The Holy Quran
Throughout both ancient and modern times, Muslims have placed significant importance on the study of the reasons behind the revelation of the Quran (Asbab al-Nuzul). This dedication is reflected in the numerous scholarly works produced on the subject. Understanding these reasons is crucial for accurately interpreting Quranic texts and comprehending God’s intentions. Moreover, knowledge of the reasons for revelation can facilitate the memorization of Allah’s Book for those wishing to preserve it.
Overview of Surah Al-Baqarah
Surah Al-Baqarah holds the distinction of being the longest surah in the Holy Quran and is the first surah that was revealed in Medina, with the exception of the verse (وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ), which was revealed during the Farewell Pilgrimage and is classified as a Makki verse. Surah Al-Baqarah is renowned for its immense virtues and rewards, encompassing various legal rulings and verses pertaining to prophetic healing. Like other Medinan surahs, it addresses numerous topics, with a primary focus on Islamic legislation that governs Muslim life in the spheres of worship and transactions, including prayer, almsgiving, the rules of jihad, and many other precepts. Additionally, Surah Al-Baqarah highlights the conditions and characteristics of hypocrites, as well as the traits and situations of disbelievers.
One of the remarkable features of Surah Al-Baqarah is that it contains the longest verse in the Quran, known as the verse of debt, which lays out the regulations surrounding financial transactions in Islam. It also includes the well-known Ayat al-Kursi.
Due to the significance and importance of Surah Al-Baqarah, alongside its numerous teachings and commandments, it has been referred to as the “fortress of the Quran.” Its merits are highlighted in numerous prophetic traditions, including:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “Do not make your homes like graveyards, for the devil flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited.” This hadith encourages Muslims to regularly recite Surah Al-Baqarah in their homes, as failure to do so renders the house akin to a graveyard and a haven for devils.
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Recite the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions. Recite the two bright ones: Al-Baqarah and Surah Aal-Imran, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds, or like two flocks of birds in ranks, defending their companions. Recite Surah Al-Baqarah; taking it brings blessings, and neglecting it leads to regret, and the ‘faint-hearted’ cannot bear it.” This hadith references the significance of Surah Al-Baqarah, indicating that reading it brings blessings and protection against sorcery.
- Sahl bin Saad narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, for every matter, there is a peak, and the peak of the Quran is Surah Al-Baqarah. Whosoever recites it in his house at night, the devil will not enter his house for three nights; and if recited during the day, the devil will not enter his house for three days.” This statement emphasizes that reciting Surah Al-Baqarah effectively wards off the presence of devils from one’s home for a duration of three days.
Reasons for the Revelation of Surah Al-Baqarah
The verses of Surah Al-Baqarah were revealed in a fragmented manner, with each verse or set of verses having its unique cause of revelation. Some of these reasons include:
- Allah, the Almighty, said: “ما ننسخ من آية أو ننسها نأت بخير منها أو مثلها ألم تعلم أن الله على كل شيء قدير”; the reason for the revelation of this verse is connected to the claims of the Jews, who suggested that Muhammad instructs his followers to follow certain commands and then later repeals them, signifying inconsistency.
- Allah, the Almighty, stated: “ود كثير من أهل الكتاب لو يردونكم من بعد إيمانكم كفارًا حسدًا من عند أنفسهم …”; this verse was revealed after certain Jewish leaders, following the Battle of Uhud, remarked to Muslims that their defeat indicated the falsehood of their beliefs, suggesting they return to Judaism, which they claimed was superior.
- Allah, the Almighty, mentioned: “وقالت اليهود ليست النصارى على شيء …”; the context of this verse emerged when a delegation from Najran (Christians) met with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), during which a dispute erupted between them and the Jewish scholars, each party accusing the other of being in error.
- Allah, the Almighty, said: “ومن أظلم ممن منع مساجد الله أن يذكر فيها اسمه …”; this verse was revealed regarding the polytheists of Mecca, who prevented the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) from entering the Sacred Mosque during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
- Allah, the Almighty, declared: “وإلهكم إله واحد لا إله إلا هو الرحمن الرحيم”; this verse was revealed when the disbelievers of Quraysh asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to describe his Lord.
- Allah, the Almighty, stated: “يسألونك عن الأهلة قل هي مواقيت للناس والحج”; this verse addressed a question posed by companions Mu’adh bin Jabal and Tha’laba ibn Ghanm, who inquired why the crescent would appear thin and then gradually increase before diminishing back to its original state.
- Allah, the Almighty, ordered: “وقاتلوا في سبيل الله الذين يقاتلونكم ولا تعتدوا إن الله لا يحب المعتدين”; this verse was prompted by the oppression faced by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and highlights the imperative to defend against combatants while also advocating restraint.
- Allah, the Almighty, stated: “يسألونك عن الشهر الحرام قتال فيه …”; this verse was revealed when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) dispatched companions, including Abdullah ibn Jahsh, to gather intelligence about Quraysh, which mistakenly escalated into confrontation in a sacred month.
These examples illustrate the diverse circumstances surrounding the revelations in Surah Al-Baqarah, each providing essential context for understanding the verses and their implications.