The Holy Qur'an With English Translation and Commentary

Synopsis

The Holy Qur,an was the revealation given to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) from Allah (God)by way of the Angel Gabriel (S.R.A.) approx. 1400 A.D.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Opening
The first chapter of The Holy Qur'an is known as Al-Fatiha, or The Opening. It consists of 7 verses and is recited by Muslims in every prayer. The chapter sets the tone for the entire Qur'an, as it introduces the fundamental concepts of monotheism, submission to God, and seeking guidance.

Verse 1: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."

This verse begins with the essential belief in the Oneness of God, establishing His sovereignty and mercy. Muslims start every action in the name of Allah, seeking His blessings and protection.

Verse 2: "All praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds."

This verse recognizes the greatness and sovereignty of God, acknowledging Him as the Lord of all creation. Muslims praise God for His countless blessings and recognize that all gratitude and thanks belong to Him alone.

Verse 3: "The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."

God's mercy and compassion are reiterated, highlighting His attributes of endless love and forgiveness.

Verse 4: "Master of the Day of Judgment."

This verse reminds believers that they are accountable for their actions and that the Day of Judgment is a real and inevitable event for all humans. It emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and seeking forgiveness from God.

Verse 5: "You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help."

Muslims submit themselves to God's worship alone and seek His help in all matters. This verse reinforces the concept of tawhid, the belief in the Oneness of God, and the importance of relying on Him for guidance and assistance.

Verse 6: "Guide us along the straight path."

This verse is a supplication, a request for guidance and steadfastness on the straight path of righteousness. It exemplifies the seeking of divine guidance and acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of guidance for believers.

Verse 7: "The path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your blessings, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger, or of those who have gone astray."

The final verse of Al-Fatiha emphasizes the importance of seeking the path of those who have been blessed and have found the guidance of God, rather than those who have earned God's anger or gone astray. It serves as a reminder to seek the right path and avoid those who have deviated from it.

A practical example of the teachings of Al-Fatiha can be seen in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Despite facing great opposition and persecution from the disbelievers of Mecca, he always remained steadfast on the straight path of monotheism and seeking the guidance of God. His devotion and reliance on God, as taught in Al-Fatiha, ultimately led to the establishment and spread of Islam.

Chapter 2: The Cow
The second chapter of The Holy Qur'an is Al-Baqarah, or The Cow. It is the longest chapter of the Qur'an, consisting of 286 verses. The chapter was revealed during the early years of Islam, and it deals with a variety of subjects including faith, guidance, and practical laws.

Verse 25: "And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit therefrom, they will say, "This is what we were provided with before." And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally."

This verse highlights the reward of Paradise for those who believe in God and do righteous deeds. It mentions the blessings that believers will have in Paradise, such as beautiful gardens with rivers flowing and purified companions. This serves as an encouragement for believers to strive for a good afterlife and focus on doing good in this life.

Verse 183: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."

This verse introduces the concept of fasting during the month of Ramadan. It highlights the purpose of fasting, which is to increase in righteousness and spiritual connection with God. This verse also reminds believers that the act of fasting has been prescribed and practiced by previous nations, emphasizing the continuity and universality of the message of Islam.

Verse 238: "Guard strictly your prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before God in devout obedience."

This verse emphasizes the importance of prayer in Islam and calls on believers to be consistent and focused in their worship. The "middle prayer" mentioned here is the noon prayer, which is considered a crucial time for prayer and reflection. This verse teaches the value of maintaining a strong connection with God through regular prayer.

Overall, the second chapter of The Holy Qur'an teaches fundamental principles of Islam, such as the importance of faith, good deeds, prayer, and seeking guidance. It also provides practical guidance for daily living and serves as a reminder of the ultimate goal of believers - to attain Paradise with the blessings of God.