#QuranWeeklyDose #AllahLoves

Allah Loves those who continuously repent to Him.

Al Baqarah : 222 started off our Weekly Quran Dose (Week 3). 
I admired Ustadz Mohannad's modesty as he shyly commented on the topic at hand.
For a lesson to be taught Allah SWT, the most supreme Teacher, spared no feelings. 

Allah SWT talks about the most intimate relations to teach us to earn His Love by pursuing purity and also to constantly turn back in repentance. Marriage is one of the most challenging human relationships there is, where couples are constantly faced with challenges.
Thus, the need to constantly purify ourselves and to make tawbah.

SubhanAllah.

Ustadz challenged us to dig deep and ask ourselves what motivates us to continuously make tawbah.
My answer, again, is to look at the Prophets AS.

I remind myself that the noble and beloved Prophets AS made mistakes too.
From Nabi Adam AS to our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW. 
Different types of mistakes in different generations of humans throughout the history of mankind.
The difference is that Prophets AS were given immediate rebukes and some very stern reminders.

I remind myself, also, that when the beloved Prophets AS slipped, 
they  immediately made amends, 
they re-calibrated, and 
they returned to what would please Allah SWT. 
they bowed in obedience to Allah SWT.

May Allah SWT grant us the ability to continuously repent to Him,
Aamiin.

Yes I went straight there (YouTube). But I’m yet to finish watching. JazakaAllahu khayr 

KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, GRATITUDE (APPRECIATION) ---[ 1 ]

Appreciate every encounter you have with people and experiences, for they are opportunities for growth. The Quran speaks in a way that, through Allah's infinite grace, allows us to see guidance from multiple perspectives, meeting both our physical and, more importantly, our spiritual needs.

Recently, I watched a video where Steve Jobs explained rock tumbling—a process that turns ordinary, rough stones into polished gemstones. This made me reflect on a deeper level, and I turned to the Quran for insight. I found myself drawn to Quran 2:36, where the word 'enemy' (Aduw) is often emphasized by translators and scholars. However, when I explored the meaning of 'Aduw,' I discovered that it also implies resistance and opposition, which brought a profound realization.

Allah sent mankind to earth with a reminder of the reality we’d face—unlike heaven, where harmony prevails, life on earth involves resistance and challenges. These very obstacles polish us, like rocks in a tumbler, transforming us into something beautiful and refined. For instance, you cannot truly become generous without engaging with others, nor can you develop patience without facing difficulties or being wronged.

In Quran 64:14, Allah emphasizes that even our relationships with our spouses and children serve a purpose. Through them, we learn forgiveness, tolerance, and patience. It is only through knowledge and wisdom that we come to appreciate these encounters as gifts that mold us into well-refined, complete human beings.

The fruit of knowledge is worship, May what we learn draw us closer to Allah.

In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Kind,

I was reading the following ayats today, and it occurred to me that Allah azza wa jal had warned Adam Alahis salaam not to approach the tree or else he will be a wrongdoer. Yet, Satan managed to deceive them. But, I told myself ‘notice how Allah azza wa jal’ inspired Adam Alahis salaam with words seeking sincere repentance. 

I have seen many individuals feel an enormous amount of shame and remorse. This feeling that their sin is ‘too large’ for Allah’s forgiveness. Often, the result I have personally seen is that this feeling causes even more engagement of sin(s)!  For me these ayats caused me to reflect that remorse and sadness regarding the sin is a huge blessing. When we feel like this then we should remember this story of Adam Alahis salaam and understand it is Allah azza wa jal who inspires the feeling of guilt in our hearts. He wants to forgive us, do we capitalise upon this feeling and come back to Him and not only come back to Him but come even closer to Him? 

Ibn Qayyim RA stated:

'Satan, rejoiced when Adam AS came out of paradise, but he (Satan) did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and rises again.'

Compare this to many who have no such guilt when committing sins, whose hearts have no such remorse and only want to engage further into sinful activities and conduct. This is truly the saddest state to be in.

Remember Satan wants to destroy us, guilt is there because Allah is very merciful, we should not turn guilt into hopelessness. Rather, we should contemplate the huge mercy of Allah which He has upon us. Through our guilt may we be quick to repent and turn back to Him.

Guilt is like a hard shoulder on a highway, for you to pause and reflect, to seek sincere forgiveness and take the help of Allah. Then we get back into our lane fully focused in  worshiping Him in order to return back to Him in the best way; seeking forgiveness and having hope in Allah the Almighty.

#Allah
#tawbah
#repentance
#guilt
#Mercy
#storyofAdam
#hope

These verses spell out God's love for us. He created the earth, the seven heavens, brought forth our father Adam as a dignified human being, gifting him with knowledge, asked the angels to prostrate before him, told him to enjoy all of the blessings in heaven with his spouse except one tree, and when Satan deceived them , Allah taught Adam how to repent - He did not leave him alone or not forgive him.  

To God belongs the greater example, just as a parent prepares a home for a child, teaches them, supports them to have enjoyment and when they make a mistake, guides them on how to make amends, God loves us and prepares us to be close to Him.

Do you feel His love for you ? 

Do you feel it surrounding you in the earth and the heavens? 

Do you feel it with you when you fall and return to Him ? 

Alhamdullilah, may we be always gifted with Allah's love.

﷽

We all have our weaknesses and temptations within us. It's a part of our human nature, a test that Allah (SWT) has placed within us. Sometimes, these desires align with the boundaries set by Allah, and there are permissible ways to fulfil them. But when these desires fall outside the hudud, the sacred boundaries set by Allah, there is no lawful way to fulfil them. The life of this world is restricted by the divine laws and boundaries established by Allah (SWT). We cannot have everything we desire. There is no concept of 'my truth'; there is only the truth of Allah and the truth of His religion.

Yet, we might sometimes slip, for a brief moment or a prolonged period in our lives. In such times, we should remember the story of our father, Prophet Adam (AS). He and his wife (amma Hawwa) lived in the bliss of Jannah, where Allah commanded them not to eat from a specific tree, setting clear boundaries: 'And We said, 'O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in ease and abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers'' (Qur'an 2:35).

Despite this clear command, they were tempted by Shaytan and ate from the forbidden tree. This was a slip, a moment of human weakness. Allah (SWT) acknowledges this in the Qur'an: 'And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred' (Qur'an 20:121). But the story doesn't end there. Allah, in His infinite mercy, taught Adam (AS) words of repentance: 'Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful' (Qur'an 2:37).

This is a profound lesson for all of us. Whenever we slip, we should turn back to Allah with sincere repentance. We should make a heartfelt intention not to repeat the sin and seek His forgiveness. As the Qur'an says: 'And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allah?—and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know' (Qur'an 3:135).

From this story, we learn several essential lessons. The nature of boundaries set by Allah is not to restrict us but to guide us towards what is best. Temptation is a real and powerful force. Even in the perfect setting of Jannah, Adam (AS) and his wife faced temptation. This reminds us that no one is immune, and we must always be vigilant and seek Allah's help in resisting temptation. Shaytan is always seeking to lead us astray. He deceived Adam (AS) by making the forbidden tree seem desirable. We must be aware of Shaytan's tactics and strive to resist his whispers.

Allah's mercy is vast and encompassing. Allah taught Adam how to repent and accepted their repentance. This shows that no matter how much we err, Allah is always ready to forgive if we turn to Him sincerely. Repentance is a powerful tool. It not only cleanses us of our sins but also brings us closer to Allah. The act of turning back to Allah with a sincere heart is highly valued by Allah. We are bound to make mistakes. Adam (AS), the first human, made a mistake, which highlights the inherent imperfection in all of us. This should make us humble and more understanding of others' faults as well. The incident of Adam (AS) reminds us that life is a test. We will face trials and tribulations, but these are opportunities for growth and drawing closer to Allah.

This life is a test, a means to develop resilience, strength, and patience in our character. Allah (SWT) has promised that in the next life, we will be given everything that will satisfy us: 'Therein you will have [all] that your souls desire, and therein you will have whatever you request' (Qur'an 41:31).

So, do not despair. Remember the example of our father Adam (AS). Return to Allah with sincere repentance and a firm resolve not to repeat the sin. Allah is Most Merciful and Forgiving. This journey of seeking forgiveness and striving to stay within the boundaries set by Allah is what builds our resilience and patience. In this world, we may not have it all, but in the hereafter, Allah (SWT) promises complete satisfaction in the most purest way for those who remain steadfast. So, keep striving, keep repenting, and keep returning to Allah, for His mercy is vast and His forgiveness is boundless.

Allah created the Earth for us, then created us and honored us by having the angels prostrate to a human. Allah then further bestows His favor on human beings by allowing Adam to live in paradise. From the beginning of our creation Allah has blessed humans with gift after gift, blessing after blessing. So what does Our Master want in return? Allah only gives Adam one simple command, a command that is only for Adam’s benefit not Allah’s. Such a simple command and yet shaytan was still able to get to Adam and cause him to slip. But Adam turned back to Allah, and Allah instantly accepted that repentance, with complete mercy. 

This is the example of humanity. Allah has given us an immeasurable amount of blessings and gifts from the moment of our creation up until our deaths. Yet we so easily slip and turn away from His guidance, from His simple commands (commands that can only be of benefit to us, not to Him). But we should always remember how easy it is to turn back, repenting to our Merciful Lord. Allah accepts all those that turn back to him, no matter how big the mistake. So may Allah make us all people that are guided on the straight path and people who turn back to that path when shaytan and our enemies cause us to slip. May Allah accept our repentance and continue to shower us with His Mercy and make us people who praise Him and show Him gratitude constantly even in times of struggle. 

As our brothers and sisters suffer in Palestine, we should recognize the blessings Allah has given us and how easily that can be taken away. I pray that Allah eases their suffering and grants them victory. 

Ameen.

Masha'Allah, a touching and a beautiful reflection. Jazakallahu khair for sharing this. Indeed, it was a simply command to Adam (pbuh), and yet the devil was able to deceive him. But ultimately, Allah forgives us if we turn back to him.

#Week1 #QuranicCalendar #Yaqeen #Certainty #Iman #Faith  #Hajj #Tilawat #Recitation #Reverts #Arabic #Tafsir #Commentaries #QuranInAYear 

One of our reflection prompts this week (Week One of Qur'an in a Year) is 'How do we believe in Allah SWT without seeing Him?'

As a recent revert (March 2022) who was coming from a position of near-atheism, I worried greatly for a while about how it would ever be possible to truly believe in God. But little by slow, Allah SWT, the Gentle and All-Aware, has manifested His presence and care in my life, time and time again. 

There are so many examples. I'll write here about two of them. God wiling:

Help during Hajj
******
I made Hajj last year, Alhamdulillah. I didn't sleep much and I got sick too. Not uncommon! But I could often sense that, even though I was often too tired to think straight, Allah SWT was physically guiding me to what I needed most at the time, whether it be a seat on the ground that allowed me some back support, or whether it be medical care or even a local brother who helped me with a wheelchair for tawaf! I was able to complete everything I needed to do for Hajj, Alhamdulillah, but that's because my Rabb gave me everything I needed just as I needed it.

A Ramadan Stretch Goal: Reciting a Juz a Day
*****************
Learning to read the Arabic script has been an ongoing challenge. As of late last year I still could recite only a few ayat at a time before I would get mentally tired. 

Around that time I began making a du'a that Allah SWT make the Qur'an the spring of my heart and the light of my chest. I recited the du'a for a few weeks and then forgot about it.  

Then I found some learning materials online that improved my ability to read the script and to understand some of the grammatical structures and vocabulary in the Qur'an. And as of Sha'ban, I found myself making an intention to recite a juz a day during Ramadan. And Alhamdulillah, Allah SWT opened the way for me to be able to do just that. Was it tough at times? Yes! Was my tajwid good? No. Did it take me a long time to recite one juz a day? Yes, but the time I needed got shorter each day. Did I connect with the Qur'an in a way I never had before? Absolutely. 

Long story short, a lot of that 'impostor syndrome' feeling is gone now. I still need good English translations to be able to understand the meanings of the ayat and each surah as a whole, and I have a few favorite tafasir (commentaries) that I rely on as well. But I see this recent Ramadan experience as nothing short of miraculous. 

I just remembered the other day that I had been making that du'a, and even though I eventually forgot to keep making it, Allah SWT answered it.

Du'aa
****
May Allah SWT grant tawfiq (success) to all of the participants in Qur'an In A Year and may He shower baraka and noor (increase and light) into the lives of the QuranReflect team, Shaykh Saeed, and everyone who's participated in bringing this initiative to us. Barakallahu fikhum.

>  Was it tough at times? Yes! Was my tajwid good? No. Did it take me a long time to recite one juz a day? Yes, but the time I needed got shorter each day. Did I connect with the Qur'an in a way I never had before? Absolutely.

Your story is very inspiring! I love your reflection, and may you stay blessed 💕

I see my own reflection in your words. As I read the Quran, I stumble across some of the letters and tajweed. Each stutter is a testament to our effort. I encourage anyone who shares this sentiment to look back on your progress!! Whether it's your progress in reading Arabic, practicing proper tajweed, or memorising verses.

If you have a steep path, Allah is more concerned with you trying again and again; He is more concerned with your effort, rather than quantity. With consistent effort day by day, the waters will calm. The time taken to read will grow shorter, and your connection will grow deeper.

Stay blessed! Ameen

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.

Shauma Hayyu Syakura​ may the Qur’an be our companion in this world, for it to be our companion in the barzakh and on the day of judgment and we are elevated through the quran and we are forgiven because Allah guided us to love His words and to heed them. All praise is due to Allah Lord of the worlds, and I am grateful to Allah that you are striving and keep that striving and may you feel the sweetness of striving that you cannot be without the Qur’an, Allahumma Ameen 🤲🏻♥️

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

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.

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