Key to Al-Baqarah: The Longest Surah of the Qur'An by Khurram Murad

Author:Khurram Murad [Murad, Khurram]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Religion, islam, Koran & Sacred Writings, General
ISBN: 9780860375326
Google: rmo9BAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Kube Publishing Ltd
Published: 2014-02-15T00:08:28.393523+00:00

Section 3: Verses 124–52 Entrusting the Prophetic Mission to the Muslim Ummah

Before entrusting the Prophetic mission to the Muslims (v. 143), an account of the sacred history of Ibrahim, of his godly life, lived in devout and exclusive submission to Allah, is narrated (vv. 123– 33). Ibrahim was appointed the custodian of the House of Allah and the leader of mankind because he proved himself in every test that he was put through. He did not receive these honours as an inheritance, and none will (vv. 124–5). The new Ummah is a fulfilment of Ibrahim’s prayer as he built the Ka`bah, the House of Allah: ‘Raise from our children an ummah, living in total surrender to You (an ummah muslimah)’ (v. 128). Muslims are also heirs to Ibrahim’s legacy and mission, the embodiment of his finest traditions of Tawḥīd and godliness. It is emphasized that the ‘promise’ to Ibrahim was not meant to be a title to be inherited and passed on from one generation to another. Israel has forfeited her right to inherit it, for she, unlike Ibrahim, has been unfaithful to Allah. She has failed to discharge the mission entrusted to her by Ya`qub on his deathbed (v. 133).

Great emphasis is laid on the principle that religious labels will be of no avail. Only Iman, self-surrender to Allah, and exclusive and sincere devotion to Him will be of value. Every people will be judged according to their faith and deeds. The whole narration establishes the context for passing on the mantle from Bani Israel to the Muslim Ummah.

The change of Qiblah – the direction of Salah – from Jerusalem to Makkah (vv. 144–50), symbolizes that transfer of the Prophetic mission to the Muslims. Just as Bani Israel were reminded of the great favour by Allah to them in blessing them with His guidance and Book, so are the Muslims, at the end: ‘Always remember Me, I’ll remember you, and ever remain grateful to Me, never falling into ingratitude’ (v. 152). Note the similar call made to Bani Israel.

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