Surah 1-2 - YasSarNal QuR'aN

Al-Baqarah (The Cow) | CHANGE OF DIRECTIONhis son Ishmael as a symbol of purely monotheistic faith and for the reverence andworship of God alone.To correct the situation and to test their faith and loyalty to the ProphetMuĥammad, God commanded the Muslims to adopt Jerusalem as the direction theyface in prayer. Although it was not clear to the Muslims at the time, the measure wasmeant to be a temporary one, specifically intended to decide where their allegiancewould really lie.It was a delicate decision, but Islam is a complete and self-sufficient religion. Itdoes not need to be supplemented or augmented by other religious beliefs. It doesnot accept any lingering traces of un-Islamic ways, serious or trivial. This is indeedthe point implied in the Qur’ānic statement: “We appointed the direction of prayer whichyou formerly followed in order that We might distinguish those who follow the Messengerfrom those who turn on their heels.” (Verse 143) God certainly knows everything beforeit happens. However, He wishes that what is kept deep in people’s hearts should firstappear in action before He holds them accountable for it. His grace means that Hedoes not hold man answerable for his thoughts and feelings; He only holds manaccountable for what he does.It was also a critical decision because God was aware that it was going to be a hardtest for some Muslims, still fresh from idolatry. But He was also there to provide helpand support for the sincere ones: “It was indeed a hard test except for those whom God hasguided.” (Verse 143) With God’s guidance every difficulty becomes easy.For yet further reassurance, God affirms that the prayers the Muslims hadperformed facing Jerusalem were valid and the reward for them guaranteed. “Godwould never have let your faith be in vain. God is Compassionate and Merciful to mankind.”(Verse 143) God would have never burdened the Muslims with more than He knewthey would be able to bear. As long as their intentions were genuine and theirdetermination sincere, God was sure to come to their assistance and lighten the tasksexpected of them. If a certain hardship or test is meant to reflect God’s wisdom andpurpose, passing such a test is indicative of His mercy and compassion.Thus the Muslims could feel content, confident and free of worry about the pastand the future.Clarification of IssuesNext comes the indication that Muĥammad’s unease with respect to the directionof prayer was soon to be over, as God decreed a permanent one which would satisfyhis wishes. However, the announcement comes with a stern warning that the Jewswould oppose it and try to exploit it to sow division and confusion among the151