سل بني اسرائيل كم اتيناهم من اية بينة ومن يبدل نعمة الله من بعد ما جاءته فان الله شديد العقاب

سَلْ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ كَمْ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُم مِّنْ ءَايَةٍۭ بَيِّنَةٍ ۗ وَمَن يُبَدِّلْ نِعْمَةَ ٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most kind,

I remember during my teenage years, often I would enjoy listening to the recitation of the Qur’an. Surah Al Mulk was one of my favourite suwars to listen to. However, I did not contemplate very deeply though some ayats would make me pause and reflect. I still had not grasped much meaning. 

Then, I remember as a growing adult, reading the translation of the Qur’an in English (because I could not understand Arabic) in Ramadan and what would captivate me would be the scientific descriptions found in the Qur’an. I noticed small changes but not significant ones. I was keen at seeking all sorts of knowledge. I read big books, and small books.

Then unexpectedly, without thinking to make the Qur’an a regular part of my life, I found astonishingly it had become a daily part of my life. For me, there was little conscious effort on my part, I concluded that my invitation towards the Qur’an was unquestionably the Mercy and invitation from Allah. As I pondered upon small parts of the Qur’an consistently, I knew I needed no more proof of the true religion. This time my understanding was so different. I spent more time, looking at the lives of the Messengers, the prayers of the Messengers, the trials of the Messengers peace be upon all of them, coming back to Allah through reminders that there will be the Day of Judgement. 

This, understanding is a huge huge huge favour, at the same time I feel more aware of the tests that surround me. I can’t afford to disobey Allah, I cannot afford not to repent, I cannot afford to ignore His messages and take them lightly. I feel in order to be able to understand the Qur’an much better, is through by actually practising what Allah and His Messenger peace and blessings be upon him have told us. Sure it can be difficult, but the sweetness comes with struggling and persevering. 

Accepting the truth is following the truth in practice. Whilst we all error and are fallible we cannot ignore what Allah has forbidden for us especially when we know the truth. I don’t want to lose His mercy, His Guidance. I need it daily and I am truly helpless without it.

Gratitude towards Allah is through obedience and servitude towards Him.

Ask the Children of Israel how many clear signs We have given them. And whoever trades Allah’s favour—after receiving it—˹for disbelief˺ should know that Allah is indeed severe in punishment.

the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray.

Razia Zahra's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:211

Bani Israel changed the blessings Allah SWT gave them by not being grateful, and the blessings turned to punishments against them.

Compare that with his promise that if you thank him for the blessings, not only will he allow you to keep them, but he will increase them for you, whether they are blessings of religion, or matters of dunya.

And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.’”

Tareq Abed's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:211

Reading these two surahs and listening to them in taraweh over the last few days has reminded me just how special they are

Salah's Reflection on Surah Aal-i-Imraan

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

I had read a few translations of the Qur’an several times during my teenage years. I was marvelled by the science of the Qur’an. Yet, I didn’t really contemplate about the Prophets peace be upon them all, the Day of Judgment and death.  I believe I had not ‘experienced’ much about life and especially I had not suffered much loss during my youth. 

Then one day, it was as though the Qur’an was ‘forced upon me’ by Allah through our Qur’an group ‘Quran Crew’; for Muslim women a small but growing group who come from various parts of the world. I realised then Guidance and invitation to the Qur’an only comes from Allah. It is Allah only who can open a person’s heart. 

In my early days of contemplating the Qur’an with our taddabur group, I had forgotten my books (that I habitually carry) whilst travelling. I had my children’s iPad and I felt the urge to read whilst as a passenger in the car. I saw some ‘kindle books’ and decided to look for a book. I found ‘The Book of Aphorisms’ or ‘Kitab Al Hikam’ by Ibn Ata Illah (an esteemed scholar from Egypt and praised by Ibn Taymmiyah). 

The cover was relatively unappealing but something drew me to this book and as I turned the pages I read the following:

“When Allah unfolds a realm of knowledge for you, get rid of the feeling that you are not qualified for that in terms of deeds. He opened up  that for you because He wanted to make Himself known to you. Don’t you know that the knowledge was His presentation for you, while the deeds were yours for Him and, of course, your presentation will be zilch compared to that of Him.”  (Pg 5).

Having read this, I was astounded I had recently had miracle encounter with a sister from another part of the world and together we formed a taddabur group. I struggled against this responsibility. Afterwards, shortly I discovered Quran Reflect. For four years, I have been turning the pages of the Qur’an deeply contemplating on most days. I consider this nothing but a miracle and the Generosity of Allah towards me. I also know there are beautiful stories from mankind of how they discovered the Qur’an. All coming to the conclusion that this is truly the Mercy of Allah. 

Yet, the Qur’an carries responsibility and the responsibility of action, adherence and trust upon Allah. It’s not a gift to be taken without huge gratitude, a gratitude that must be given every single day. 

I was once in my tajweed class and I was struggling and my teacher from Egypt she told me ‘ask Allah for help, ask Allah to make it easy’ so I had this habit to ask Allah to make things easy and I realised I should do the same when applying the Qur’an to make it easy. For often the soul will struggle against the temptations of this world. 

I must contemplate always this gift, this invitation to follow and show my gratitude by implementing the Qur’an and always being in awe of Allah and always remembering He indeed is the Most Gracious and ever so Merciful. Yet, I need His help to follow. 

This ayah in a good way frightens me. I know if I am sincere with Allah, He will be with me. So I ask for His help to guide me with His Blessed Book.

Those We have given the Book follow it as it should be followed. It is they who ˹truly˺ believe in it. As for those who reject it, it is they who are the losers.

O Children of Israel! Remember My favours upon you and how I honoured you above the others.

You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help.

Razia Zahra's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:121 - 122

The fruit that a plant bears depends on the seed that we sow.When allah provides us with seeds,we have to nurture and water it in a good fertile soil so that it produces lot and lot of fruits,flowers and seeds.

Throughout our lives Allah is constantly planting seeds of faith in our life and calling us to also plant seeds of faith in the lives of others, on an ongoing basis.

Remember —a farmer who plants good quality seeds,in a highly fertile soil generously will get a great crop.

TO REAP GREAT BENEFITS

*the soil(heart) has to be fertile with faith.
We should make our heart clean and pure to reap good harvest.

*good watering and light is required to yield good crop.
      With Allahs mercy and light,when a fertile heart receive rain of benefial knowledge,it grows abundantly.
 
*we can produce more and more crops by sowing the seeds from our own crops.If the root is strong and deep,we can reap crops in plenty and in good quality .

             Likewise for each good deed that we do with strong faith and sincerity,we get a great harvest eventhough we may not see it now.Once seed is sown allah will make it grow and allah increases it,and we continue to reap the benefits.SUBHANALLAH

🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

*The weeds and parasites growing around the crops if not checked and rooted out, from to time, it is likely that they’ll take over and kill the crops.  

Similarly, the faith and righteous deeds must be cleared of the weeds of hypocrisy and innovation.May Allah protect us all....
 
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah the Exalted says: Except for fasting, for it is done for my sake and I will reward it.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1151, Grade: Sahih


Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

None gives charity from what is good, for Allah only accepts what is good, but that the Merciful takes it with His right hand. Even if it is a date, it is nurtured in the hand of the Merciful until it becomes greater than a mountain, just as one of you nurtures his young horse or camel.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1014, Grade: Sahih

SUBHANALLAH....
ALHAMDULILLAH...
May Allah help us to remember that whenever we are giving sadaqa,it goes directly to Allahs right hand.May Allah pour his mercy upon us to race to earn his immense pleasure....Aameen.

Allahu akbar kabeera
Walhamdulillahi kaseera
Wasubhanallahi bukrathan wa aseela.....


# spend
# charity
# good deeds
# Allah increases

The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.

Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and do not follow their charity with reminders of their generosity or hurtful words—they will get their reward from their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.

And the example of those who donate their wealth, seeking Allah’s pleasure and believing the reward is certain, is that of a garden on a fertile hill: when heavy rain falls, it yields up twice its normal produce. If no heavy rain falls, a drizzle is sufficient. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

Whatever charities you give or vows you make are surely known to Allah. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers.

Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly—their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.

who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and donate from what We have provided for them,

O believers! Donate from what We have provided for you before the arrival of a Day when there will be no bargaining, friendship, or intercession. Those who disbelieve are ˹truly˺ the wrongdoers.

And Allah increases in guidance those who are ˹rightly˺ guided. And the everlasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in outcome.

So be mindful of Allah to the best of your ability, hear and obey, and spend in charity—that will be best for you. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are ˹truly˺ successful.

O believers! Do not let your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. For whoever does so, it is they who are the ˹true˺ losers.

And donate from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you, and you cry, “My Lord! If only You delayed me for a short while, I would give in charity and be one of the righteous.”

So do not falter or cry for peace, for you will have the upper hand and Allah is with you. And He will never let your deeds go to waste.

Maryam's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:261 - 262

It's so amazing that in Surah Baqarah the flaw of Banu Israel is mentioned prior to Islamic laws and rulings, teaching us an important lesson:  'not to be victims of ingratitude and extremism like the previous nation'

دكتورة حليمة's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara

in the Quran, Allah said in 183
 'O you who believe, siyam is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained. ' The importance of Siyam in Ramadan is clearly expressed in several sayings of the Prophet(S.A.W.).

Ebrar Rabmal's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara

this is the dua for 22 day
اللّهُمّ افْتَحْ لِي فِيهِ أَبْوَابَ فَضْلِكَ،
allahumma aftah li fihi abwaba fadlika
O Allah; on this day, (please) open before me the doors to Your graces,
وَأَنْزِلْ عَلَيّ فِيهِ بَرَكَاتِكَ،
wa anzil `alayya fihi barakatika
And pour down on me Your blessings,
وَوَفّقْنِي فِيهِ لِمُوجِبَاتِ مَرْضَاتِكَ،
wa waffiqny fihi limujibati mardatika
And lead me to things that bring about Your pleasure,
وَ أَسْكِنّي فِيهِ بُحْبُوحَاتِ جَنَّاتِكَ،
wa  askinny fihi buhbuhati jannatika
And allow me to reside in the spacious places from the gardens of Your Paradise;
يَا مُجِيبَ دَعْوَةِ المُضْطَرّينَ.
ya mujiba da`wati almudtarrina
O He Who responds to the prayer of the distressed ones.

2: Surah Al Baqara (The Cow/Heifer)
Get to know the Surah that angels descend to the sky for when it is recited.
Early Madani (among the first to be revealed to the Prophet after Hijra)
It was named after the story of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) and his people regarding the cow
Contains the last verse of the Quran to be revealed to the Prophet (2:281)
It has 286 verses, and is the largest Surah in the Quran. 
Has been highly praised by the Prophet (ﷺ); Holding on to Surah Al-Baqarah is a blessing upon blessing. Abandoning it is regret, as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said.
The opening verses of Surah al-Baqara clarify that the Qur’an is here to guide us, but we can only access that guidance if we are sincere in striving for righteousness.
Summary of some of its topics:
The 3 broad categories of Mankind
It covers every aspect of theology - from the 5 principles of Islam to the 6 Articles of Faith.
This Surah emphasizes ways to attain Guidance, true righteousness, and Ethics of the Muslim ummah
This surah cites sixteen different issues concerning Jewish dissent all through their long history as documented in the Torah. Bani Israel was chosen to be a model nation under God’s guidance, so they can show how to follow divine guidance to all of humanity. That was their responsibility and there is a long discourse on how Allah gave them that responsibility, but they transgressed. 
As Muslims, we should look into our hearts and the essence of our religion and live it with sincerity and true faith. 
Detailed laws of Islam related to every area of life, such as Fasting, Hajj, Marriage, Divorce, Warfare, and Criminal law; in between which Allah stresses the importance of Taqwa.
The surah concludes with rulings on Charity as the foundation of the Islamic Economy & the biggest cardinal sin in finance (interest)
9 Logical themes of Al-Baqara.
Theme 1: The 3 audiences of the Quran (2: 1-27)
Allah (SWT) divides the audience of the Quran into three groups: 
Believers: The people who have faith and engage with the Quran (2: 1-5)
Disbelievers: The people who completely reject it (2: 6-7)
Hypocrites: The people who claim to have faith but they don’t have faith (2:8-20).
Allah (SWT) informs us that these three groups have always existed (2: 21-27).

Theme 2: Creation of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ)- The father of Mankind (2: 28-39)
Here, Allah mentions the story of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ), his creation, Shaitan’s rebellion and how Adam & his wife ended up on earth. Just as Adam was chosen for the responsibility of being God’s vicegerent on earth as humanity spread out, it was important not to have just one person to take over this responsibility, but an entire nation.
Theme 3: Children of Israel- The old nation (2: 40-123)
This Surah discusses the negative attitude of the Jews in Madina towards the message of Islam, and their history, both ancient and recent. Such incidences of their habitual transgressions in this surah include:
After being saved from Pharaoh & his people, the parting of the sea, worshiping of the calf and their repentance (2: 49-54).
After being revived from death; their arrival at the town and what has been provided to them from the earth; the sabbath and the punishment they received (2: 55-66)
Their encounter with Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) on the sacrifice of the cow (2: 67-77)
The people of the book (Jews, Christians, Sabeans) and their disbelief (2: 78-123).
Story of later generations of Bani Israel including the war between Prophet Dawud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) & Jalut (2:243-252)

Theme 4: Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ)- Father of the new nation (2: 124-141)
Allah (SWT) talks about Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him.
The tests of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) & how he upheld them (2: 124-126)
The building of the Kaaba and the dua’s of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ). As he built that house he prayed for a prophet to come, and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the answer to that prayer. (2: 126-129)
The legacy of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ): his submission to Allah and that of his sons and the descendants of Yaqub (2: 130-134)
The believers (the new ummah, Jews & Christians) regarding the religion of Ibrahim (A.S) (2: 135-141)

Theme 5: The new nation: Change of the qibla (2: 142-150)
Of this Surah is the command for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to change his prayer direction from Jerusalem towards the Kaaba. The nation of believers is now new, and they will be put to the test. 

Theme 6: The New Nation: Muslim Ummah & their trials ahead (2: 151-177)
What is interesting to note is that Allah tells us the story of Adam, whom He tested, but Adam failed the test, then was redeemed. Then the story of the Children of Israel who were also tested, but they also failed the test, and they have a chance to be redeemed. Allah then mentions the story of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ), who passed all the tests he went through, then finally the Ummah of believers and the tests they will go through: So the sequence of the stories in this Surah is father, nation, father, nation.
The rightly guided remember Allah, are patient and prayerful (2: 151-158)
Those cursed by Allah conceal the clear proofs sent to them (2: 159-160)
Shaitan: is the enemy of Mankind & the disbelievers; 
Forbiddance of eating dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine & animals sacrificed for those other than Allah (2: 161-167)
True righteousness and what it entails (2:177)

Theme 7: Laws of the New nation (Trials of the believers- 2:178-203)
What are we to be tested with? The Surah continues with new laws for the Muslim nation in an incredible systematic order. Some of which include the prescription of: 
Legal retribution (2: 178-179)
Wills & bequest for parents and close relatives when death approaches (2: 180-182)
Fasting and the limits set by Allah (2: 183-187)
Prohibition of bribery and corruption (2:188)
Jihad (2:189-195)
Hajj & Umrah (2:196-203)
Taking care of Orphans (2:220)
Prohibition of marrying the polytheist (2:221)
Marriage, Divorce, the widow & the limits set by Allah (2: 222-242)

Theme 8: Guidance & Greed (2: 204-283)
Greed and money matters in one of the longest parts of the Quran.
Halal income and how to spend it (2: 204-216).
Fighting in the sacred months (2: 217-218)
Wine & Gambling (2:219)
The etiquette of charity (almsgiving & Kind speech) (2:261-274)
Islamic Economics and money matters (2:275-283)

Theme 9: Prayer for securing our faith (2:284-286)
A dua’ asking Allah not to put a burden on us, like that which was placed on the people before us, because they were not able to carry that burden, and to forgive us if we forget or make mistakes.

The Prophets mentioned in Al Baqara 
Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ): Creation of man (mastery of language, speech, eloquence & intellect) and his descending to earth. A reminder that the best of people also make mistakes, but in humility, they acknowledge their mistakes and repent. Shaitan's arrogance blocked him from the path of guidance and led him towards Hellfire. 
Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) & the Children of Israel: The favors bestowed upon them by Allah & their transgression.
Sulaiman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) & the jinns: Allah declares that Sulayman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) was a believer and it was the devils who disbelieved. Sulaiman was blessed with every worldly privilege, but he did not allow any of these blessings to distract him from the purpose of life. 
Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ): The father of Islamic monotheism,  Building of the Kaaba; His legacy, that of his sons (Ismail & Ishaq) and their descendants
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) living up to the legacy of his grandfather Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) and passing it down to his children.
Dawud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ): His battle with the army of Jalut -  a reminder that success lies in following the guidance of Allah, even if only a minority of people follow it.
Parallels with Suratul Fatiha
In Al Fatiha, we asked Allah for guidance. Suratul Baqara starts with setting the ground that the Quran is a book of guidance in which there is no doubt. Whoever wishes for guidance will find it in the Quran
Suratul Baqara also ends with a Dua asking Allah not to burden us with more than we can bear on our path to attaining righteousness and guidance.