The Quran | English Audiobook | Chapter 2 - The Heifer (Al-Baqarah)

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Translator: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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Narrator: Sean Barrett
Commentary on Chapter 2 - The Heifer (Al-Baqara):
(Verse 191)
The fighting (qital) mentioned here refers to that which took place during the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet’s Makkan opponents, not content with just expelling the Prophet and his companions from Makkah, their hometown, also prevented them from living and working peacefully in the neighbouring town of Yathrib (Madinah) where they had gone to settle. Without any provocation, they repeatedly attacked the Muslims who then had to fight in self-defense. When aggression has already been committed by opponents, believers are obliged to defend themselves. Initiating hostilities is not permitted for Muslims. Only defensive war, participated and declared by an established and recognized state, is permitted in Islam.
(Verse 228)
In the eyes of God, men and women are equal and have the same rights. Within a family, God has assigned the man the role of being responsible and accountable for the family's well-being. It is the man's duty to work and provide for his wife and children. This higher 'rank' does not imply a social hierarchy but rather signifies a position of responsibility. For example, a leader of a state or institution outranks others but is not considered socially superior; rather, they are held accountable due to the responsibilities of the position.
(Verse 282)
When contracting a debt, if the transaction is purely verbal, there is a possibility of differences arising due to the absence of written proof.
The only solution is to write down the particulars of the loan and then have
witnesses testify to it. If any differences arise, this document would become the basis for a final decision. For a believer this would be a strategic safeguard based on justice. In abiding by the written conditions and making a proper payment of dues, he acquits himself before the people and before God.
This verse gets taken out of context to mean that a woman's testimony is worth only half of a man's testimony. However, this misconception can be clarified by understanding the spirit of the entire verse. God, knowing human nature, recommends that our agreements be ironclad and clear. In ancient Arabia, men could easily intimidate women and discredit their testimony. While it might be easy to intimidate and discredit one woman, it would be much more difficult to do so with two.