Surah 1-2 - YasSarNal QuR'aN

Al-Baqarah (The Cow) | THE SACRED MONTHS, FIGHTING AND PILGRIMAGEthat “Whatever good you do, God is well aware of it.” (Verse 197) This would be thegreatest incentive for the believer to perform more good deeds, and to have Godwitness more of his devotion, which is in itself a source of contentment andrecompense.God then calls on the pilgrims to provide for themselves, physically andspiritually, in preparation for the challenging and demanding experience ofpilgrimage.It has been reported that a group of Yemeni pilgrims set off for pilgrimage withoutcarrying any provisions for the journey, claiming that, since they were intending tovisit God’s Sacred House, He would surely provide for them. This conflicts directlywith Islamic teaching that while one should rely on God and put one’s trust in Him,one should also seek the necessary practical means and take all measures to lookafter oneself. Furthermore, such an attitude smacks of impertinence towards God; theimplication that God is obliged to provide is one of condescending arrogance.Hence the emphatic exhortation: “Provide well for yourselves: the best provision of allis to be God-fearing. Fear Me, then, you who are endowed with insight.” (Verse 197) Thefear of God is a real source of both material and spiritual sustenance. It provides thehuman mind and body with strength, refinement and physical and moral support.Those with insight and understanding would be the first to appreciate this directiveand benefit from divine provision.The sūrah outlines more pilgrimage rules. It explains that it is permitted forpilgrims to engage in trade or employment during the pilgrimage period. It also addsfurther elaboration of rituals.“It is no sin for you to seek the bounty of your Lord. When you surge downward from`Arafāt, remember God at al-Mash`ar al-Ĥarām [the sacred landmark of Muzdalifah].Remember Him who has given you guidance. Before this, you were certainly in error.Surge onwards from the place where all other pilgrims surge and pray God to forgiveyou. God is much-Forgiving, ever-Merciful” (Verses 198-199)Al-Bukhārī reports that Ibn Abbās said that this verse was revealed becausepeople used to feel uneasy about conducting trade during the pilgrimage as they didin pre-Islamic days in such markets as `Ukāż, Mijannah and Dhu’l-Majāz. AbūDāwūd also quotes Ibn Abbās as saying that the verse was revealed because peopleused to avoid trading during the pilgrimage season, as they considered it a time forworship and devotion.Abū Umāmah al-Taymī asked Abdullāh ibn `Umar: “While on pilgrimage weoffer transport services for hire. Is our pilgrimage valid?” Ibn `Umar said, “Do younot make ţawāf around the Ka`bah, do good deeds, throw the stones, and shave your241