Versus From The Quran-Salah:4
Abolition of Bigotry and Prejudice
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:142) addresses the change in the Qiblah, the direction faced during the Contact Prayers (Salah), and highlights the issue of bigotry and prejudice. Let's break down the key points:
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Change in the Qiblah:
- [2:142] "The fools among the people would say, 'Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?'"
- The verse addresses the criticism or confusion among some people regarding the change in the Qiblah, the direction faced during the Prayers.
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Response to Bigotry:
- [2:142] "Say, 'To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path.'"
- The response emphasizes that God is not confined to a particular geographical direction. The change in the Qiblah was a command from God, and guidance is in His control.
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Historical Context of the Qiblah Change:
- [2:142] "When Gabriel conveyed to Muhammad the command to face Jerusalem instead of Mecca, the hypocrites were exposed."
- The footnote provides historical context, explaining that there was a change in the direction of the Qiblah from Mecca to Jerusalem. This change was a command conveyed by Gabriel to Muhammad.
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Prejudice and Overcoming It:
- [2:142] "The Arabs were strongly prejudiced in favor of the Ka’aba as their 'Qiblah.' Only the true believers were able to overcome their prejudices; they readily obeyed the messenger."
- The footnote points out that the Arabs had a strong prejudice in favor of the Ka’aba as their Qiblah. True believers, however, were able to overcome these prejudices and obediently followed the command given by the messenger (Prophet Muhammad).
This verse serves as a reminder that the essence of worship is not confined to a specific geographical direction but is a matter of obedience to God's command. It exposes the hypocrisy of those who were more concerned with their preconceived notions than with true submission to God's will. It emphasizes the importance of transcending cultural or personal biases when it comes to matters of faith and worship.
Read the previous blog on Versus From The Quran-Salah 3