Exam 1

Creation of Adam (alehi salaam)

Below is the exam that was given in the class over Surah Al-Baqarah, specifically over the section about Prophet Adam alehi salaam. The exam is over the creation story and answers may come from Surahs other than Surah al-Baqarah. If you want to test your knowledge you can email me your reponses to the exam at help.islamic@gmail.com. I will post the answers in a week or so.

1. Adam was created
1. Before Eve
2. After Eve
3. At the same time as Eve

2. Adam was created from clay and Allah breathed into him of His own spirit to give him life.
1. True
2. False

3. Adam was fashioned in due proportion by Allah Himself.
1. True
2. False

4. Iblis (Satan) was an Angel amoung the angels before he refused to bow to Adam.
1. True
2. False

5. Iblis was created from
1. Clay
2. Fire
3. Light

6. The real identity (true description) of Iblis was declared in which Surah?
1. Al-Baqarah
2. Al-Isra’a
3. Al-Kahf

7. If Adam had not disobeyed Allah by eating from the forbidden tree, we wouldn’t be here on this earth.
1. True
2. False

8. Adam and Iblis both disobeyed Allah. However, Adam was forgiven while Iblis was not because
1. Adam was more special and dearer to Allah.
2. Adam forgot, disobeyed, then repented but Iblis disobeyed out of pride and arrogance and then challenged Allah.
3. Adam was human and humans make mistakes but Iblis was an Angel and Angels should know better.

9. Allah’s command not to approach the forbidden tree was given to
1. Adam only
2. Adam and Eve
3. Adam, Eve and Iblis

10. Angels, like humans, have a choice to either obey or disobey Allah but when they were ordered to bow to Adam, they all choe to obey Allah and bow, except Iblis who chose not to bow.
1. True
2. False

11. It was Eve who talked Adam into eating from the forbidden tree, it was mainly Eve’s fault!
1. True
2. False

12. Adam and Eve were punished by
1. Being expelled from paradise and brought down to earth.
2. Letting their nakedness and shame become exposed to them.
3. Separating them from each other for a while until they met again at Mount Arafah
4. All of the above.

13. People commit sins
1. Because of Satan’s incredible evil powers and authority over humans.
2. Because of people’s weaknesses against their desires and their separation from Qur’an and Sunnah
3. Because it is destined upon them to sin.

14. The Angels bowed to Adam when he
1. Was still a statue
2. Became alive

15. Iblis refused to bow to Adam as commanded by Allah because
1. He didn’t want to bow to anyone else other than Allah.
2. He considered himself a better creature than Adam.
3. He was generally rebellious and disobedient.

16. The moral of the story of creation is
1. Watch out for women! They can get you in trouble.
2. Arrogance is the mother of all sins.
3. Some fruits are forbidden and we shouldn’t eat them.

17. The moral of the story of creation is
1. A person is not accountable for the sin that he/she commits out of ignorance or lack of knowledge.
2. Knowledge of religion is not essential as long as you have faith and Allah is in your heart.
3. A person must be aware of Satan’s challenge, the accountability of all actions and the consequences in the Hereafter.

18. The moral of the story of creation is
1. It’s okay to sin as long as you admit it and confess to someone about it someday.
2. Repentance is the key to Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
3. Adam’s act of eating from the forbidden tree was not really a sin – it was just an accidental mistake.

19. Iblis seduced Adam and Eve and brought about their fall
1. By swearing to them that he was their sincere adviser and that their Lord only forbade them this tree so that they wouldn’t become Angels or live eternally.
2. By his evil powers and strong authority over them.
3. By convincing them that the apples of that tree were extremely delicious
4. Both (a) and (b).

20. Adam and Eve were deported from paradise because
1. They disobeyed Allah’s order.
2. They were there for a temporary training period anyway.
3. The didn’t have a Green Card and their Visas had expired.

21. Compared to the trials which humans are tested by nowadays, Adam’s trial is considered
1. Easier
2. Harder
3. No comparison

22. Adam’s mistake was of a greater magnitude than our mistakes because he was closer to Allah and he was in a sacred place, yet Allah has taught him how to repent and forgave him, which proves that every son of Adam has a better chance and more potential for gaining Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
1. True
2. False

23. Allah let Iblis live until the Day of Judgement
1. So that Iblis may repent one day and ask forgiveness from Allah.
2. So that Iblis may become a tool for testing people in this life.
3. Because Iblis is an Angel.

Surah al Baqarah

Critical Review to the Children of Israel and What Muslims have to do and achieve

Muslim are obligated to learn fully about non-Muslims living around them and be well informed about them. This section contains the beginning explanations of the mutaqeen (pious ones).

I. Belief in the Unseen

A. The angels

1. Angels are with us except in the bathroom and during intimate relations with our spouses (hadeeth).

2. Angels change “shifts” at Fajr and Asr which is why the prayer of Fajr is not like ay other prayer because the angels from the night and the day both record it (hadeeth). The same is true for Asr which is why it is important to pray on time. We get reward for these two prayers as if we prayed them twice when said on time.

B. The most powerful factor to make us better is strength in the belief of the Unseen.

II. Salat (obligatory prayer)

A. Should be on time. There are fixed times for salat.

1. Salat provides a connection to Allah.

2. It also provides a connection to the creatures of Allah.

B. It is easy for men to go to the masjid but hard for women. Women are preferred over men in this regard. Women get the same reward as men for praying at home. Men are required to pray in the masjid, women are not.

C. We are all equal in Salat.

D. Only Muslims have been commanded to pray in lines as we do for salat. We pray as the angels do.

E. Wudu (ablution) helps us to realize that we should be pure from the inside and outside.

F. We are all different but in salat we are the same and have unity in prayer in ruku (bowing) and sujud (prostrating).

III. The Qur’an is the ultimate correct preserved book which contains the complete message of God. We are not throwing away the past messages that were brought.

A. We do not believe that any race or nation is better than another. All nations received messages from Allah.

B. The Prophet Muhammad (sallahu alehi wa salam) was sent as a messenger to all mankind and the Qur’an was sent to correct things that had been added or misinterpreted by people from past books over time.

III. If someone is not conscience of the Hereafter there is not much good in his good deeds.

IV. A community that is organized and punctual in salat in aware of each other, unified.

V. We are only required to say fard (obligatory) salat in the masjid. Sunnah salat should be done elsewhere. People should visit with each other after the salat. The purpose of the masjid is to bring the community closer together.

A. The Masjid’s purpose is to socialize, interact and become closer to others in the community. By being punctual in Salat we are completely connected to the Ummah.

B. When Salat is established correctly the Ummah is like one body as the Prophet (SAW) spoke about.

VI. We must respect those with different beliefs (Christians and Jews) who are following their beliefs to the best of their abilities and not be quick to judge them as going to the Hellfire.

VII. There are some people that when you give Dawah to them you will not be able to convince them (Pat Robertson for example) about Islam. Allah tells us not to waste our time on them. Some people reach the point where Allah has sealed their hearts and ears.

VIII. The Kaaba was established as a symbol of Allah’s oneness and has never been worshipped as an object.

IX. Guidance is by 3 things

A. Hearing

B. Understanding and Feeling

C. Seeing

Guidance is knowledge and light

Summary of Surah Al Baqarah 2:40-96 The Children of Israel

Surah Al Baqarah 2:40-96
Critical Review of practice of the children of Israel with prophet Musa (pbuh)

40. O Children of Israel! Remember My Favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill (your obligations to) My Covenant (with you) so that I fulfill (My Obligations to) your covenant (with Me), and fear none but Me.

41. And believe in what I have sent down (this Qur'ân), confirming that which is with you, [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and buy [get ) not with My Verses [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] a small price (i.e. getting a small gain by selling My Verses), and fear Me and Me Alone. (Tafsir At-Tabarî, Vol. I, Page 253).
42. And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth [i.e. Muhammad Peace be upon him is Allâh's Messenger and his qualities are written in your Scriptures, the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] while you know (the truth) .

43. And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, and Irka' (i.e. bow down or submit yourselves with obedience to Allâh) along with Ar­Raki'ûn.

44. Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allâh) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)]! Have you then no sense?

45. And seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khâshi'ûn [i.e. the true believers in Allâh - those who obey Allâh with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)].

46. (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return.

47. O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of your time period, in the past).

48. And fear a Day (of Judgement) when a person shall not avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from him nor will compensation be taken from him nor will they be helped.

49. And (remember) when We delivered you from Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) people, who were afflicting you with a horrible torment, killing your sons and sparing your women, and therein was a mighty trial from your Lord.

50. And (remember) when We separated the sea for you and saved you and drowned Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) people while you were looking (at them, when the sea-water covered them).

51. And (remember) when We appointed for Mûsa (Moses) forty nights, and (in his absence) you took the calf (for worship), and you were Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).

52. Then after that We forgave you so that you might be grateful.

53. And (remember) when We gave Mûsa (Moses) the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)] and the criterion (of right and wrong) so that you may be guided aright.

54. And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf. So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrongdoers among you), that will be better for you with your Lord." Then He accepted your repentance. Truly, He is the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.

55. And (remember) when you said: "O Mûsa (Moses)! We shall never believe in you till we see Allâh plainly." But you were seized with a thunderbolt (lightning) while you were looking.

56. Then We raised you up after your death, so that you might be grateful.

57. And We shaded you with clouds and sent down on you Al-Manna and the quails, (saying): "Eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you," (but they rebelled). And they did not wrong Us but they wronged themselves.

58. And (remember) when We said: "Enter this town (Jerusalem) and eat bountifully therein with pleasure and delight wherever you wish, and enter the gate in prostration (or bowing with humility) and say: 'Forgive us,' and We shall forgive you your sins and shall increase (reward) for the good-doers."

59. But those who did wrong changed the word from that which had been told to them for another, so We sent upon the wrong-doers Rijzan (a punishment) from the heaven because of their rebelling against Allâh's Obedience. (Tafsir At-Tabarî, Vol. I, Page 305).

60. And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) asked for water for his people, We said: "Strike the stone with your stick." Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each (group of) people knew its own place for water. "Eat and drink of that which Allâh has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth."

61. And (remember) when you said, "O Mûsa (Moses)! We cannot endure one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Fûm (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions." He said, "Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? Go you down to any town and you shall find what you want!" And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the Wrath of Allâh. That was because they used to disbelieve the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allâh, i.e. commit crimes and sins).

62. Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in Allâh and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve .

63. And (O Children of Israel, remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying): "Hold fast to that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).

64. Then after that you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allâh upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers.

65. And indeed you knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday). We said to them: "Be you monkeys, despised and rejected."

66. So We made this punishment an example to their own and to succeeding generations and a lesson to those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2).

67. And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his people: "Verily, Allâh commands you that you slaughter a cow." They said, "Do you make fun of us?" He said, "I take Allâh's Refuge from being among Al-Jâhilûn (the ignorant or the foolish)."

68. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us that He may make plain to us what it is!" He said, "He says, 'Verily, it is a cow neither too old nor too young, but (it is) between the two conditions', so do what you are commanded."

69. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us its color." He said, "He says, 'It is a yellow cow, bright in its color, pleasing to the beholders.' "

70. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us what it is. Verily to us all cows are alike, And surely, if Allâh wills, we will be guided."

71. He [Mûsa (Moses)] said, "He says, 'It is a cow neither trained to till the soil nor water the fields, sound, having no other colour except bright yellow.' " They said, "Now you have brought the truth." So they slaughtered it though they were near to not doing it.

72. And (remember) when you killed a man and fell into dispute among yourselves as to the crime. But Allâh brought forth that which you were hiding.

73. So We said: "Strike him (the dead man) with a piece of it (the cow)." Thus Allâh brings the dead to life and shows you His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) so that you may understand.

74. Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allâh. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.

75. Do you (faithful believers) covet that they will believe in your religion inspite of the fact that a party of them (Jewish rabbis) used to hear the Word of Allâh [the Taurât (Torah)], then they used to change it knowingly after they understood it?

76. And when they (Jews) meet those who believe (Muslims), they say, "We believe", but when they meet one another in private, they say, "Shall you (Jews) tell them (Muslims) what Allâh has revealed to you [Jews, about the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him , that which are written in the Taurât (Torah)], that they (Muslims) may argue with you (Jews) about it before your Lord?" Have you (Jews) then no understanding?

77. Know they (Jews) not that Allâh knows what they conceal and what they reveal?

78. And there are among them (Jews) unlettered people, who know not the Book, but they trust upon false desires and they but guess.

79. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, "This is from Allâh," to purchase with it a little price! Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for that they earn thereby.

80. And they (Jews) say, "The Fire (i.e. Hell-fire on the Day of Resurrection) shall not touch us but for a few numbered days." Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to them): "Have you taken a covenant from Allâh, so that Allâh will not break His Covenant? Or is it that you say of Allâh what you know not?"

81. Yes! Whosoever earns evil and his sin has surrounded him, they are dwellers of the Fire (i.e. Hell); they will dwell therein forever.

82. And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever.

83. And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none but Allâh (Alone) and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and Al-Masâkîn (the poor), [Tafsir At-Tabarî, Vol. 10, Page 158 (Verse 9:60)] and speak good to people [i.e. enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, and say the truth about Muhammad Peace be upon him ], and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât. Then you slid back, except a few of you, while you are backsliders. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî, Vol. 2, Page 392).

84. And (remember) when We took your covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people, nor turn out your own people from their dwellings. Then, (this) you ratified and (to this) you bear witness.

85. After this, it is you who kill one another and drive out a party of you from their homes, assist (their enemies) against them, in sin and transgression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although their expulsion was forbidden to you. Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.

86. Those are they who have bought the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter. Their torment shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.

87. And indeed, We gave Mûsa (Moses) the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers. And We gave 'Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), clear signs and supported him with Rûh-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel) <><>]. Is it that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not, you grew arrogant? Some, you disbelieved and some, you killed.

88. And they say, "Our hearts are wrapped (i.e. do not hear or understand Allâh's Word)." Nay, Allâh has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is that which they believe.

89. And when there came to them (the Jews), a Book (this Qur'ân) from Allâh confirming what is with them [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], although aforetime they had invoked Allâh (for coming of Muhammad Peace be upon him ) in order to gain victory over those who disbelieved, then when there came to them that which they had recognized, they disbelieved in it. So let the Curse of Allâh be on the disbelievers.

90. How bad is that for which they have sold their own selves, that they should disbelieve in that which Allâh has revealed (the Qur'ân), grudging that Allâh should reveal of His Grace unto whom He will of His slaves. So they have drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath. And for the disbelievers, there is disgracing torment.
91. And when it is said to them (the Jews), "Believe in what Allâh has sent down," they say, "We believe in what was sent down to us." And they disbelieve in that which came after it, while it is the truth confirming what is with them. Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to them): "Why then have you killed the Prophets of Allâh aforetime, if you indeed have been believers?"

92. And indeed Mûsa (Moses) came to you with clear proofs, yet you worshipped the calf after he left, and you were Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).

93. And (remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying), "Hold firmly to what We have given you and hear (Our Word). They said, "We have heard and disobeyed." And their hearts absorbed (the worship of) the calf because of their disbelief. Say: "Worst indeed is that which your faith enjoins on you if you are believers."

94. Say to (them): "If the home of the Hereafter with Allâh is indeed for you specially and not for others, of mankind, then long for death if you are truthful."

95. But they will never long for it because of what their hands have sent before them (i.e. what they have done). And Allâh is All-Aware of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).

96. And verily, you will find them (the Jews) the greediest of mankind for life and (even greedier) than those who - ascribe partners to Allâh (and do not believe in Resurrection - Magians, pagans, and idolaters, etc.). Everyone of them wishes that he could be given a life of a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little from (due) punishment. And Allâh is All-Seer of what they do.

Surah Al Baqarah 2:21-39 Notes

I. Adam’s appointment on Earth

A. Allah is the only entity worthy of worship.

1. He is the only one who creates

2. He is the only one who can make create something from nothing and can destroy something and leave nothing behind.

3. He made the Earth as a resting place; the hell fire is under the Earth’s crust and if the crust breaks we will not be able to protect ourselves, but Allah keeps us safe. He made the sky to protect us from UV rays, asteroids, meteors, etc.

4. Allah brings rain to water our crops and other things for our survival.

B. If you are in doubt of Allah’s message then produce a text like the Qur’an revering a different entity and explain the universe. You can never do it.

1. If you can’t (you never can) then fear Hell.

C. Those who believe and do good will go to the garden under which rivers flow and will have fruit and sustenance similar to those on Earth but much better.

D. If you can make life from nothing, if you can make a soul in a fly or a mosquito then you can deny Allah.

II. Adam was created to live on Earth.

A. Original sin is proven wrong because Allah told the angels: “I am going to place (khalifah) generations after generations on Earth.

1. This is telling us that it doesn’t matter how powerful you are you must take the opinion of those around you.

B. The angels replied: “Will you put those who will make mischief, and shed blood? While we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You?”

C. Allah said: “I know what you do not”.

D. Allah taught Adam the names of everything.

1. You need to send your kids to the greatest teacher.

2. Mankind has the ability to construct knowledge.

3. Knowledge must be examined and rewarded.

E. Allah showed the names to the angels and said “Tell me the names if you are truthful.”

1. He was showing the angels that Adam could be better than them.

F. He told the angels to bow before Adam but Iblis (Satan) refused. He used reasoning to conclude that fire is better than clay so he was better than Adam.

1. Guidance is needed to nurture good knowledge or the “bad” knowledge will lead to misguidance and Atheism, misguided religion and agnosticism.

III. Adam’s expulsion from Jannah (Heaven/Paradise)

A. Allah told Adam and Eve (Hawah) not to go near a specific tree.

B. Shaytan (Satan/Iblis) became friends with Adam and Eve (Hawah) and led them to the forbidden tree by fueling their curiosity.

C. Adam felt shame for the first time and Allah told Adam and Eve that they need clothes.

D. Allah taught Adam repentence.

Summary of Surah Al Baqarah 2:21-29 Adam's Appointment on Earth

Surah Al Baqarah 2: 21-39

Adam’s Appointment on Earth

The Central Subject of the surah Is the process of teaching and training Adam in heaven before sending him to practice on Earth with authority and autonomy

21. O people! Worship your Lord (Allâh), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become (the pious).
22. Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and Who made the sky as a canopy, and
Who sent down water (rain) from the sky and Who brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allâh (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).
23. And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur'ân) to Our slave (Muhammad Peace be upon him), Then produce a Surah (chapter) of the like thereof and Call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allâh, if you are truthful.
24. But if you do it not, And you can never do it, Then fear the Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.
25. And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good deeds, That for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise). Every time they will be provided with a fruit therefrom, they will say: "This is what we were provided with before," and they will be given things in resemblance (i.e. in the same form but different in taste) And they shall have therein (purified mates or wives), (having no menses, stools, urine, etc.) And they will abide therein forever.
26. Verily, Allâh is not ashamed to set forth a parable Even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger (or less when it is smaller) than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, But as for those who disbelieve, they say: "What did Allâh intend by this parable?" By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are (the rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
27. Those who break Allâh's Covenant after ratifying it, And sever what Allâh has ordered to be joined (as regards Allâh's Religion of Islamic Monotheism, And to practice its legal laws on the earth And also as regards keeping good relations with kith and kin ), And do mischief on earth, it is they who are the losers.
28. How can you disbelieve in Allâh? Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life.
Then He will give you death, Then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return.
29. He it is Who created for you all that is on earth. Then He (rose over) towards the heaven and made them seven heavens And He is the All-Knower of everything.
30. And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Verily, I am going to place (Khalifah) generations after generations on earth." They said: "Will You place therein those who will
Make mischief therein And shed blood, - While we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You." He (Allâh) said: "I know that which you do not know."
31. And He taught Adam all the names (of everything) , Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful."
32. They (angels) said: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise."
33. He said: "O Adam! Inform them of their names," And when he had informed them of their names, He said: "Did I not tell you that I know the Ghaib (unseen) in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been concealing?"
34. And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves before Adam.". And they prostrated except Iblîs (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allâh).
35. And We said: "O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers)."
36. Then the Shaitan (Satan) made them slip there from (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. We said: "Get you down, all, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time."
37. Then Adam received from his Lord Words . And his Lord pardoned him (accepted his repentance). Verily, He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the Most Merciful.
38. We said: "Get down all of you from this place (the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.
39. But those who disbelieve and belie Our (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) such are the dwellers of the Fire, they shall abide therein forever.

Some Dimensions of Human Nature

1. Goals (Allah told the angels that he is putting a Khalifah on Earth.)
2. The quality teacher for Adam (and Allah taught Adam the names)
3. The best environment (Adam was taught in Heaven)
4. The subject of teaching (names)
5. The right time (after breathing the soul into Adam he was taught)
6. The need for competitors (the angles)
7. Publicity of the achievements
8. The reward (prostrate for him)
9. The need for a real challenger and real enemy (Iblis)
10. The need for practical training:

• Do (dwell in Paradise; eat from it what ever you like...)
• Do not (except this tree...)
• Safety factor (do not even come near it...)

11. Power of a friend/teacher

• Iblis whispers to them
• Iblis swears to them that he was a sincere advisor
• Trust is the first step in the life journey
• Iblis explains the prohibition of the tree

12. Curiosity is part of the nature of human being (Submission and follow Prophet Muhammad, while using this quality to discover, invent, innovate, and creatively think about every thing else in this universe)

13. Forgetting is a part of our nature (Reminders)

14. No determination and lack of will power (Training regularly)

15. We make mistakes and commit sins (Repentance)

Summary: Laws in Suarah Al Baqarah

Laws in Surah Al Baqarah

Period of Revelation:

Though it is a Madani Surah (revealed at Madinah), it follows naturally a Makki Surah Al-Fatihah (revealed at Makkah), which ended with the prayer: "Guide us to the Right Way." This Surah begins with the answer to that prayer, "This is the guidance that you have asked for." The greater part of Al-Baqarah was revealed during the first two years of the Prophet's life at Al-Madinah.

Major Issues, Divine Law and Guidance:

1. Assertion of the Qur'an: "This is the Book which contains no doubt."
2. Creation of Adam, man's nature, and his destiny.
3. The Children of Israel and the People of the Book (Jews and Christians).
4. Israelites' sin of worshipping the statue of a calf.
5. Punishment of Israelites violation of Sabbath.
6. Nature of Jews' belief.
7. Allah orders not to prevent the people from coming to Masjid.
8. Ibrahim and his sons were neither Jews nor Christians but were Muslims.
9. Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael (Ismail), and their building of Ka'bah.
10. Change of Qiblah (direction in prayers) towards Ka'bah in Makkah.
11. Allah orders not to profess any faith blindly.
12. The moon is created to determine the time periods i.e. months and years.
13. Hypocrisy vs. True faith.
14. Ayat-ul-Kursi (Verse of the Throne of Allah).
15. Allah orders the believers to enter into Islam completely.
16. Punishment of a murtad (a Muslim who becomes a Non-Muslim).
17. It is unlawful to marry a mushrik.
18. Victory is not by numbers but by Allah's help.
19. Confrontation of Ibrahim and' Nimrod (the king of his time).
20. What makes charity worthless?
21. Taking usury is like declaring war against Allah and his Rasool.
22. All business dealings relating to deferred payments must be in writing.
23. Retaliation against oppression.
24. No compulsion in religion.

Guidance is also provided concerning social, cultural, economic, political and legal issues through addressing the Jews who were acquainted with the Unity of Allah, Prophethood, Revelation, the Hereafter and angels.

The Jews professed to believe in the law which was revealed by Allah to their Prophet Moses (pbuh), and in principle, their religion was the same (Islam) that was being taught by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Although they were originally Muslims, they had swerved from the real Islam and made innovations and alterations to their religion. As a result they had fallen victims to hair splitting and sectarianism, so much so that they had even given up their original name 'Muslim." and adopted the name "Jew " instead, and made religion the monopoly of the children of Israel This was their religious condition when the Prophet went to Al-Madinah and invited the Jews to the True Religion. More than one third of this Surah addresses the Children of Israel. A critical review of their history, moral degeneration and religious perversions has been made, to draw clear lines of demarcation between the essentials and nonessentials of the True Religion. The Jews are warned not to mix up the Truth with Falsehood.

During this period, a new type of Muslims called "Munafiqin" (hypo­crites), had emerged. There were some who had entered the fold of Islam merely to harm it from within. There were others who were surrounded by Muslims, and had become "Muslims" to safeguard their worldly interests. They, therefore, continued to have relations with the enemies so that if the latter became successful, their interests would remain secure. Allah has, therefore, briefly pointed out the characteristics of the hypocrites in this Surah. Later on when their mischievous deeds became manifest, detailed instructions were given in Surah Al-Taubah.

This Surah is an invitation towards the Divine Guidance. All of its stories, examples and incidents revolve round this central theme. This Surah particularly addresses the Jews and cites many events from their history to admonish and advise them that accepting the Guidance revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is to their own advantage. They should, therefore, be the first to accept it because this Message is basically the same as that revealed to the Prophet Musa (Moses) pbuh.

Surah Al Baqarah General Summary Questions

Surah Al Baqarah
The Story of the Cow

General Summary Questions

1. What are the five characteristics of “Al-Mottaqeen” (people who fear Allah[SWT]) mentioned in the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah?
   
2. What is the most crucial, most defining characteristic of hypocrites mentioned in the verses (7-20) of Surat Al-Baqarah?
3. What are the main virtues of Surat Al-Baqarah?
   

General Summary of Surah Al Baqarah (The Story of the Cow)

Surat Al Baqarah

The story of the Cow

General Summary

Theme: Guidance

This Surah is an invitation to the Divine Guidance and all the stories, incidents etc., revolve round this central theme. As this Surah has particularly been addressed to the Jews, many historical events have been cited from their own traditions to admonish and advise them that their own good lies in accepting the Guidance revealed to the Prophet. They should, therefore, be the first to accept it because it was basically]y the ame that was revealed to Prophet Moses (Allah's peace be upon him).

Topics and their Interconnection

I. v. 1 – 20: These introductory verses

1. declare the Quran to be the Book of Guidance
2. enunciate the articles of the Faith -- belief in Allah, Prophethood and Life-after-death
3. Divide mankind into three main groups with regard to its acceptance or rejection -- Believers, disbelievers and hypocrites.

II. v. 21 – 29: Allah invites mankind to accept the Guidance voluntarily and to submit to Him, the Creator and the sustainer of the Universe and to believe in the Quran, His Guidance, and in the Life-after-death.

III. v. 30 - 39: The story of

1. Adam’s creation and his appointment as an autonomous authority on earth,
2. his life in the Garden,
3. his falling a prey to the temptations of Satan,
4. His repentance and its acceptance, has been related to show to mankind (Adam's offspring), that the only right thing for them is to accept and follow the Guidance.
5. This story also shows that the Guidance of Islam is the same that was given to Adam and that it is the original religion of mankind.

IV. v. 40 – 120: In this portion invitation to the Guidance has particularly been extended to the children of Israel and their past and present attitude has been criticized to show that the cause of their degradation was their deviation from the Guidance.

V. v. 121 – 141: The Jews have been exhorted to follow Prophet Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him) who had come with the same Guidance and who was a descendant and follower of Prophet Abraham whom they highly honored as their ancestor, and professed to follow as a prophet.

1. The story of the building of the Ka`abah by him has been mentioned because it was going to be made the qiblah of the Muslim Community.

VI. v. 142 – 152: In this portion, the declaration of the change of qiblah from the Temple (Jerusalem) to the Ka`abah (Makkah) has been made as a symbol of the change of leadership from the children of Israel to the Muslim Community, which has also been fore-warned to guard against those transgressions against the Guidance that had led to the deposition of the Jews.

VII. v. 153 – 251: In this portion practical measures have been prescribed to enable the Muslims to discharge the heavy responsibilities of the leadership that had been entrusted to them for the broadcast of Guidance.

1. . Salat, Fast, Zakat, Hajj and Jihad have been prescribed for the moral training of the Ummat.
2. The Believers have been exhorted to obey authority, to be just, to fulfill pledges, to observe treaties, to spend wealth etc., in the way of Allah.
3. Laws, rules and regulations have been laid down for their organization, cohesion and conduct of day-to-day life and for the solution of social, economic, political and international problems; on the other hand, drinking, gambling, lending money on interest etc., have been prohibited to keep the Ummat safe from disintegration.
4. In between these, the basic articles of the Faith have been reiterated at suitable places, for these alone can enable and support one to stick to the Guidance.

VIII. v. 252 - 260: These verses serve as an introduction to the prohibition of lending money on interest.

1. The true conception of Allah, Revelation and Life-after-death has been emphasized to keep alive the sense of accountability.
2. The stories of Prophet Abraham (Allah's peace be upon him) and of the one who woke up after a sleep of hundred years have been related to show that Allah is All-Powerful and is able to raise the dead and call them to account.
3. The Believers, therefore, should keep this fact in view and refrain from taking interest on money.

IX. v. 261 – 283: The theme of 153 - 251 has been resumed and the Believers have been exhorted to spend in the way of Allah in order to please Him alone.

1. In contrast to this, they have been warned against the evils of lending money on interest.
2. Instructions have also been given for the honest conduct of day-to-day business transactions.

X. v. 284 – 286: The basic articles of the Faith have been recapitulated here at the end of the Surah, just as they were enunciated at its beginning.

1. Then the Surah ends with a prayer which the Muslim Community needed very much at that time when they were encountering untold hardships in the propagation of the Guidance.
   
   

Surah Al Baqarah

The Story of the Cow

Class notes

Surah al Baqarah contains 286 verses. The verse which is exactly in the middle, verse 143, talks about the balance and the middle nation (Muslims).

Surah al Baqarah is split into two major subjects 1-142 is about one subject, 144-283 is about a separate subject.

We are an ummah (community) which is in the middle. Meaning we are balanced. We integrate our lives in a balanced way. We take care of our intellect, body and soul in a balanced way, both spiritually and materialistically.

I. Book (written) in Qur’an, in Allah’s preserved book in Jennah (Heaven), in the 7^th Heaven ( Jennah al-Firdous) and in the book of the angels.

A. It is unlike any other way of writing. The Qur’an is a drawing, it is not writing. Printing of a mushaf (copy of the Qur’an) is different than any other book in the Arabic language.

B. Book

C. Qur’an means: read, recited

1. Some angels have the specific job of constantly reciting the Qur’an.

2. Reciting Qur’an is a form of worship.

II. The name Al Baqarah means “The Story of the Cow” not “The Cow” and refers to 2: 67-73.

III. The first ½ of al Baqarah discusses

A. Verses 1-5 Al Muttaqeen – thos who acquired shelter and protection from Allah’s punishment through correct means.

B. Verses 6-7 The Disbelievers

C. Verses 8-29 The Hypocrits

D. Verses 30-39 The Story of Adam and his appointed time on earth.

E. Verses 40-142 Critical review of the Children of Israel.

IV. Every home should have a designated masjid area. The Prophet (salallahu alehi wa salam) said the house in which al-Baqarah is not recited is like a cemetery and the house in which it is recited shaytan runs away from.

A. Prophet Muhammad used to appoint those who had memorized Surah al Baqarah as ameer (leader).

B. Surah al Baqarah is for the Qur’an like the hump of the camel.

C. If you recite Ayyat al Kursi before sleeping 2 angels will come to protect you.

V. The main ideas of Surah al Baqarah are:

A. Guidance

B. Representation

Surah al Hamd (Surah al Fatiha) My class notes

Surah al Hamd (Surah al Fatiha) Class notes

I. Who brought us to this life?

A. Allah – Allah’s personal name. Allah has no plural, no gender, no comparison.

1. Allah is the creator & has the authority to command us. He is the only one with the source of guidance for this life.

2. Allah is deity or divine. The only one to be worshipped. The only one we owe service to.

3. He is our only source of support and help. This help is in accomplishing our mission on earth and we will go back to Allah to receive our reward.

II. Day of accountability

A. We will return to Allah to be judged.

III. Proof of prophethood

A. There are 16 evidences in Surah al Fatiha alone about the prophets.

IV. Defines guidance

A. Those who know the truth and act upon it for Allah’s sake are guided.

V. What is the straight path?

A. Siratul Mustaqeem (the Straight Path) in the hereafter is the only way to reach Paradise (Jannah).

B. The Straight Path is the deen (religion/way of life) of Allah.

VI. Upon whom has Allah bestowed His grace and who deserves His wrath?

A. When we recognize a quality of Allah, we respond with action.

B. Surah al Fatiha contains 3 types of Tawheed (oneness)

1. He is to be worshipped as a deity.

2. He is to be praised as Rab al ameen

3. He is the most merciful and compassionate & the master of the Hereafter.

1. Pillars of Hamd (Praise)
1. Allah has beautiful and perfect names.
2. He is adored, loved and praised. We cannot both love Him and disobey Him.

2. Six levels of Guidance (Hidaya)
1. Inborn Guidance
2. Proof and clarity of truth and falsehood. This is the reason the prophets and messengers came (to teach us).
3. Comprehensive knowledge of deen (religion/way of life).
4. Engrave in our hearts the desire of acting in accordance to the knowledge given to us
5. The ability and consistency to follow the guidance
6. The call to the truth and strength to defend it.