The Majestic Quran

22 A reference to Muslims who stayed behind in Makkah, choosing not to migrate although they had the means, but instead hid their faith and lived an oppressed life. Is this threat of Hell a veiled wake- up call for those who are comfortable with their material life? Muslim by name not by conviction? 23 The shortening of the prayer refers to shortening the 4 Fardh of Dhur , Asr and Isha to two units only. This is a special concession when travelling a minimum of fifty four miles away from home and staying there for less than fifteen days. 24 This refers to an incident of theft by a Muslim who blamed a Jew, so his family asked the Prophet r to punish the Jew. However, these verses were revealed clarifying the innocence of the Jew. 25 “Hanif” refers to one who believes in one true God and rejects all false gods, which comes naturally to him or her. 26 This refers to verses 2–10. 27 “Shuh” implies greed, avarice, self-centredness and egotism. 28 While a disbeliever must declare his faith to be forgiven, a hypocrite must: repent, reform, practise religion and show sincerity. 29 The arrogant Israelites were prepared to use any excuse to evade responsibility for their sinful behaviour. 30 This refers to the second coming of Jesus the Messiah, when all will believe in him. 31 “Carrion” refers to the meat of animals that are found already dead, like road kill. 32 Commentators believe this verse was revealed on the 9th Dhul Hijjah during the Messenger’s r farewell pilgrimage in the year 631 ce. 33 This refers to the meat of animals slaughtered by the Jews and the Christians, though Muslim scholars disagree, since Christians don’t practise biblical laws, but the Jewish Kosher meat is considered Halal . 34 “Junub” is the ritual impurity due to sexual intercourse, a discharge of semen, menstruation, or after childbirth. 35 There are thousands of Christian sects or denominations in the world, and they continue to grow. 36 A reference to the biblical story of Adam’s two sons, Abel and Cain, in the book of Genesis. 37 “Fasad” means a heinous act; violence and conflict that undermines the peace and order of a country. 38 “Wasila” is a means of getting to one’s destination, or getting nearer to it (Lisan al-Arab). Faith, good works, charity, good character and worship are all examples of Wasila . Similarly having a teacher who guides one to God is a Wasila . 39 The law can be ignored by: not paying attention to it, making up rulings, being excessively harsh or lenient. Setting rates of compensation for certain injuries is not ignoring the law, as is mentioned in the Quran (e.g. Chapter An-Nisa’: 92). See Exodus 12:23 for penalties according to Jewish law. 40 The Age of Ignorance refers to the time before the coming of the Messenger r in 610 ce, when power and wealth ruled in Arabia and customs were based on superstition not the law, and there was a lack of moral, social and spiritual values. 41 “Awliya” is plural of Wali; a friend but it can also mean allies, supporters and protectors. The context here suggests it is protectors not friends at the time of war. 42 The phrase “monkeys and pigs”, which appears elsewhere in the Quran, is a figure of speech that refers to disobedient people with no sense of morality, becoming like monkeys and pigs in selfish pursuit of their lust. 43 This blasphemous phrase literally means “God’s hand is tied”, i.e. He isn’t generous. 44 “God’s hands” is a melonym for the power of God.