Surah Al-Baqarah, akin to a lofty summit among the chapters of the Noble Qur'an, occupies an unparalleled position. This Surah shines like a brilliant gem within the treasury of divine revelation, not only due to the extensive number of its verses and the comprehensiveness of its subjects but also owing to its profound meanings and epistemological complexities. In this treatise, adopting a scientific and systematic approach, the attributes of this Surah are elucidated and examined from a specialised perspective. The objective is to present a profound and exalted analysis intended for highly educated audiences and academic environments, offering novel insights into this magnificent Surah. All points are derived from the original lecture series and presented with supplementary explanations in a coherent and scholarly format.
Surah Al-Baqarah, like a deep ocean, encompasses all the key themes of the Noble Qur'an. This Surah, classified among the Medinan chapters, addresses the intricate and specialised issues of advanced societies and, therefore, necessitates a profound and scientific exegesis. Contrary to the Meccan Surahs, which generally focus on the broad and foundational principles of religion, Surah Al-Baqarah, with its emphasis on the details of social, legal, and ethical life, acts as a comprehensive map for guiding the Islamic community.
Except for a few verses whose classification is debated, Surah Al-Baqarah is entirely Medinan. This designation implies a focus on the affairs of a sophisticated and complex society. The Surah addresses subjects such as legislation, social ethics, and interpersonal relations, thereby endowing its verses with particular depth and gravitas. For example, verse 282famously known as the Verse of Debtdeals with legal and economic matters and exemplifies the specialised nature of its content.
Interpreting Surah Al-Baqarah, due to its breadth and complexity, requires specialised and scholarly knowledge. Historically, disciplines like exegesis and ethics were mistakenly regarded as simple, and individuals often considered themselves capable of offering commentary without adequate expertise. However, this perspective is erroneous, and Qur'anic exegesis must evolve into a specialised science. Religious sciences should advance towards specialisation to accurately elucidate the grandeur and profundity of this Surah.
Surah Al-Baqarah, as a Medinan and comprehensive Surah, holds a distinguished status not only in terms of the number of its verses but also due to the depth of its subjects and the complexity of its meanings. Like a guiding light, this Surah illuminates the path for advanced societies and demands a scientific and specialised interpretation capable of revealing its multifaceted dimensions accurately.
The word Baqarah commonly evokes the image of a cow in many minds, yet this interpretation is superficial and incorrect. Baqarah is an adjective derived from the root بقر (baqara), meaning to split open the earth or to create an opening. Contrary to the widespread assumption, this term is not a generic noun but rather a descriptor that alludes to concepts such as expansion, flourishing, and grandeur.
In Arabic literary sciences, distinguishing between a noun, adjective, kunya (teknonym), and epithet is of paramount importance. Terms such as بقر (baqar), باقر (baqir), بقیر (baqir), and باقوره (baqurah) are all descriptors related to the notions of splitting and opening. For instance, Baqir as an epithet of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him) means the splitter of knowledge, which aligns with the root بقر. These distinctions facilitate precise comprehension of Qur'anic vocabulary.
The use of Baqarah within the Surah creates a unity in paronomasia by harmonising the adjective and its referent, conveying a deeper meaning of expansion and flourishing. This linguistic unity enhances the semantic richness of the Surah and illustrates the precision and beauty inherent in the Qur'anic structure.
The term Baqarah, transcending its apparent meaning of cow, refers to profound concepts such as expansion, flourishing, and blessing. Accurate understanding of this term and its linguistic distinctions requires scholarly and literary expertise, which prevents oversimplification in exegesis. This portion of the Surah serves as a key to unlocking the doors of knowledge, inviting the reader to explore the depths of Qur'anic meanings.
The cow, as the referent of Baqarah, is an animal characterised by strength, power, and multiple benefits. This creature not only produces milk and dairy products but its waste also finds applications in agriculture and even in treating certain diseases. Verses 67 to 71 of Surah Al-Baqarah narrate the story of the cow of the Children of Israel, reflecting the significance of this animal in the culture and economy of that era.
They said: Invoke your Lord to clarify for us what it is; indeed, the cow appears to us ambiguous, and we would, if Allah wills, be guided.
Compared to other animals, such as the donkey, the cow possesses strength and dignity. Its manner of movement, long horns, and deep voice distinguish it as a unique creature. These characteristics have transformed the cow into a symbol of power and magnificence in various cultures. For example, the horns of the cow, historically symbolic of authority, have received particular attention in ancient traditions.
The veneration of the cow in cultures such as that of India was not born of ignorance but rather due to the distinguished traits of this animal. The cow, by virtue of its strength, milk production, and agricultural benefits of its waste, was regarded as a symbol of blessing and life and was honoured accordingly. This theme is also referenced in the Qur'an in the story of the calf worship by the Children of Israel (verse 51):
And when We appointed for Moses forty nights, then you took the calf after him and you were wrongdoers.
The cow, as the referent of Baqarah, symbolizes strength, blessing, and expansion not only within the Noble Qur'an but also across various cultures. Its attributesincluding milk production, agricultural benefits, and even therapeutic usesrender it a unique creature. The verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, by referring to these features, invite reflection upon the grandeur of creation and the profound Qur'anic meanings.
Oversimplification in understanding Qur'anic vocabulary such as Baqar leads to misinterpretation. For example, Baqar applies not only to cows but also to animals like lions, which possess attributes such as keen vision. This highlights the linguistic and semantic depth of the Noble Qur'an.
Accurate comprehension of Qur'anic vocabulary requires knowledge in various disciplines, including zoology, psychology, and sociology. Historically, religious scholars studied diverse sciences such as alchemy, geomancy, and astronomy to attain a deeper understanding of religious texts. Likewise, contemporary religious sciences must incorporate such fields to adequately address modern inquiries.
Uncritical devotion devoid of scientific foundation cannot satisfactorily address the needs of the modern world. Claims regarding the recommended nature of certain matters, such as camel urine, must be corroborated by scientific evidence. Religious science ought to be supported by experimental and scientific reasoning to withstand contemporary scrutiny.
Oversimplification in interpreting Qur'anic vocabulary constitutes a significant obstacle to accurate exegesis. Religious science must utilise diverse disciplines, particularly zoology and linguistics, to achieve deeper understanding of the Noble Qur'an and refrain from unsubstantiated devotion lacking scientific support.
Religious science should shift from mere focus on traditional disciplines towards knowledge production and the establishment of scientific and research centres. This is essential for responding to the needs of modern society while preserving religious values. Religious science must function as a cradle of science and culture, avoiding rote repetition of narrations without scientific analysis.
Knowledge and science are the keys to comprehending religion and responding to the needs of the contemporary world. Without knowledge, it is impossible to answer modern questions or preserve religious values against modern challenges. Religious science must employ various scientific disciplines to provide a profound elucidation of religion.
Religious science, as a dynamic force, must engage in knowledge and culture production and, through utilisation of modern sciences, contribute to a deeper understanding of religion and fulfil societal needs. This approach not only preserves religion amid modern challenges but also transforms it into an inspiring source for societal guidance.
Surah Al-Baqarah, according to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is named Sinnm al-Qurn (the pinnacle of the Qur'an), denoting the highest point of the Noble Qur'an. This title highlights the grandeur and magnificence of this Surah, which encompasses all the key topics of other chapters. Surah Al-Baqarah holds superiority both quantitatively (with 286 verses) and qualitatively (in terms of depth and comprehensiveness of content).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Al-Baqarah is the pinnacle of the Qur'an, meaning it is the highest point of the Qur'an.
The number of verses in Surah Al-Baqarah, according to the narration of Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him), is 286. Although some readings may differ, consensus affirms this number. Variations in the verse count arise due to differences in recitations and verse divisions.
Surah Al-Baqarah is the sole chapter that possesses superiority both quantitatively (being the longest Surah) and qualitatively (in depth and comprehensiveness of content). This attribute renders it a unique Surah within the Noble Qur'an.
The verses of Surah Al-Baqarah encompass the entire content of 113 other Surahs of the Qur'an. This comprehensiveness transforms Surah Al-Baqarah into a talisman and an epitome of the entire Qur
