Tafseer Surah Baqarah Verse 139-141 | Surah Baqarah explanation in English | Surah Baqarah explained | Surah Baqarah Ayat 139 to 141

Tafseer Surah Baqarah Verse 139-141 | Surah Baqarah explanation in English | Surah Baqarah explained | Surah Baqarah Ayat 139 to 141 Translation

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Be Sincere in Submission to Allah

Surah Baqarah Verse 139-141

These three ayaat bring to an end to the first Juz of the Qur’an.

The word atuhajioonana [أَتُحَاجُّونَنَا] is from the root ha-jeem-jeem and it means ‘to intend to a certain target, aim at, undertake or argument’. The word mukhlisoona [مُخْلِصُون] is from the root kha-laam-saad and it means ‘to be pure, genuine or sincere’.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala directed His Prophet to pre-empt the arguments with the idolaters that do you dispute with us regarding the Oneness of Allah, obedience and submission to Him and in avoiding His prohibitions when He has full control over us and you, and deserves the worship alone without partners? We disown you and what you worship, just as you disown us. This is similar to another ayah, “And if they belie you, say: ‘For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds! You are innocent of what I do, and I am innocent of what you do!” [Yunus 10:41]

Lesson:

This is something that a Muslim can also experience with another Muslim. When one learns the Deen and changes his lifestyle striving to get closer to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala he is criticized by none other than those closer to him. Why? Is not your and our Lord the same? What is wrong with one striving to build a strong relationship with His Creator while honoring his other duties? Therefore, we say: For you are your deeds and for me are my deeds.

وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُخْلِصُونَ

“And we are sincere to Him,” meaning I will not mix my religion with any cultural practices. I will not be loyal to anything that is being done in my family. I will only be loyal to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and do what He wants me to do. It also means I will not do my deeds to please anyone else but Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala alone.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala then criticized them in the claim that Ibraheem ‘alayhi salaam, the prophets who came after him and the asbat [tribes] were following their religion, whether Judaism or Christianity. He says, “Say, ‘Do you know better or does Allah?’” Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has the best knowledge and He knows that they were neither Jews nor Christians.

He asks who is more unjust than he who conceals the testimony he has from Allah. Their Books contained the description of Prophet Muhammad salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the truth, but the concealed the knowledge.  Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says that He is not unaware of their deeds. This is a threat and warning that His knowledge encompasses everyone’s deeds, and He shall award each accordingly.

He then says, “That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned, and you of what you earn,” meaning no one will bear another’s deeds. Therefore, do good deeds and correct your creed for your own sake. Do not be deceived by the fact that your descendants, unless you imitate them in obeying Allah’s orders and following His messengers. Indeed, whoever disbelieves in even one prophet, will have disbelieved in all the messengers, especially if one disbelieves in the master and Final Messenger from Allah, Muhammad salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him and the rest of the prophets, ameen.

Lessons:

As we complete the first Juz of the Qur’an, we should reflect on our condition.

– Has my heart changed after studying the Book of Allah?

If yes, then how much? If not, then why not?

– Am I sincere to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala or am I more sincere to the particular group, sect, Imam or scholar that I follow?

– Am I such that when people speak with me or look at me they are reminded of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala? Is my heart filled with His love and taqwa?

Answer these questions and reflect on your heart’s state.

May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala allow us to take benefit from the study of the Qur’an, and enable us to mold ourselves according to His liking, ameen.

Share: