Part 3 Al-Baqara 253 to Al-Imran-92
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Part 3: Al-Baqarah 2:253 to Al-Imran 3:92 Freedom of religion is a pivotal element of the Muslim faith. “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from falsehood: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has indeed taken hold of support most unfailing that never breaks. And Allah is all-hearing, all- knowing.” Quran (2:256) The foundation of a comprehensive and just economic system is established. Charity is mandated and usury (Riba) is abolished. “The parable of those who spend their possessions in the way of Allah is that of a grain: it grows seven ears, and each ear has hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whomever He wills: And Allah all-embracing, all- knowing. Those who spend their possessions in the cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury,- their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Kind words and the covering of others faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants and He is Most-Forbearing.” Quran (2:261-263) “Those who gorge themselves on usury behave but as he might behave whom Satan has confounded with his touch; for they say, "Buying and selling is but a kind of usury". But, God has made buying and selling lawful and usury unlawful. Hence, whoever becomes aware of his Sustainer's admonition, and thereupon desists [from usury], may keep his past gains, and it will be for God to judge him; but as for those who return to it -they are destined for the fire, therein to abide!” Quran (2:275) The last two verses in Surah Al-Baqarah reflect a universal declaration of faith and sincere supplications to Allah. "The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the believers. Each one (of them) believeth in God, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys. God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear: in his favor shall be whatever good he does, and against him whatever evil he does. "O our Sustainer! Take us not to task if we forget or unwittingly do wrong! O our Sustainer! Lay not upon us a burden such as Thou didst lay upon who came before us! O our Sustainer! Make us not bear burdens which we have no strength to bear! And efface Thou our sins, and grant us forgiveness, and bestow Thy mercy upon us! Thou art our Lord Supreme; succor us against people who deny the truth” Quran (2:285-286) Surah Al-Imran (3:1-92): This Chapter is the second Surah revealed in Medina in the year 3H. The Oneness of God and the manifestation of His will are illustrated in the stories of Maryam and the miraculous birth of Jesus. The Surah addresses the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) and urges them to accept the Quran as the truth, which is verified by earlier revelation. The Surah focuses on: The birth of Maryam (Mary); mother of Jesus Christ: “Behold! A woman of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: verily, Thou alone art all-hearing, all-knowing!" When she delivered the child, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I have delivered a female child!"- And Allah had been fully aware of what she would give birth to, and no male child could ever be like female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from Satan, the accursed." Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: To the care of Zachariah was she assigned. Every time that he entered her sanctuary, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence comes this to you?" She said: "From Allah, for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure." Quran (3:35-37) The miraculous birth of Jesus to Virgin Mary by the will of God: “Behold! The angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee- chosen thee above the women of all nations. "O Mary! Worship Thy Lord devoutly: Prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down." This is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee (O Messenger) by inspiration: You were not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: Nor were you with them when they disputed (the point). Behold! The angels said: "O Mary! Allah gives thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. "He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous." She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah creates what He wills: When He hath decreed a plan, He but says to it, 'Be,' and it is!” Quran (3:42-47) Call for a common ground with the People of the Book: “Say: "O People of the Book (followers of earlier revelation)! Come unto a tenet that we and you hold in common: that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall not ascribe divinity to aught beside Him, and that we shall not take human beings for our lords beside God. And if they turn away, then say: "Bear witness that it is we who have surrendered ourselves unto Him." Quran (3:64) . Islam is a universal religion believing in all prophets and revelations: “Say: We believe in God, and in that which has been bestowed from on high upon us, and that which has been bestowed upon Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and their descendants, and that which has been vouchsafed by their Sustainer unto Moses and Jesus and all the [other] prophets: we make no distinction between any of them. And unto Him do we surrender ourselves. For, if one goes in search of a religion other than self-surrender unto God, it will never be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among the lost.” Quran (3:84-85) .