on him) a great many questions. God, therefore, cautioned the Muslims against following the example of the Jews in this matter, and admonished them against unnecessary inquisitiveness.
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Al-Baqarah 2: 111–4
(111) They say: “None shall enter the Garden unless he be a Jew or (according to the Christians), a Christian.” These are their vain desires. Say: “Bring your proof if you are speaking the truth.” (112) (None has any special claim upon reward from Allah.) Whoever submits himself completely to the obedience of Allah and does good will find his reward with his Lord. No fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.
(113) The Jews say: “The Christians have no basis for their beliefs,” and the Christians say: “The Jews have no basis for their beliefs.” They say so even though they read the Scripture. The claim of those who have no knowledge (of the Scripture) is similar. Allah will judge between them concerning their differences on the Day of Resurrection.
(114) Who is more iniquitous than he who bars Allah’s places of worship, that His name be mentioned there, and seeks their destruction? It does not behove such people to enter them, and should they enter, they should enter in fear. ▶
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Al-Baqarah 2: 115–9
There is degradation for them in this world and a mighty chastisement in the Next.
(115) The East and the West belong to Allah. To whichever direction you turn, you will be turning to Allah. Allah is All- Embracing, All-Knowing.
(116) They say: “Allah has taken to Himself a son.” Glory to Him! Nay, whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him; to Him are all in obeisance. (117) He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth; whenever He decrees a matter He (merely) says: “Be”, and it is.
(118) The ignorant say: “Why does Allah not speak to us? Why does no Sign come to us?” The same was said by people before them. Their hearts are all alike. We have made the Signs clear for people of firm faith. (119) (What greater Sign can there be than that) We sent you with the Truth as a bearer of good tidings and a warner!39 ▶
39 Why speak of other signs when the most conspicuous sign of Truth is the very person of Muhammad (peace be on him)? Let us recall his life before the commencement of his prophethood, the conditions existing in the area where,
33
Al-Baqarah 2: 120–3
And you will not be answer- able about the people of the Blazing Flame!
(120) Never will the Jews be pleased with you, (O Prophet), nor the Christians until you follow their way. Say: “Surely Allah’s guidance, is the true guidance.” Should you follow their desires disregarding the knowledge which has come to you, you shall have no protector or helper against Allah. (121) Those to whom We have given the Scripture, and who recite it as it ought to be recited, they truly believe in it;40 and those who disbelieve in it, they are the real losers.
(122) Children of Israel! Recall My favour which I bestowed upon you and I exalted you above the nations of the world, (123) and beware of the Day when no one shall avail another, when ransom shall be accepted from no one, ▶
and the people among whom, he was born, the manner in which he was brought up and spent the first forty years of his life, and then his glorious achievements as a Prophet. What further signs could we want in support of his message?
40 This refers to the pious element among the People of the Book. Since these people read the Book with sincerity and honesty of purpose, they are inclined to accept whatever they find to be true according to it.
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Al-Baqarah 2: 124–5
when no one’s intercession will profit anyone, when there shall be no help from any quarter.
(124) Recall when Abraham’s Lord tested him in certain matters and when he success- fully stood the test, He said: “Indeed I am going to appoint you a leader of all people.” When Abraham asked: “And is this covenant also for my descendants?” the Lord res- ponded: “My covenant does not embrace the wrong- doers.” 41
(125) And We made this House (Ka[bah) a resort for mankind and a place of security, commanding people: “Take the station of Abraham as a permanent place for Prayer,” and enjoined Abraham and Ishmael: “Purify My House for those who walk around it, and those who abide in devotion, and those who bow, and who prostrate themselves (in Prayer).”
41 This specifies that God’s promise of the conferment of leadership applied only to those of Abraham’s offspring who were righteous, and that the wrong-doers were naturally excluded. The word “wrong-doer” does not merely apply to those who are unjust and cruel to human beings but also to those who are unjust with regard to the Truth.
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Al-Baqarah 2: 126–9
(126) And when Abraham prayed: “O my Lord! Make this a place of security and provide those of its people that believe in Allah and the Last Day with fruits for sustenance,” Allah answered, “And I shall still provide him who disbelieves with the wherewithal for this short life, and then I shall drive him to the chastisement of the Fire; that is an evil end.”
(127) Recall when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foun- dations of the House, pray- ing: “Our Lord! Accept this from us; You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (128) Our Lord! Make us submissive to You and make out of our descendants a community that submits itself to You, and show us the ways of Your worship, and turn to us in mercy. You are Much- Relenting, Most Compassion- ate. (129) Our Lord! Raise up in the midst of our offspring a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Your verses, and instruct them in the Book and in Wisdom, and purify their lives. Verily, You are the Most Mighty, the Most Wise.”
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Al-Baqarah 2: 130–3
(130) And who but a fool would be averse to the way of Abraham? For it is We Who chose Abraham for Our mission in this world, and surely in the World to Come he shall be reckoned among the righteous. (131) Such was Abraham that when his Lord said to him: “Submit,”42 he said: “I have submitted to the Lord of the Universe.” (132) And Abraham enjoined the same upon his children, and so did Jacob: “My children! Behold, Allah has chosen this religion for you. Remain till death in submission (to Allah).” (133) Why, were you witnesses when death came to Jacob? He asked his children: “Whom will you serve after me?” They said: “We shall serve your God, the God of your forefathers, Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, the One God, and unto Him do we submit.”
42 The word “Muslim” signifies he who bows in obedience to God, who acknowledges God alone as his Sovereign, Lord and Master, and the only object of worship, devotion and service,