Surah 1-2 - YasSarNal QuR'aN

4434us from the torment of the fire.’ (201)∩⊄⊃⊇∪ Í‘$¨Ζ9 $#These shall have their portion in return forwhat they have earned; for God is swift inreckoning. (202)ª!$# uρ(#θç7 |¡ x.$£ϑÏiΒÒ=ŠÅÁtΡ óΟßγ s9y7Íׯ≈ s9 'ρé&∩⊄⊃⊄∪ É>$|¡Ïtø:$# ßìƒÎ|Give glory to God during certain appointeddays. Those who hasten their departureafter two days incur no sin, and those whostay longer incur no sin, provided that theyare truly God- fearing. Have fear of Godand know well that you shall all begathered before Him. (203)⎯ yϑsù ;N≡ yŠρ߉÷è¨Β 5Θ$−ƒ r& þ’Îû©!$#(#ρãä.øŒ $# uρ *t¨zr' s? ⎯ tΒuρ Ïμø‹n=tã zΝøOÎ)Iξsù È⎦÷⎫tΒöθtƒ ’ÎûŸ≅¤fyès?©!$#(#θà)¨?$# uρ4’ s+¨?$# Ç⎯ yϑÏ9Ïμø‹n=tãzΝøOÎ)Iξsù∩⊄⊃⊂∪ tβρç|³øtéB ÏμøŠs9Î) öΝà6¯Ρr&(#þθßϑn=ôã$# uρOverviewThis new passage resumes the elaboration of religious obligations and practicalrules governing behaviour within the Muslim community and its relations with theoutside world.It explains the religious and practical significance of the phases of the moon. Itdismisses the pre-Islamic Arab superstitious practice of entering houses through theback door on certain occasions. It outlines the rules governing war and fightinggenerally, as well as the prohibition of fighting in the four lunar months: Rajab (theseventh), Dhu’l-Qa’dah (the eleventh), Dhu’l-Ĥijjah (the twelfth) and Muharram (thefirst) and particularly in the vicinity of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. It ends with acomprehensive description of the rituals of the pilgrimage and the `Umrah (whichmay be described as a mini-pilgrimage) as prescribed by Islam, revising, modifyingand replacing all the pagan and idolatrous concepts and practices of former times.In one concise passage, and in a succinctly clear style, the Qur’ān lays down rulesand principles relating to faith and belief, the regulation of religious rituals andpractices, as well as war and fighting. These are all linked and interlaced withpowerful admonitions and comments evocative of God and His power.On correcting the Arab practice of entering houses through the back door, thesūrah points out that form, in itself, is not what really matters but it is one’sconsciousness and fear of God. It says: “Righteousness does not mean that you enterhouses from the rear; but truly righteous is he who fears God. Enter houses by their doors andfear God, so that you may be successful.” (Verse 189)215