We should rejoice in the universal message of Islam, which is attainable by any man, irrespective of birth, national origin, skin color, or religious background. The true commitment to faith comes in the forms of our firm belief in God, our deep sense of accountability, and our enduring and demonstrated capability to do good deeds on this planet. This fundamental universality is common in all religions and calls to mind the unity of God and His message and the common thread of human well-being through doing good deeds for others. Unfortunately, like people of earlier religions, Muslims of today have fallen into the same trap and have lost the true understanding of and commitment to Islam.
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 60-61
As we understand the causes for the abasement and humiliation of the followers of Moses in these verses, we Muslims need to ensure that we do not follow the same path going forward. We need to change our outlook and activities so that we act and behave within the boundaries set by God and His prophets in order to be worthy of God’s blessings and mercy.
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 55-59
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 47-54
Too many Muslims have fallen into the mind-set of thinking they are the chosen or favored people of God, whereas God said consistently to all people—Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike—that accountability will be based on our faith and good deeds and not purely on our individual affiliation with one of the religions and that there is no prior commitment to salvation or Heaven without accountability. As it has been stated in two different places in the Qur’an, calling ourselves Muslims, Jews, Christians, or followers of any other religion is not the determining factor for God’s mercy and forgiveness, but sincere faith in God and doing good things for our fellow men are.
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 40-46
As we read these verses (and other similar verses in the Qur’an), we need to recognize that these comments and advices apply to Jews as well as to Muslims. Or, God is telling Muslims what not to do by giving examples from Jewish history. Too many Muslims miss this point and dwell on the failures of the Jews. Yet, we are suffering from the same malaise as they did.
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 35-39
Here is a framework for each human being to achieve success in this life. We are to form a partnership with our spouse, nurture our children, understand and follow the guidance of God, and stay within the limits set by Him. The Qur’an and the life of the Prophet Mohammad adequately provide us with all we need to know no matter where we live, what race we belong to, or what our professions are. What we lack are our willingness, adequate understanding, and commitment to act according to human consciousness and God’s teachings!
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 30-34
These verses comprise the most detailed description of the origin of human consciousness and purpose. Here, we see much more clarity than in the Old Testament, and it also negates some of the concepts that have been propagated in Christianity, Judaism, and other polytheistic religions like Hinduism about the relationships among human beings and the Devil.
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 26-29
We need to think about our ability to draw guidance and examples from nature that will help us to be properly guided. God gives guidance to those who are willing to receive it. And as God said in the Qur’an, “Surely each one of you strives for diverse objectives: (1) Whoever supports others, stays true to his duty (as a human being), and embraces all that is good, God will facilitate his way to success, and (2) Whoever is niggardly, arrogant (considers himself unduly self-sufficient and above others), and rejects all that is good, God will facilitate his ways to hardship and distress” (92:4–12).
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 17–20
The fact that the Qur’an has 114 chapters containing details of so many topics of interest to mankind shows God’s patience and enduring care for our well-being. It is incumbent on all people of conscience and sensibility to heed to the call of faith in one God and doing good (as reflected in the Qur’an, Bible, Torah, and other revelations), preserve their own existence and surrounding, and pay close attention to the written and unwritten essence of life.
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 6-16
Chapter 2: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): Verses 1–5
These first five verses establish at the very beginning of the Qur’an the key attributes of a person of faith and responsibility, which go hand in hand. God makes us realize that not all matters of the universe are visible to human eyes or accessible to human senses and intellect, and, hence, a willingness to accept the unseen as told by God through the prophets is a key part of having faith and of being a responsible creature of God.