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Al-BaqaraThe Cow002surahگائے
Al-Baqara | الْبَقَرَة | MaddinahMaddiniSerial: Revelation: 87Verses: 286Parah: 1,2,3Rukus: 40Sajda: ---

Al-Baqara 2:142

Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 142 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis

Verse Definition & Meaning

Meaning & Definition

Verse 2:142 addresses the anticipated criticism regarding the change of qibla (prayer direction) from Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis) to Mecca (Ka'bah). The phrase 'foolish among the people' (as-sufahaa' min an-naas) refers to those who would question divine wisdom without understanding its deeper significance. According to scholars like Sayyid Maududi and Abdul Haleem, this change occurred approximately 16-17 months after the Prophet's migration to Medina and represented a crucial moment in Islamic history. The divine response 'To Allah belongs the East and the West' establishes Allah's absolute sovereignty over all directions and locations. The verse emphasizes that divine guidance operates beyond human preference and that Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path, regardless of external criticism or apparent contradictions in human understanding.

This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.

Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content

Vertical Arabic calligraphy of divine guidance verse 2:142 on peaceful background
Vertical Islamic wallpaper with Arabic and English text of Allah owns directions verse 2:142
Horizontal Arabic and Urdu calligraphy of Allah's authority verse 2:142
Horizontal Arabic calligraphy of divine wisdom verse for desktop wallpaper

سَيَقُوۡلُ السُّفَهَآءُ مِنَ النَّاسِ مَا وَلّٰٮهُمۡ عَنۡ قِبۡلَتِهِمُ الَّتِىۡ كَانُوۡا عَلَيۡهَا‌ؕ قُل لِّلّٰهِ الۡمَشۡرِقُ وَالۡمَغۡرِبُؕ يَهۡدِىۡ مَنۡ يَّشَآءُ اِلٰى صِراطٍ مُّسۡتَقِيۡمٍ‏

Word By Word —
sayaqūlu
Will say
عنقریب کہیں گے
l-sufahāu
the foolish ones
نادان/بے وقوف

mina
from
سے
l-nāsi
the people
لوگوں میں
`What
کس نے
wallāhum
(has) turned them
پھیر دیا ان کو
ʿan
from
سے
qib'latihimu
their direction of prayer
ان کے قبلے
allatī
which
وہ جو
kānū
they were used to
تھے وہ
ʿalayhā
[on it].`
اس پر
qul
Say
کہہ دیجیے
lillahi
For Allah
اللہ ہی کے لیے ہے
l-mashriqu
(is) the east
مشرق
wal-maghribu
and the west
اور مغرب
yahdī
He guides
وہ ہدایت دیتا ہے
man
whom
جسے
yashāu
He wills
وہ چاہتا ہے
ilā
to
طرف
ṣirāṭin
a path
راستے
mus'taqīmin
straight
سیدھے کے

Sayaqoolu assufahao mina annasima wallahum AAan qiblatihimu allatee kanooAAalayha qul lillahi almashriqu walmaghribuyahdee man yashao ila siratinmustaqeem

——— Transliteration

Detailed Scholarly Analysis

Detailed Analysis: Surah Al-Baqara Ayah 142

Explore comprehensive scholarly analysis, linguistic insights, and practical applications of this verse from the Holy Quran based on classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship.

Introduction

Verse 2:142 of Al-Baqarah addresses one of the most significant changes in early Islamic practice: the change of qibla (prayer direction) from Jerusalem to Mecca. This verse preemptively responds to criticism that would arise from this divinely commanded change, establishing principles that extend far beyond the specific historical context.

Translation Overview

Various translations capture different aspects of the criticism and response. Saheeh International and Dr. Mustafa Khattab emphasize the questioning nature with 'what has turned them away,' while Abdul Haleem and Maududi focus on the divine ownership aspect. The term 'foolish' (sufahaa') is consistently translated across versions, indicating those who lack spiritual insight rather than intellectual capacity.

Classical Interpretation

Classical scholars explain that this verse was revealed in anticipation of criticism from Jews, Christians, and polytheists who would question the change from Jerusalem to Mecca. The change was not arbitrary but represented Allah's test of faith and the establishment of a distinct Islamic identity. The response emphasizes divine sovereignty over all directions and the futility of questioning divine wisdom.

Linguistic Analysis

The Arabic word 'sufahaa'' (سُفَهَاء) denotes those lacking wisdom or spiritual insight, not merely intellectual deficiency. The phrase 'lillahi'l-mashriqu wa'l-maghrib' (لِّلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ) uses the construct form to emphasize exclusive ownership. The verb 'yahdee' (يَهْدِي) indicates ongoing guidance, while 'siraat mustaqeem' (صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ) refers to the complete, straight path of divine guidance.

Historical Context

The qibla change occurred in the second year after Hijra, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history. Initially, Muslims prayed toward Jerusalem, aligning with Jewish practice and acknowledging the holy city's significance. The change to Mecca established the Ka'bah as the focal point of Islamic worship and symbolized the religion's independent identity.

Related Hadiths

Authentic hadith describe the historical moment when the qibla was changed during a prayer in the mosque of Banu Salama, which became known as Masjid al-Qiblatayn (the mosque of two qiblas). The Prophet's companions immediately turned toward Mecca upon receiving the divine command, demonstrating perfect obedience to divine guidance.

Practical Applications

This verse provides guidance for responding to criticism of Islamic practices with reference to divine authority rather than human justification. It teaches Muslims to understand that divine wisdom may not align with human expectations and that faith requires trust in Allah's guidance even when the reasoning is not immediately apparent.

Scholarly Insights

Modern scholars emphasize that this verse establishes principles for dealing with religious change and criticism. The emphasis on divine ownership of all directions indicates that the sacred is not limited to specific locations but encompasses Allah's universal sovereignty. The change also represented a test of faith and obedience for the early Muslim community.

Cross References

This verse connects with subsequent verses about the middle nation (2:143), the Ka'bah as the sacred house (2:125), and various passages about divine guidance (2:2, 2:5). It also relates to verses about not questioning divine wisdom (2:216) and trusting in Allah's knowledge over human understanding.

Conclusion

Verse 2:142 provides timeless guidance for understanding divine wisdom in religious practice and responding to criticism with reference to Allah's absolute authority. It establishes that true guidance comes from Allah alone and may challenge human expectations and preferences.

Note: This analysis is compiled from authentic Islamic sources and scholarly interpretations. Always consult qualified Islamic scholars for religious guidance and understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Baqara Ayah 142

Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.

Why did Muslims change their prayer direction from Jerusalem to Mecca?

The change of qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca was a divine command that occurred approximately 16-17 months after the Prophet's migration to Medina. This change represented Allah's test of faith, establishment of Islamic identity independent from Jewish practices, and recognition of the Ka'bah as the focal point of Islamic worship, built by Ibrahim and Ismail.

Who are the 'foolish people' mentioned in this verse?

The 'foolish people' (as-sufahaa') refers to those lacking spiritual insight who would criticize the qibla change without understanding its divine wisdom. This includes Jews, Christians, and polytheists who questioned the change from Jerusalem to Mecca, failing to comprehend that divine guidance operates beyond human preference and understanding.

What does 'To Allah belongs the East and the West' mean?

This phrase establishes Allah's absolute sovereignty over all directions and locations. It means that no direction is inherently more sacred than another except by divine designation. Allah's ownership of all directions indicates that the sacred is determined by divine command, not human preference or tradition.

How should Muslims respond to criticism of their religious practices?

This verse teaches Muslims to respond to criticism by referencing divine authority rather than seeking human justification. The emphasis on Allah's ownership of all directions and His guidance shows that faith sometimes requires trust in divine wisdom even when the reasoning is not immediately apparent to human understanding.

What is the historical significance of the qibla change?

The qibla change marked a pivotal moment establishing Islamic independence from Jewish practices while maintaining respect for Jerusalem's significance. It symbolized the religion's distinct identity, connected Muslims to Ibrahim's legacy through the Ka'bah, and represented a divine test of faith and obedience for the early Muslim community.

What does 'He guides whom He wills to a straight path' signify?

This phrase emphasizes that divine guidance is Allah's prerogative and operates according to His wisdom, not human desire or logic. It indicates that true guidance comes from Allah alone and may challenge human expectations. Those who accept divine guidance with trust and submission are led to the straight path of righteousness.

How did the early Muslim community react to the qibla change?

According to authentic hadith, the early Muslim community demonstrated perfect obedience when the qibla change was announced during prayer. They immediately turned toward Mecca upon receiving the divine command, showing their complete trust in Allah's guidance and the Prophet's authority, even when the change was unexpected.

What spiritual lessons can be learned from this verse?

This verse teaches that divine wisdom may not align with human expectations, faith requires trust in Allah's guidance even when reasoning isn't apparent, criticism of divine commands often stems from spiritual shortsightedness, and true believers accept divine guidance with submission rather than questioning divine authority based on human logic.

Translations & Commentary

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Topics & Themes

GuidanceWisdomHidayahSalahWorship

Resources & References

Related verses, scholarly sources, and contextual information.

Wikipedia & Reference Links

Islamic Prayer DirectionWikipedia
Divine GuidanceWikipedia

Related Verses

Quran 2:143introduces

This verse introduces the topic of qibla change that will be elaborated in subsequent verses about the middle nation and testing of faith

Classical Tafsir

Practical Usage

In Prayer (Salah)

Recited as part of regular Quran recitation in prayers

In Supplication (Dua)

Referenced in supplications about divine guidance and responding to criticism

Special Occasions

Recited during discussions about Islamic history and responding to criticism

In Ruqyah (Healing)

Not commonly used in ruqyah

Scholarly Consensus

Strong scholarly consensus on historical context and divine wisdom

This represents the level of agreement among Islamic scholars regarding the interpretation and understanding of this verse.

Linguistic Analysis

Key Terms

as-sufahaa' (السُّفَهَاء) - the foolish/lacking wisdomlillahi'l-mashriqu wa'l-maghrib (لِّلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ) - to Allah belongs East and Westyahdee (يَهْدِي) - He guidessiraat mustaqeem (صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ) - straight path

Rhetorical Devices

Anticipatory responseDivine authority assertion

Semantic Field

Divine sovereignty and guidance in religious practice

Primary Scholars

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi

Modern
Methodology:

Contextual interpretation with historical analysis

Contribution:

Emphasized the test of faith and establishment of Islamic identity aspects

Highly respected modern commentator

Abdul Haleem

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

Contemporary
Methodology:

Contemporary English with scholarly clarity

Contribution:

Highlighted the divine sovereignty and response to criticism elements

Respected contemporary translator

Dr. Mustafa Khattab

Dr. Mustafa Khattab

Contemporary
Methodology:

Clear contemporary English with scholarly accuracy

Contribution:

Emphasized the questioning nature of criticism and divine guidance response

Respected modern translator

Hadith References

"The qibla was changed during prayer in Masjid al-Qiblatayn"

Source:Authentic hadith collections
Authenticity:Sahih
Authenticated by:Multiple hadith scholars
Relevance:

Historical context of qibla change implementation

Additional Scholar References

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi

Modern

Pakistani Islamic scholar and political philosopher

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

Contemporary

British-Egyptian Islamic scholar and translator

TranslationLearn more

Dr. Mustafa Khattab

Contemporary

Canadian-Egyptian Islamic scholar and translator

TranslationLearn more

Source Texts

Tafhim al-Qur'an

Comprehensive Quranic commentary in Urdu

by Sayyid Abul Ala MaududiView source