2. Al-Baqara

(And of them (also) is he who saith: �Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good) of knowledge, worship, preservation from sins, martyrdom and booty (and in the Hereafter that which is good) Paradise and its bliss, (and guard us from the doom of Fire) drive away from us the torment of the grave and the torment of hell�.

(For these) who are thus (there is in store a goodly portion) a great portion in Paradise (out of that which they have earned) from their pilgrimage. (Allah is swift in reckoning) Allah says: when He takes people to task, His reckoning is swift; it is also said that this means: swift in His protection. It is said that this means: His punishment is severe towards those who show off in their devotional works.

(Remember Allah) by saying: �Allah is great�, �there is no god except Allah� and �glory be to Allah�, (through the appointed days) during five days: the day of 'Arafah, the day of immolation and the three days after it. (Then whoso hasteneth (in departure)) to return to his family (by two days) after the day of immolation, (it is no sin for him) by this hastening, (and whoso delayeth) it to the third day, (it is no sin for him) by this delay; it is said that this means: there is no reproach on him because of this delay and he shall leave with his sins forgiven; (that is for him who wardeth off (evil)) He says: hastening departure is for him who avoids hunting until the third day. (Be careful of your duty to Allah) He says: fear Allah in taking what is hunted until the third day, (and know that unto Him ye will be gathered) after you die

(And of mankind there is he whose conversation on the life of this world pleaseth thee (Muhammad)) his speech, words and outward appearance pleases you, (and he calleth Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart) he swears by Allah that he loves and follows you; (yet he is the most rigid of opponents) yet he argues about falsehood and is a staunch opponent.

(And when he turneth away (from thee)) when he is angry (his effort in the land is to make mischief therein) by committing transgressions (and to destroy the crops) and stacks of grain by burning them (and the cattle) by killing them; (and Allah loveth not mischief) or those who commit it.

(And when it is said unto him: Be careful of your duty to Allah) regarding what you are doing, (pride taketh him to sin) he takes offence because of his pride. (Hell will settle his account) his destination will be hell, (an evil resting place). This verse was revealed about al-Akhnas Ibn Shurayq who was both eloquent and good looking and the Prophet (pbuh) used to like his speech. This person used to say to him that he loved him and that he was entirely with him in secret and in the open, and used to give his oath to this effect. But he was a hypocrite and it is alleged that he burned someone's crops and killed a donkey belonging to others.

(And of mankind is he who would sell himself) with his wealth, (seeking the pleasure of Allah) in pursuit of Allah's pleasure. This was revealed about Suhayb Ibn Sinan and his companions. He ransomed himself from the Meccans with his money; (and Allah hath compassion on (His) bondmen) those who were killed in Mecca. This was revealed about the parents of 'Ammar Ibn Yasir (Yasir and Sumayyah) and others who were killed by the Meccan idolaters.

(O ye who believe! Come, all of you, into submission) come all of you to the prescriptions of the Religion of Muhammad (pbuh); (and follow not the footsteps of the devil) follow not the embellishments of the devil regarding the unlawfulness of the Sabbath, the meat of camels and other things. (Lo! He is an open enemy for you) whose enmity is quite manifest.

(And if ye slide back after the clear proofs have come unto you) after the exposition which is in your Scripture, (then know that Allah is Mighty) in His vengeance towards anyone who does not follow His Messenger, (Wise) in abrogating the laws of bygone nations. This was revealed about 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his companions because they disliked the Sabbath and the meat of camels amongst other things.

(Wait they) the people of Mecca (for nothing else than that Allah should come unto them) on the Day of Judgement, but this coming is without any modality (bila-kayfa) (in the shadows of the clouds with the angels? Then the case would be already judged) the people of Paradise would already be in Paradise and the people of hell in hell. (All cases go back to Allah) the consequences of all things go back to Allah in the Hereafter.