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.
34
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.
35
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.”
36
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, who unreservedly surrenders himself to God and undertakes to live his life in accordance with the guidance that has come down from Him. Islam is the appellation which characterizes the above-mentioned belief and conduct. That belief and outlook constitute the core and kernel of the religion of all the Prophets who have appeared from time to time among different peoples and in different countries since the beginning of human life.
37
Al-Baqarah 2: 134–7
(134) Now, they were a peo- ple who passed away. Theirs is what they have earned, and yours is what you have earned. You shall not be asked concern- ing what they did.
(135) They say: “Be Jews,” or “Be Christians.” “Then you will be rightly guided.” Say to them: “No, follow exclusively the way of Abraham who was not one of those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity.” (136) Say: “We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the descendants (of Jacob) and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and in what the other Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are those who submit to Allah.”
(137) And then if they come to believe as you believe, they are on right guidance; and if they turn away, then quite obviously they have merely fallen into opposition to the Truth. Allah will suffice you for protection against them. He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
38
Al-Baqarah 2: 138–42
(138) Say: “Take on Allah’s colour.” And whose colour is better than Allah’s? It is Him that we serve.
(139) Say (O Prophet): “Will you then dispute with us concerning Allah when He is our Lord and your Lord? Our deeds are for us and your deeds are for you. And it is Him that we serve exclusively.” (140) Or do you claim that Abraham and Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob and the descendants (of Jacob) were “Jews” or “Christians?” Say: “Who has greater knowledge, you or Allah?” Who does greater wrong than he who conceals a testimony he has received from Allah? Allah is not heedless of the things you do. (141) Now, they were a people who passed away. Theirs is what they earned, and yours is what you earn; you shall not be questioned concerning what they did.
(142) The block-headed will say: “What has turned them away from the direction they formerly observed in Prayer?”43 ▶
43 After his migration to Madinah the Prophet (peace be on him) continued to pray in the direction of Jerusalem approximately for a
