well that he who bought it will have no share in the World to Come. Evil indeed is what they sold themselves for. Had they but known! (103) Had they believed and been God- fearing Allah’s reward would have been better! Had they but known!
(104) O you who believe! Do not say (to the Prophet): Ra[ina (Lend ear to us), but say Unzurna (Favour us with your attention) and pay heed (to him).36 ▶
slavery and captivity in Babylonia, God sent two angels in human form in order to test the Jews. In the same way as angels were sent to the people of Lot in the form of handsome youth (see Surah Hud 11: 69 ff. Ed.), they were presumably sent to Israel in the form of divines who could work magic and sorcery. These angels at once began working their magical wonders but they warned the people that their presence among them was designed to test their faith, and that they ought not to jeopardize their prospects in the After-Life by practising magic. Despite the warning it seems that the Israelites had become so fond of their magical artifices that they continued to pounce upon the talismans and sorcery they taught.
36 When the Jews visited the Prophet (peace be on him) they tried to vent their spite by using ambiguous expressions in their greetings and conversation. They
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Al-Baqarah 2: 105–7
A painful chastisement awaits the unbelievers. (105) The unbelievers, be they the People of the Book or those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity, do not wish that any good should be sent down upon you from your Lord. But Allah chooses for His mercy whomsoever He wills. Allah is Lord of Abounding Bounty.
(106) For whatever verse We might abrogate or consign to oblivion, We bring a better one or the like of it.37 Are you not aware that Allah is All- Powerful? (107) Are you not aware that the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah, ▶
used words which had double meanings, one innocent and the other offensive. The particular expression referred to here – which the Muslims were asked to avoid using since it lent itself to abuse – was employed by the Jews when they conversed with the Prophet (peace be on him). Whenever they wanted to request a short pause in which to finish whatever they wanted to say, they used the expression ra[ina, which meant “kindly indulge us” or “kindly lend (your) ear to us.” It is, however, because of the possibility of the word also being used in other meanings, some of which were evil and irreverential, that Muslims were asked to avoid it and to use instead the straightforward expression unzurna, meaning “kindly favour us with your attention” or “kindly grant us a moment to follow (what you are saying).”
37 This is in response to a doubt which the Jews tried to implant in the minds of Muslims. If both the earlier Scriptures and the Qur’an were revelations from God, why was it – they asked – that the injunctions found in the earlier scriptures had been replaced by new ones in the Qur’an?
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Al-Baqarah 2: 108–10
and that none apart from Allah is your protector or helper?
(108) Or would you ask your Messenger in the manner Moses was asked before?38 And whoever exchanges faith for unbelief has surely strayed from the Right Way. (109) Out of sheer envy many People of the Book would be glad to turn you back into unbelievers after you have become be- lievers even though the Truth has become clear to them. Nevertheless, forgive and be indulgent towards them until Allah brings forth His decision. Surely Allah is All-Powerful. (110) Establish Prayer and dispense Zakah. Whatever good deeds you send forth for your own good, you will find them with Allah. Surely Allah sees all that you do.
38 The Jews, who were addicted to hair-splitting arguments, instigated the Muslims to ask the Prophet (peace be 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,
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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
