils their mind.
Such a person, with all those that oppress, shed blood and defile the innocent are deserving of hell-fire.
People with no remorse, with no sense of accountability and fear of God, are deserving of hell-fire.
Life’s Lessons
Allah is the only One who can change hearts.
Principles
Guidance is a choice.
Guidance is in Allah’s Hands.
Allah punished whomsoever He wills.
Hypocrites and the consequences of hypocrisy
2:8 And of the people are some who say, "We believe in Allah and the Last Day," but they are not believers.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Hypocrisy is a spiritual disease which deceives the person as well as others.
A muttaqi must reflect on their words and actions to ensure that they are not even close to hypocrisy.
Self-reflection and holding oneself accountable to your actions and words are important checks that need to be employed by the muttaqi.
Belief is not enough; one must act in accordance with that belief to acquire taqwa.
Life’s Lessons
Not everyone who says they believe is a true believer.
A myriad of beliefs not espoused by the early Muslims are orthodox today.
Hypocrisy is the cancer of the soul.
Principles
Only Allah knows who is a hypocrite.
There will always be hypocrites amongst us.
Beware that you are not a hypocrite: since you say you believe in Allah and the Last Day.
2:9 They think to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive it not.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Sinning while acting pious is a type of deception.
A muttaqi is always more worried about his heart, than how he is perceived by the people.
The people may think someone is muttaqi, but the test is whether that person in his heart thinks that that is true.
Life’s Lessons
Look deep into the recesses of one’s soul to cleanse one’s heart of this evil.
Hypocrisy embodies itself in the actions and deeds of others while we fail to look at ourselves – to our great detriment.
Principles
Some will deceive us in this world, although they are going deceiving themselves. Thinking they have gotten away with it.
2:10 In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they habitually used to lie.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Hypocrisy and lying are the antithesis of taqwa; they cannot live inside the same heart.
Life’s Lessons
A disease of the heart – this is a spiritual matter.
Lying kills the heart.
Principles
Hypocrisy is a spiritual disease.
This matter is between Allah and the hypocrite.
Lying frequently is a sign of hypocrisy.
Allah’s punishment is painful and severe.
2:11 And when it is said to them, "Do not cause corruption on the earth," they say, "We are but reformers."
Journeying towards Taqwa
Taqwa means that a muttaqi cannot be responsible for any type of corruption on the earth; whether it is socially, politically, economically, financially, environmentally, religiously, psychologically, electronically, verbally, physically, sexually, spiritually, mentally, genetically and militarily.
The muttaqi cannot also prevent to further their interests through subterfuge and cunning. They cannot take up labels and titles to deceive people into supporting them in any way.
Life’s Lessons
Many who are corrupting the earth today never set out to do that. Some may have even begun trying to do good and do what was right. But intentions change and people change.
Principles
Advise people even if they do not take your advice.
Do not be so gullible as to believe everything a person says, just because he looks the part.
2:12 Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Once a person accepts, promotes, ignores, supports, caters, or belittles corruption and those who are the real corrupters – such behaviour and attitude can never lead to taqwa.
Life’s Lessons
So even when they are told of the evil they have caused and are causing they are either in denial or refuse to accept this. People create their own reality that suits them.
Principles
The truly evil ones will never admit to being evil.
Some of them are so immersed in evil that they no longer see it as evil.
2:13 And when it is said to them, "Believe as the people have believed," they say, "Should we believe as the foolish have believed?" Unquestionably, it is they who are the foolish, but they know it not.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi never acts nor believes nor says that he is superior to others.
Muttaqi sides with the believers in justice and in worshipful brotherhood.
Life’s Lessons
Why should you care who is saying the truth, as long as it is the truth.
Prejudice blinds people to the truth.
Principles
Even evil people need to be advised against disbelief, even if they arrogantly reject it.
Only those who are successful with Allah are not the foolish ones.
Even a foolish person can be successful if they repent and believe.
2:14 And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe"; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, "Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers.”
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi not only says he believes but constantly through his daily actions shows he is a believer.
The muttaqi is forever with the believers even when they are difficult to be with.
Life’s Lessons
Two-faced people never prosper.
Only stupid people try to fool God.
Principles
There will always be people who claim to believe, only to conspire against Islam and Muslims.
2:15 But Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression while they wander blindly.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi can never be spiritually blind nor in transgression towards his Rabb.
Allah praises, protects and loves the muttaqi.
Life’s Lessons
Only Allah gives dignity and humiliation.
Principles
Injustice in the world does not mean that Allah does not care.
2:16 Those are the ones who have purchased error in exchange for guidance, so their transaction has brought no profit, nor were they guided.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi understands fully well that nothing in this world can purchase or compensate for even a glimpse of the hereafter.
For guidance and Allah’s love the muttaqi would give all his wealth and his life.
The only profit for the muttaqi is Paradise.
The only guidance for the muttaqi is Allah’s guidance.
The only transaction is to sacrifice your wealth and your life to see Allah’s Face.
The only errors are those repented from and those that have been turned into righteous deeds by our Rabb.
Life’s Lessons
Those who are misguided by Allah think they are guided.
Principles
Everyone is buying something with their lives: either guidance or misguidance.
Examples of their deeds
2:17 Their example is that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness so they could not see. [Metaphor]
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi is ever reliant on Allah for guidance, for love, and for the sweetness of faith.
Allah’s Light guides the muttaqi to safe passage in this world as well as in the next.
The muttaqi constantly worries and cares about the light of iman and how bright it is shining.
Life’s Lessons
A parable of life – a person works hard to build himself and become successful. He attributes his success to his hard work. Then Allah takes it all away from him. He is left with nothing. He feels lost.
Principles
Do not take guidance for granted.
2:18 Deaf, dumb and blind – so they will not return to the right path.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi can never by spiritually deaf, mute or blind.
The muttaqi’s feet is firmly planted on the right path, as he travels towards his Rabb.
Life’s Lessons
There are times when we all act like we are deaf, mute, blind and even dumb, however, the wrongs we do during these times whether through acts of commission or omission are still wrongs, and for them repentance and forgiveness must be sought.
Principles
Once Allah misguides someone, no-one can guide them. It is as if they are deaf to your advice, mute to saying what is right and blind to all the plain evidence before them.
2:19 Or it is like a rainstorm from the sky within which is darkness, thunder and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But Allah is encompassing of the disbelievers. [Metaphor]
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi only fears Allah – he takes darkness, thunder and lightning as signs from Allah.
The muttaqi does not dread death because it is through death that he will finally meet his Rabb.
The muttaqi is ever-cognizant of Allah’s presence in every circumstance.
Life’s Lessons
Rain, a thing of mercy can also be a thing of destruction.
No matter where you go or what you do – Allah’s punishment or His mercy can still reach you.
You do not have to travel to Makkah to know Allah; you can know Him anywhere.
Darkness, thunder and lightning are creations of Allah which illustrate His awesome power and magnificence.
Principles
Allah frightens the disbelievers.
2:20 The lightning almost snatches away their sight. Every time it lights [the way] for them, they walk therein; but when darkness comes over them, they stand [still]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Taqwa is light – only Allah gives it or takes it away.
The muttaqi walks in the light as he walks in the darkness.
The muttaqi hears and sees opportunities to please Allah everywhere.
Life’s Lessons
Light can cause darkness.
Only for the disbelievers is light darkness.
Sometimes one must walk in the dark, while sometimes one must stand still in the light.
All our faculties are from Allah, while hearing and seeing among the most vital ones.
Principles
Allah has control over everything.
Worship belongs to Allah alone
2:21 O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous –
Journeying towards Taqwa
Allah invites all of us to form a close relationship with Him.
Our whole existence is a journey with Allah towards Him.
Righteousness is the only goal that matters.
It is only through righteousness that a person truly becomes human – nothing else can do that.
Past generations of righteous people become the trailblazers for us now to join them on our own journeys towards attaining taqwa.
Life’s Lessons
Righteousness is a quality available to one and all.
Struggling to become righteous is the greatest test in life.
Righteousness is why Allah created us all.
Principles
Allah creates everything – which includes time.
2:22 [He] who made for you the earth a bed [spread out] and the sky a ceiling and sent down from the sky, rain and brought forth thereby fruits as provision for you. So do not attribute to Allah equals while you know [that there is nothing similar to Him].
Journeying towards Taqwa
The earth is a bed to rest, but also to be forsaken to make tahajjud; the sky a ceiling, yet Allah watches our every action; the rain is provision, and also a mercy which is a good time to ask Allah for anything and to combine one’s salah.
Shirk can never lead to taqwa.
Shirk is journeying in the opposite direction from taqwa or closeness to Allah.
Life’s Lessons
Everything we take for granted is from our Rabb.
The earth is a bed, but Allah requires us to work; the sky is a ceiling, yet Allah wants to be reach beyond the stars to Him who is above the heavens; rain is provision, although it can also be punishment.
Life becomes lighter and more grounded with a deep conviction of tawhid in one’s heart and actions.
Principles
Allah gave us things we could not imagine and tastes which we cannot articulate.
This is the Book of Allah
2:23 And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a Surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi does not entertain doubts in their heart about Allah, Islam, Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Without tawfiq nothing can happen.
Even if someone could produce a surah, which they will never be able to without Allah’s help, that surah will not lead one to taqwa.
Life’s Lessons
Allah does not challenge us about anything unless it is important.
Doubt is only cured through knowledge.
Principles
Allah challenges those who doubt His revelation.
2:24 But if you do not – and you will never be able to – then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Fear the fire! Fear the fire! Fear the fire, whose fuel is men and stones!
The Fire represents punishments for all the sins of man.
Sins, which is the disobedience of our Rabb, cannot lead to success.
Life’s Lessons
Only the foolish challenge Allah.
Disbelief is the deliberate denial of the truth – such a person has no fear until he sees the Fire.
Principles
Fear Allah’s Wrath.
Reward for the believers
2:25 And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit as a result, they will say, "This is what we were provided with before." And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The Muttaqi will enter Paradise with Allah’s grace – without spending time at the other place.
What food the muttaqi eats and drinks is important, as it is a source of nourishment of the body to obey Allah and to seek to please Him always.
The muttaqi does not forget what he ate and who fed him while in this dunya.
The muttaqi praises Allah for all the provisions he was provided with while in this dunya.
The muttaqi smiles and chuckles to himself when adversities come his way, because he knows that the rewards are in no way comparable to them. No one can give you a reward of gardens with rivers and righteous wives – only Allah.
Life’s Lessons
Righteousness is its own reward.
Eat the fruits of the earth with great appreciation and gratitude.
Only winners get rewards – not losers.
Forever is a word for the hereafter – not for the dunya.
Principles
Allah’s reward is tailored to each individual.
Parable of the mosquito
2:26 Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example – that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient,
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi is never timid to do righteous actions.
The Muttaqi takes lessons even from insignificant things.
Life’s Lessons
Even seemly unusable or unrelated things can be of great use.
People can be misguided even by small and insignificant things.
Principles
Allah reasons with the reader.
No example is insignificant.
Punishment is for those who are defiantly disobedient.
2:27 Who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth. It is those who are the losers.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi does not deliberately break any of Allah’s commandments.
The muttaqi does not promote, engage or support any form of corruption to take root on the earth.
Corruption includes sectarianism, dogmatism, extremism and nationalism, which leads the Muslim astray.
A muttaqi should follow an imam or school of thought or tariqa, or remain in a sect, or join a jamaah, as long as it helps him to attain taqwa. The day all of these becomes an obstacle to taqwa, is the day the muttaqi leaves his imam, school of thought, sect, tariqa or jamaah. This is because Allah is greater and dearer to the muttaqi than any imam, school of thought, sect, tariqa or jamaah.
Life’s Lessons
A slave is a loser if he breaks the contract he has made with his master.
All types of corruption consume the soul of man.
Abiding by our covenant with Allah is our greatest honour.
Sever what Allah has ordered to be joined – at your own peril.
Those who turn away from Allah and break his commandments and covenants are indeed the worst of losers.
Principles
It is Allah who defines who is a winner and who is a loser.
Defiantly disobedient means breaking the covenant, severing what Allah has enjoined and causing corruption on the land.
How can you disbelieve?
2:28 How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life; then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you [back] to life, and then to Him you will be returned.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Only with iman that a heart becomes alive.
Only with taqwa does the heart learn to obey Allah.
The muttaqi loves to meet His Rabb.
The akhirah is far more important for the muttaqi than anything in this dunya.
Death to the muttaqi is a door to meet Allah; thus, he is happy when it comes.
Life’s Lessons
We owe Allah everything.
Only Allah gives life and takes it away.
Allah sends us death to show us that life isn’t everything.
Returning to Allah should awaken us, enliven us, and gladden us.
Without Allah – there is no life.
Without Allah – death has no purpose.
Principles
The whole idea of disbelief is illogical – when everything is a sign of Allah’s existence and majesty.
Allah created life from nothing – only the Divine can do that.
2:29 It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven, [His being above all creation], and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.
Journeying towards Taqwa
All provisions on the earth should be used to acquire taqwa.
Directing oneself towards the Creator, the One above the heavens and the earth is the first step towards acquiring taqwa.
All of creation is ready to assist anyone who strives to gain taqwa.
Life’s Lessons
Use the provisions and blessings that Allah has given wisely.
The goal was never the earth – reach for the heavens.
My loyalty should always be with my Creator and my Provider.
Principles
Only Allah sustains the creation.
Humans do not contribute anything to the earth.
The creation of Adam
2:30 And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi is loved by Allah and His angels.
The muttaqi is not one who sheds blood nor is involved in any sort of corruption.
As it is Allah who knows the path to taqwa, it is His word that will guide us to that path.
Life’s Lessons
Allah gives authority on the earth to whom He will.
Allah knows what we do not know.
Those who praise and sanctify Allah can reach the status of angels.
Principles
Knowledge and understanding are keys needed for guidance and piety.
2:31 And He taught Adam the names – all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful."
Journeying towards Taqwa
There is power in names, like the names of Allah Azza wa Jal.
Allah gives knowledge to whom He will.
Only through knowledge one acquires taqwa.
Language is a mode with which to get closer to Allah.
Life’s Lessons
Allah does not want us to be ignorant.
Allah’s knowledge is always correct and always beneficial.
Principles
Only Allah gives knowledge and understanding.
Allah was the first teacher of mankind.
2:32 They said, "Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise."
Journeying towards Taqwa
Allah is the Great Teacher.
Without divine knowledge, nothing makes sense.
All knowledge is from Allah.
Life’s Lessons
Allah’s decisions are always wise.
Slavery to Allah only increases one’s status and honour.
With slavery to Allah comes wisdom.
Principles
Allah gives knowledge to the humble.
2:33 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 unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed."
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi does not conceal the divine knowledge.
Trust in Allah’s judgement.
The muttaqi seeks the unseen.
Life’s Lessons
Allah honours the learned.
Allah reveals and conceals what He wills.
There is nothing we can hide from Allah – not even our thoughts.
Principles
Allah gives knowledge in different degrees – no one can claim to be the exclusive receiver of God’s knowledge: not even the angels.
2:34 And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam"; so, they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Obeying Allah’s commandments is the only method of showing one’s submission and slavery to Allah.
Pride and ego has no place on the road to taqwa.
Life’s Lessons
Allah’s commandment does not have to be logical, but they must be obeyed.
Arrogance leads to disbelief.
Every type of disbelief is somehow linked to arrogance.
Principles
Allah’s commandments do not always align with our logic or understanding: our duty is to obey.
2:35 And We said, "O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers."
Journeying towards Taqwa
The journey towards taqwa is more enjoyable with a pious or like-minded spouse.
The journey of taqwa’s destination is Paradise.
Refraining from Allah’s prohibitions is a path to Paradise; so is the enjoyment of all lawful things.
Life’s Lessons
Eating, enjoying and ease is only really enjoyed in Paradise.
Approaching or facilitating haram generally leads to haram.
Allah’s commandments and prohibitions are clear.
Principles
Our true home is Paradise.
Shaitan our enemy
2:36 But Shaitan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been. And We said, "Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another, and you will have upon the earth a place of settlement and provision for a time."
Journeying towards Taqwa
Allah has made the entire earth a setting for taqwa but there are boundaries and no-go areas.
Shaitan will not make taqwa easy for anyone.
If Shaitan could get to Adam and Hawwa in the Garden of Eden – how easy will it be for him to get to us here.
The muttaqi knows that this is only our temporary home and that we must make the most of it.
Trust that Allah will provide.
Life’s Lessons
Sometimes even a slip can have disastrous consequences.
Our time on earth is limited and Allah will provide our sustenance.
Even temporary places can become homes.
Always remember who contributed to your downfall and what led to that.
Principles
Shaitan has been our enemy from the beginning.
Earth is our home for a short period: it is not our permanent home.
Adam repents and Allah forgives him
2:37 Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Repentance is the fastest route to taqwa.
No matters how many times you ask – Allah will always forgive you.
The muttaqi loves to repent, even for the smallest mistake.
The fact that Allah is the Acceptor of Repentance means that the muttaqi is the advocate of remorsefulness, the pleader of contriteness and the petitioner of penitence.
Life’s Lessons
We are all Adam and Hawwa – we have all sinned, we all need to repent, we all need Allah’s forgiveness.
Without sincere repentance we are all doomed.
The slave repents; the Master forgives – this is our intimate relationship with our Rabb.
The sum of our salvation lies in mere words spoken in sincerity and in connection with the Divine.
Only Allah knows the power of these mere words of repentance.
Principles
Allah taught our parents how to make repentance.
Repentance is our salvation.
Allah accepts sincere repentance.
Our need for guidance
2:38 We said, "Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi only fears Allah and grieves over his shortcomings and sins.
The muttaqi understands that true grief is being away from Allah.
Hold on tightly to guidance, because it is guidance that leads to taqwa.
The muttaqi is always ready to follow the guidance – no matter from where he gets it.
The muttaqi fears and grieves here, so he does not have to do that in the akhirah.
Our exile from the garden was a way out and a road to our own salvation – Subhan Allah.
Life’s Lessons
A fall is not always a bad thing – our fall from the garden revealed to us our true enemy and gave us a second chance to get back what we lost when we were exiled here.
Search for guidance and strive to follow it the best you can – that is all Allah asks of us.
If Allah is with you – what is there to fear nor is there time to grieve.
Even Allah’s command for our exile is submission to Him – ‘Go down from it, all of you.’
Principles
Allah sent guidance to ensure we were guided.
2:39 And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs – those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally."
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi believes in Allah and in His signs.
The muttaqi looks in the creation for the signs of His Rabb.
The goal is eternity – no matter which road you choose.
Life’s Lessons
People who kill without remorse, abuse little kids and babies, destroy people’s lives, their livelihood and the earth’s environment because of their extreme greed – for such people it makes sense that Hell is eternal.
Disbelief is the epitome of ingratitude.
Eternity is beyond human comprehension.
Eternity is bliss for the believer and dread for the disbeliever.
Principles
Disbelievers are hell bound forever.
Allah’s covenant with the Children of Israel
2:40 O Children of Israel, remember My favour which I have bestowed upon you and fulfil My covenant [upon you] that I will fulfil your covenant [from Me], and be afraid of [only] Me.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Fear of Allah is the heart of taqwa.
The muttaqi keeps one’s word and fulfills one’s promise.
Allah always favours the muttaqun.
Remembering Allah’s favours on a daily basis humbles the soul and kills the ego.
Life’s Lessons
When Allah favours you, do not take it for granted.
Keep your promises – especially those made to God.
The story of the Children of Israel is the story of humanity.
Allah never breaks His promise.
Principles
Allah always makes a covenant with the believers.
He always reminds the believers when they forget.
2:41 And believe in what I have sent down confirming that which is [already] with you and be not the first to disbelieve in it. And do not exchange My signs for a small price, and fear [only] Me.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Allah always left guidance in the world for those who were guided to get close to Him by attaining taqwa.
The muttaqi knows the true value of nearness to Allah.
Only the muttaqi can truly fear Allah.
For the muttaqi the only price is to gaze on the face of the King.
Life’s Lessons
Whatever we have now of guidance and of civilisation, there is always something in the past to confirm it.
With Allah, it is all or nothing – we must believe it all.
The price of the hereafter isn’t cheap.
Fearing Allah out of love and adoration for Him takes time and takes wisdom.
Principles
Quran confirms what came before it.
Don’t sell your iman for any price.
2:42 And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi is true to himself, to those whom he loves and to the world.
The muttaqi’s character is not false is any way.
Life’s Lessons
Always tell the truth.
Knowingly concealing the truth is a lie.
Half-truths are lies.
Honesty is the best policy.
The truth will always come out no matter how long it takes.
Principles
The truth is pure, don’t dilute it or contaminate it.
Don’t hide the truth.
2:43 And establish salah and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].
Journeying towards Taqwa
Without salah and zakah there is no taqwa.
Allah requires complete submission – physically, financially and spiritually.
The muttaqi finds other muttaqun to help themselves on this journey.
Praying together strengthens iman and promotes brotherhood.
Allah loves those who pray in congregation.
Life’s Lessons
Salah brings routine into one’s life.
Zakah encourages one to keep track of one’s wealth.
Principles
Islam is worship: whether physically or through one’s wealth.
Don’t forget yourself
2:44 Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?
Journeying towards Taqwa
Taqwa must start with oneself.
Qur’an is the book of taqwa.
Only the Qur’an can guide one to taqwa.
Allah wants us to reason, as it is through reasoning that the muttaqi will better understand how best to get closer to Allah.
Life’s Lessons
Before preaching to others – look at yourself.
Preaching and inviting others to taqwa is easy – striving for taqwa yourself is hard.
Do not be afraid to reason – as it is Allah’s gift to humanity.
Without proper reasoning people will go astray.
Principles
Don’t be a hypocrite.
Allah hates hypocrisy.
Seek Allah’s help
2:45 And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]
Journeying towards Taqwa
At the first sign of trouble, the muttaqi turns to Allah in prayer and then has patience.
It is the quality of the muttaqi to be humble and submissive to Allah.
The muttaqi only aks Allah for help.
Life’s Lessons
Turning to Allah at the first sign of trouble is difficult.
Being patient after your prayer isn’t answered the way or in the timeframe you wanted isn’t easy.
Remembering Allah first and turning to Him only when a trial comes isn’t easy.
Principles
A Muslim life must revolve around patience and prayer.
Be humble – you have no reason to be arrogant.
2:46 Who are certain that they will meet their Lord and that they will return to Him.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi is certain about the Hereafter.
The muttaqi is certain that he will meet His Lord.
Life’s Lessons
Certainty of the Hereafter is the secret of life.
Principles
Faith means to be certain of the unseen.
Our stay here is only temporary – we will meet our Lord one day.
Allah’s favours on the Children of Israel
2:47 O Children of Israel, remember My favour that I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds.
Journeying towards Taqwa
The muttaqi is favoured by Allah above everyone.
Allah prefers the muttaqi to the worlds.
The muttaqi always remembers Allah’s favours on him.
Life’s Lessons
The story of the Children of Israel is the story of humanity.
Always remember Allah’s favours.
Just because you think low of someone doesn’t mean Allah doesn’t favour them.
Allah favours whom He likes.
Principles
As Allah bestows favours, He can take them away.
2:48 And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be aided.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Fearing Allah in your heart and in your actions is taqwa.
The soul must be restrained, overpowered and controlled.
Atonement, intercession, compensation and aid to others will only be for the muttaqi on the Day of Judgment.
Standing before Allah, all pride and distinction will fade away.
The muttaqi fears time – his death, Day of Judgment and crossing the sirat.
Life’s Lessons
Stand humbly and submissively today, otherwise you will have to do so forcibly tomorrow.
Atone, intercede, compensate and aid others here in the present because Allah will not accept it in the hereafter.
Principles
Fearing accountability before Allah is a sign of iman.
2:49 And [recall] when We saved your forefathers from the people of Fir’aun, who afflicted you with the worst torment, slaughtering your [newborn] sons and keeping your females alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Indeed, Allah has saved all of us from great calamities some of which we have no idea about.
The muttaqi must always be ready for trials.
The muttaqi understands that this life is all about trials.
The muttaqi knows that trials make him a better slave of Allah.
The muttaqi is grateful that the trials are of this world and not in the hereafter.
Life’s Lessons
The trials and tribulations of life and their effects on us, that Allah has spared us – can never be exaggerated.
We should be grateful to Allah even for what He did for our ancestors.
There will always be evil people and their supporters in the world.
Always remember that Allah knows and gives taufiq for both good and evil to occur.
Everyone has a choice to join the Party of Good or join the Party of Evil.
Principles
Be grateful for what Allah has done for you.
2:50 And [recall] when We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned the people of Fir’aun while you were looking on.
Journeying towards Taqwa
Allah parts the sea of sins and drowns our sins whenever we cry out for forgiveness.
Only Allah can save us.
Evil must be destroyed; whether within or without ourselves.
Drowning our desires and evil ideas with our tears of repentance is our path to salvation.
Fir’aun is our ego; our selfish self.
Life’s Lessons
History helps society to remember.
The past should urge us to act in the present.
Allah can save us from any difficulty – no difficulty is greater than our Master.
Many times Allah saves us without us doing any effort.
Principles
Allah has the right to recall all the favours He has done for you; so that you realise how grateful you need to be.
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