Detailed Scholarly Analysis
Detailed Analysis: Surah Al-Baqara Ayah 47
Explore comprehensive scholarly analysis, linguistic insights, and practical applications of this verse from the Holy Quran based on classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship.
Introduction
Al-Baqarah 2:47 marks a direct divine address to the Children of Israel, calling them to remember Allah's manifold favors and their historical distinction among the nations of their time. This verse serves as both a reminder of past blessings and a foundation for the subsequent commands and guidance. The direct address emphasizes the special relationship between Allah and the descendants of Ya'qub, while also establishing the basis for their responsibilities under the divine covenant.
Translation Overview
The translations consistently emphasize the direct address and the dual themes of remembrance and preference. Pickthall renders it as 'O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures,' while Saheeh International uses 'O Children of Israel, remember My favor that I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds.' Abdullah Yusuf Ali translates it as 'Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other (for My Message).' The key Arabic terms 'يا بني إسرائيل' (O Children of Israel), 'نعمتي' (My favor), and 'العالمين' (the worlds/peoples) appear consistently across translations.
Classical Interpretation
Ibn Kathir explains that this verse specifically addresses the Jewish people of the Prophet's time while also encompassing all descendants of Ya'qub throughout history. He details the numerous favors mentioned, including the sending of many prophets from among them, the revelation of the Torah and other scriptures, their deliverance from Pharaoh's oppression, and various miraculous provisions in the wilderness. Al-Qurtubi provides important clarification about 'العالمين' (the worlds), explaining that it refers to their contemporaries in each historical period rather than absolute preference over all humanity throughout time. He emphasizes that this preference was tied to their obedience and faithfulness to Allah's commands.
Linguistic Analysis
The Arabic phrase 'يا بني إسرائيل' (yā banī isrā'īl) uses the vocative particle 'يا' for direct address, emphasizing the personal nature of the divine call. The term 'بني' (banī) means 'children' or 'descendants,' indicating both biological and spiritual lineage. 'نعمتي' (ni'matī) from the root ن-ع-م means 'My favor' or 'My blessing,' with the possessive pronoun emphasizing Allah's personal bestowal. The verb 'اذكروا' (udhhkurū) means 'remember' or 'call to mind,' implying both mental recollection and practical acknowledgment. The phrase 'فضلتكم على العالمين' (faḍḍaltukum 'alā al-'ālamīn) uses the verb فضل meaning 'to prefer' or 'to give superiority,' indicating divine selection and distinction.
Historical Context
According to the tafsir literature, this verse was revealed in the context of Allah's call to the Jewish community in Medina to recognize the truth of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. The historical favors referenced include the liberation from Egyptian bondage, the covenant at Mount Sinai, the gift of the Torah, the provision of manna and quails in the wilderness, and the abundance of prophets sent to guide them. Classical commentaries note that these favors were granted when the Israelites were obedient to Allah's commands and fulfilled their covenant obligations.
Related Hadiths
Classical commentaries reference prophetic traditions that detail some of the specific favors mentioned in this verse. Ibn Kathir mentions hadiths about the Israelites' history, including their experiences in Egypt, the miracles performed for their sake, and the special status they held among the nations of their time. These traditions provide context for understanding the magnitude of divine favor that was bestowed upon them and the corresponding responsibility that came with such blessings.
Practical Applications
This verse provides important lessons about gratitude, divine favor, and responsibility. For Muslims, it demonstrates the importance of acknowledging Allah's blessings and maintaining awareness of divine favor in their own lives. The verse also teaches that divine preference comes with corresponding obligations and that past blessings increase rather than decrease accountability. For interfaith understanding, it provides context for the special relationship between Allah and the Israelites while emphasizing that divine favor is conditional upon faithfulness and obedience.
Scholarly Insights
Modern Islamic scholars have noted that this verse establishes important principles about divine justice and favor. The temporary and conditional nature of the Israelites' preference demonstrates that Allah's favor is based on righteousness rather than ethnic or tribal identity. Contemporary scholars emphasize that the verse teaches Muslims to recognize Allah's blessings in their own history and community while maintaining humility and gratitude for divine favor.
Cross References
This verse connects to numerous other Quranic passages that discuss the Children of Israel and divine favor. Verse 2:122 uses nearly identical language, creating a framework around the Israelite narratives. The theme of divine favor and corresponding responsibility appears throughout the Quran, providing a comprehensive understanding of how Allah deals with communities and nations. The specific favors mentioned are detailed in various Quranic narratives about Moses, the Exodus, and Israelite history.
Conclusion
Al-Baqarah 2:47 establishes the foundation for understanding divine favor, historical preference, and corresponding responsibility. The verse's direct address emphasizes the personal nature of Allah's relationship with communities while teaching universal lessons about gratitude, accountability, and the conditional nature of divine blessing. It serves as both historical acknowledgment and timeless guidance about the proper response to divine favor.
Note: This analysis is compiled from authentic Islamic sources and scholarly interpretations. Always consult qualified Islamic scholars for religious guidance and understanding.