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English Translation: Page 2
Sûrat Al-Baqarah
(The Cow) II
In the Name of Allâh,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1.
Alif-Lâm-Mîm. [These letters are one of the miracles of the
Qur’ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings.]
2.
This is the Book (the Qur’ân), whereof there is no doubt, a
guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqûn [the pious believers of Islamic
Monotheism who fear Allâh much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds
which He has forbidden) and love Allâh much (perform all kinds of good deeds
which He has ordained)].
3.
Who believe in the Ghaib [1]
and perform As-Salât ( Iqâmat-as-Salât), [2]
and spend out of what We have provided for them [i.e. give Zakât [3],
spend on themselves, their parents, their children, their wives, etc., and also
give charity to the poor and also in Allâh’s Cause - Jihâd].
4.
And who believe in (the Qur’ân and the Sunnah ) [4]
which has been sent down (revealed) to you (O Muhammad صلى
الله عليه
وسلم) and in that which was sent down before you [the
Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.] and they believe with certainty
in the Hereafter. (Resurrection, recompense of their good and bad deeds,
Paradise and Hell).
5.
They are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and they are the
successful.
[1]
(V.2:3): Al-Ghaib: literally means a thing not seen. But this word
includes vast meanings: Belief in Allâh, Angels, Holy Books, Allâh’s
Messengers, Day of Resurrection and Al-Qadar (Divine Pre-ordainments). It
also includes what Allâh and His Messenger صلى
الله عليه
وسلم informed about the knowledge of the matters of
past, present, and future e.g., news about the creation of the heavens and
earth, botanical and zoological life, the news about the nations of the past,
and about Paradise and Hell.
[2]
(V.2:3): Iqâmat-as-Salât إقامة
الصلاة: The performance of Salât (prayers).
It means that:
a) Each and every Muslim, male or female, is obliged to offer his Salât (prayers)
regularly five times a day at the specified times; the male in a mosque in
congregation and the female at home. As the Prophet صلى
الله عليه
وسلم has said: "Order your children for Salât (prayers)
at the age of seven and beat them (about it) at the age of ten." The chief
(of a family, town, tribe, etc.) and the Muslim rulers of a country are held
responsible before Allâh in case of non-fulfilment of this obligation by the
Muslims under their authority.
b) One must offer the Salât (prayers) as the Prophet
صلى الله عليه
وسلم used to offer them with all their rules and
regulations, i.e., standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting, as he
صلى الله عليه
وسلم has said: "Offer your Salât (prayers)
the way you see me offering them (see Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.1, H. No.
604 and Vol.9, H. No. 352)."
[For the characteristics of the Salât (prayer) of the Prophet
صلى الله عليه
وسلم see Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.1, H. No. 702,
703, 704, 723, 786, 787].
[3]
(V.2:3) Zakât زكاة : A certain fixed proportion
of the wealth and of each and every kind of property liable to Zakât of
a Muslim to be paid yearly for the benefit of the poor in the Muslim community.
The payment of Zakât is obligatory as it is one of the five pillars of
Islâm. Zakât is the major economic means for establishing social
justice and leading the Muslim society to prosperity and security. [See Sahih
Al- Bukhâri, Vol. 2, Book of Zakât, No. 24]
[4]
(V.2:4) Narrated Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله
عنهما: Allâh’s Messenger صلى
الله عليه
وسلم said: Islâm is based on (the following) five
(principles):
1. To testify that " Lâ ilâha illallâh wa anna Muhammad-ur-Rasûl Allâh
" (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh and that Muhammad
صلى الله عليه
وسلم is the Messenger of Allâh).
2. Iqâmat-as-Salât: to perform the five (compulsory congregational) Salât
(prayers).
3. To pay Zakât
4. To perform Hajj (i.e. pilgrimage to Makkah).
5. To observe Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan. (Sahih Al-Bukhâri,
Vol. 1, Hadith No. 7).
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