To a very large extent, Sûrah Baqara discusses the complete message of Islâm, dealing with matters such as the rights of Allâh, the rights of man, the method of living and the principles of social interaction. It also outlines laws pertaining to Salâh, Zakâh and Haj. In addition to this, charity, social welfare, mutual consultation, marriage, divorce, Iddah [waiting period after a woman is divorced or widowed], bequests, commerce and giving loans are also discussed. The Sûrah also presents many commands and prohibitions, devoting much attention to matters that are permissible and those that are not. These may be referred to as a complete code of life.

The details of Imân and the criteria of Imân are also discussed in this part of the Sûrah. Allâh emphasises that people should believe in Allâh, His Rasul it, the Day of Qiyâmah, the angels, all His other Ambiyâ Alayhimus Salâm and all the Divine Scriptures that were revealed to various Ambiyâ Alayhimus Salâm during their respective periods. Allâh also commands Muslims to spend generously on their parents, relatives, the poor, orphans, travellers and those slaves who wish to purchase their freedom.

Allâh commands that a murderer be executed [Qisâs]. However, if the heirs of the murdered person choose to rather accept the blood money, it will have to be paid. Fasting is ordained in this Sûrah, but people who are unable to fast have been granted certain concessions. Allâh makes it clear that marriage of Muslims to Mushrikîn men and women is prohibited. In addition to this, the Sûrah makes it clear that children are allowed to be suckled for a maximum period of two years.

End of Second Juz

Beginning of Third Juz

Allâh declares all interest-related transactions to be undeniably Harâm towards the end of Sûrah Baqara. The Sûrah also relates the incidents of two Ambiyâ Alayhimus Salâm whose hearts Allâh put at ease when He demonstrated to them how He resurrects the dead. Throughout Sûrah Baqara, Allâh repeatedly emphasises the importance of pondering over the verses of the Qur’ân. At the very end of the Sûrah, Allâh teaches man the method of making du’â as well as the words to be used.
The first eighteen verses of Sûrah Âl Imrân make it clear that only Allâh is worthy of worship, that the Day of Qiyâmah will certainly dawn and that the people will definitely be rewarded and punished for their actions. Allâh tells mankind that the Qur’ân was revealed to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Allâh also speaks of the Battle of Badr in this Sûrah. If the Mu’minîn were to ponder about the stunning victory that the Muslims earned in this battle, they can learn volumes about Allâh’s power. The true Mu’minîn are defined as people who persevere through hardships, who spend their wealth in Allâh’s way and awaken during the latter part of the night to beg pardon from Allâh.

Source: Gift of Tarawîh

Audio: Qur'an Summaries by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq Night Two

Source: Al-Kawthar Academy