The heart, in the Book of Allah, is a multifaceted concept with various dimensions. The dimension mentioned here pertains to health versus disease. The well-being of the heart, according to the Quranic expression and the Prophetic sayings (peace be upon him), spans from the physical health of the organ (the muscle) that pumps blood throughout the body to the health of its other functions, such as believing in Allah, understanding, acquiring goodness, finding tranquility in the remembrance of Allah, softening towards Him, avoiding evil, listening to the truth, adhering to it, comprehending religion, repenting, being humble, and heeding. Additionally, it includes not engaging in evil, not deviating, not sinning, not rejecting the truth, not doubting it, not being repelled by it, not turning away from it, not denying it, not being heedless of it, not being distracted from it, and not harboring corruption.

The physical health of the heart in the Islamic concept is intertwined with its emotional and faith-based functions. There is no separation in the Islamic view between the soul/nafs and the body/jasad; they are interlinked. Although there are heart diseases that are not related to the soul, such as congenital valve issues, it is also understood that psychological/mental/spiritual illnesses affect all levels of the heart.

Hypocrisy, as mentioned in the Quran, is a disease that can tear the hearts of its carriers, as Allah says about the hearts of some hypocrites: 

'The building which they built will never cease to be a cause of hypocrisy in their hearts unless their hearts are cut to pieces' (At-Tawbah 110). 

This tearing is not merely an imagined concept but has tangible physical effects as well. Modern studies are beginning to touch upon these truths by establishing a consistent relationship between what they call the 'psychological state' of a person and some heart diseases. However, the definition of psychological states in secular psychology does not address faith dimensions, despite their significance as per the Islamic/Quranic concept of human health.

Illness increases and decreases, and Allah increases the illness of these people. However, Allah does not wrong anyone or punish people without a sin they have committed. Exalted is He above such. Rather, He punishes the hypocrites—because they used to lie—by applying His consistent law (sunnah) in creation that if an illness is not treated by any means, it worsens and increases. This is the meaning of 'So Allah increased their illness'. It is incorrect to interpret this in a fatalistic manner, claiming they are without fault because Allah is the one who made them ill. Allah, the Exalted, says elsewhere: 

'Those who associate partners with Allah will say, 'If Allah had willed, we would not have associated partners with Him, nor would our forefathers, nor would we have forbidden anything.' Thus did those before them deny until they tasted Our punishment. Say, 'Do you have any knowledge that you can produce for us? You follow nothing but assumption, and you are but falsifying.' (Al-An’am 148), 

and He says: 

'And when they commit an immorality, they say, 'We found our forefathers doing it, and Allah has ordered us to do it.' Say, 'Indeed, Allah does not order immorality. Do you say about Allah that which you do not know?' (Al-A’raf 28).

Human beings are tasked with responsibility and have the freedom to choose either gratitude or ingratitude. If they choose disbelief, they deserve the punishment as a just recompense.

'And they will have a painful punishment because they used to lie.' Lying is one of the signs of hypocrisy, as indicated in the ayah. The connection between lying and hypocrisy is that both involve deceit and presenting a false image to people. This aligns with what the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: 'The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays.' Additionally, 'when he makes a treaty, he betrays it; and when he quarrels, he behaves in an imprudent and evil insulting manner. Even if he fasts and prays and claims to be a Muslim.' (Bukhari 2682, 3784) 

These are all types of lying, whether in speech, promises, trusts, treaties, disputes, or fasting and praying as a show without affecting behavior. These are signs to identify hypocrisy, which is showing Islam outwardly while concealing disbelief. His صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, 'Even if he fasts and prays and claims to be a Muslim,' corresponds to Allah's statement in the previous ayahs: 'Among people are those who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day,' but they are not believers.'

PENGAJARAN AYAT

1. Sesiapa yang tidak suka mendengar kebenaran dan tidak suka beramal dengannya, maka itulah tanda hatinya ada penyakit. Itulah penyakit Cinta Dunia. 

2. Sebab Allah menyesatkan manusia, adalah dari hamba itu sendiri yang tidak ingin mendengar dan beramal dengan kebenaran.

3. Maksiat yang dilakukan apabila tidak bertaubat, maka akan bertambah dosanya dan akan makin jauh dari hidayat Allah.

4. Penyakit yang paling bahaya adalah di dalam hati, bukan fizikal.

5.

(في قلوبهم مرض)؛ أي: بسكونهم إلى الدنيا وحبهم لها، وغفلتهم عن الآخرة وإعراضهم عنها. وقوله: (فزادهم الله مرضًا)؛ أي: وكلهم إلى أنفسهم، وجمع عليهم هموم الدنيا؛ فلم يتفرغوا من ذلك إلى اهتمام بالدين. (ولهم عذاب أليم) بما يفنى عمَّا يبقى. وقال الجنيد: علل القلوب من اتباع الهوى، كما أن علل الجوارح من مرض البدن. القرطبي: 1/300.
السؤال: ما سبب حلول المرض بقلوب المنافقين؟

* يمكنك وضع إجابتك عن الأسئلة في التعليقات حتى تعمّ الفائدة

* للمزيد عن هذه الآية في مصحف تدبر وعمل: https://altadabbur.com/#aya=2_10

#وقفة_تدبرية

In the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah discusses the characteristics of believers, disbelievers, and hypocrites. While these verses directly address the hypocrites of Medina, and have also some other implication but following are some forms of hypocrisy in light of these verses that should be reflect on . 

Ayah 8  : True Belief Requires Action

Saying 'I am Muslim' isn't enough. If I don't pray, neglect Allah's words, mistreat others, lack respect for the less privileged, sever family ties, lie, or indulge in forbidden acts, then I don't truly believe in Allah and Judgment Day. Genuine belief changes how I see everything.


Ayah 9: A Self-Imposed Illusion

When I pretend to be someone I'm not, trying to deceive others into believing a false image of me, I end up spending all my time maintaining that facade. If people believe this fake version of me, I'm not deceiving them—I'm only deceiving myself


Ayah 10: The Danger of Unchecked Desires

When I harbor desires for glory, fame, or any form of greed, and I don't resist them despite knowing they're harmful, and even try to defend it Allah may increase these desires within me. I might even start feeling comfortable heading down that destructive path


Ayah 11-12 :The Pitfall of Stubbornness

When someone tries to correct me, if I stubbornly and ignorantly defend my position, even if my actions harm others, refusing to admit my mistakes and instead criticizing the other person, it contributes to the spread of corruption. We see this on a large scale, where the most corrupt individuals never admit their culpability.



Ayah 13 : Misjudging the True Essence

If someone refers to me or mentions a believer as an example, but I discover that they don't seem cool, lack style, are poor, or are from a lower class, and I respond by thinking, 'Should I believe like them? They are so extreme, unconcerned with worldly attractions, parties, and 'yolo'. lifestyle.' In other words, I consider them fools. But if I have this mindset, then it is I who is the fool, no matter how good-looking or materially successful I may be.



Ayah 14: The Mask of Piety

One of the most common diseases in the subcontinent, and possibly elsewhere, is the need to show off. When someone turns to religion, the first challenge they face is the temptation to appear pious.

In public, especially in mosques or gatherings, i present myself as a devout believer. My words, references, worship, remembrance of Allah 
even my reflections that i am writing now are all for the sake of maintaining the image of a good, pious person. 
However, in private or with close friends, or in any vulnerable environment the neglection of faith emerges. I find myself torn between two worlds—This internal struggle feels like partying with the devil while trying to maintain a façade of piety.—trying to appear devout while indulging in worldly pleasures and abandoning my religious obligations.

بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم
الصلوۃ والسلام علیک یا رسول اللہ
آپ جانتے ہیں ہمارا رب اِس دنیا کا سب سے بڑا ڈاکٹر ہے. ہمیں کوئی بھی بیماری ہو ہم اُس کے علاج کے لیے ڈاکٹر کے پاس جاتے ہیں. بے شک شفا تو رب کی ذات ہی دیتی ہے، ڈاکٹر اور ادویات تو محض وسیلہ بنتی ہیں. لیکن کچھ بیماریاں ایسی ہیں جن کی شفا اور ادویات دونوں اللّٰہ تعالیٰ دیتا ہے. ہم اُنہیں باطنی بیماریوں کا نام دیتے ہیں مثلاً حسد، کینہ، بغض، عناد، عداوت وغیرہ. دیکھا جائے تو ہم اِن سب کو بیماریوں میں شمار ہی نہیں کرتے. لیکن حقیقتاً باطنی امراض ظاہری امراض سے زیادہ خطرناک ہوتے ہیں. یہ انسان کو اندر سے کھوکھلا کر دیتے ہیں.نہ صرف ایک انسان کو بلکہ باطنی امراض ایک معاشرے کو جڑوں سے کمزور کر دیتے ہیں. ایسے معاشرے میں فساد اور شر انگیزی برپا ہوتی ہے. ایسے معاشروں میں ظلم ہو جائے تو وکٹم بلیمنگ کی جاتی ہے، جھوٹ سچ کی ملاوٹ ہوتی ہے،انصاف کوڑیوں کے بھاؤ بکتا ہے. خادمِ قوم خود کو بادشاہ سمجھنے لگتے ہیں. غلط کو صحیح نہیں کرتے بلکہ غلط کا ساتھ دیا جاتا ہے. نہ صرف ساتھ دیا جاتا ہے بلکہ غلط کو ہی صحیح مانا جاتا ہے. یہاں بات ایک فرد سے بڑھ کے معاشرے تک آگئی ہے. بات کا آغاز باطنی امراض سے ہوا تھا جنہیں ہم بہت معمولی سمجھتے ہیں اور اُن کے علاج پہ توجہ نہیں دیتے. باطنی امراض کا علاج خشیعتِ الٰہی، ذکرِ الٰہی اور توکل الی اللہ سے ممکن ہے. آپ خود سوچیں ناں اگر ہم اپنے باطن کو اللّٰہ رب العزت کے ذکر سے پاک کر لیں تو کیا ہمیں باطنی امراض لا حق ہو سکیں گے؟ کبھی نہیں... تو چلیں آج وعدہ کرتے ہیں کہ اللّٰہ رب العزت کے پاک ذکر سے ہم اپنے باطن کو منور کریں گے.. ان شاءاللہ 

آمین یا رب، جزاک اللہ خیر

#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.

May Allah bless you and your words. Jazakallah khair for this reflection, and for sharing your story 🤍

> 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.

This part is comforting as someone who's currently stumbling across the letters of Quran. As I'm still finding my rhythm with tajweed, it reassures me that progress doesn't have to be dramatic to be real.
Day by day, I trust that this small consistency will grow into something deeper. Inshallah, one day I won't just be reciting the words, rather, I'll feel them settle in my heart.

May Allah continue to bless you in your journey and writing ❤️

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.

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

成为月捐者