Al-Baqara - The Cow
Arabic Name: الْبَقَرَة
Urdu Name: گائے
Type: Madani
Serial Number: 2
Revelation Order: 87
Total Verses: 286
Parah: 1,2,3
Rukus: 40
Sajda: None
Share Verse Art
Arabic
Arabic + English
Arabic (Wide)
Arabic + Urdu
Free for personal & educational use with attribution
Quick Facts about this Verse
Surah
Al-Baqara
Revealed
Madani
Position
Juz 1,2,3
Explore this Verse
Verse Meaning
According to the classical scholar Al-Tabari, Quran 2:205 exposes the true nature of the hypocrite whose eloquent speech was praised in the preceding verse. When this individual turns away or gains power, their true intention is revealed: they hasten to spread 'Fasad'—corruption and mischief—in the land. This is not mere disobedience but an active campaign of destruction. Ibn Kathir’s tafsir, citing As-Saddi, links this verse to the historical figure Al-Akhnas bin Shuraiq, who feigned Islam but later burned the crops and killed the livestock of Muslims. This synthesis of scholarly views reveals a profound psychological and social portrait: the hypocrite’s core is a contradiction. They use the guise of piety and concern to gain influence, only to dismantle the very foundations of life and society—'Al-Harth' (crops, sustenance, and by extension, culture and economy) and 'An-Nasl' (progeny, livestock, and the future generations). The hidden gem emerging from this analysis is that 'Fasad' is not just a sin, but a counter-force to Allah's creative and sustaining will. The verse concludes with a definitive divine statement, 'And Allah does not love corruption,' a powerful condemnation that shows such actions are in direct opposition to the divine nature, which fosters life, growth, and order.
Questions for Reflection
Personal Integrity
Al-Tabari interprets 'tawalla' not just as turning away, but potentially as gaining power or authority. Contemplate a time you had authority—over a project, a family decision, or even your own time. In what direction did you 'strive' (sa'a)? Was your effort entirely to build and cultivate, or was there any trace of 'fasad'—cutting corners, undermining others, or causing hidden harm for personal gain?
Communal Responsibility
Ibn Kathir notes that the destruction of 'crops and cattle' targets the community's sustenance. Reflect on your community. What are its sources of sustenance—not just food, but also trust, knowledge, and safety? How do our collective actions either protect and grow these resources, or slowly erode and 'destroy' them through gossip, dishonesty, or neglect?
Cosmic Alignment
The verse concludes, 'And Allah does not love Al-Fasad.' As-Sa'di explains this means Allah deeply بغض (bughd - hates) the corruptor. The universe operates on divine principles of order, growth, and life. Contemplate how acts of corruption—environmental pollution, breaking treaties, spreading lies—are a direct contradiction to the very fabric of creation. How can you align your personal and professional life to be a force for order and growth, in harmony with the nature of the One who Loves not corruption?
Practical Applications
Conduct a 'sincerity audit' on your public and private actions, ensuring your efforts ('sa'a') are for reform ('islah'), not corruption ('fasad').
Applicable in business ethics, social media conduct, and community leadership to ensure one's influence is constructive, not destructive.
Become a guardian of 'Al-Harth' and 'An-Nasl' by actively protecting resources, be it environmental, economic, or familial.
Engaging in sustainable practices, ethical investment, and promoting strong family values are contemporary forms of protecting 'Al-Harth' and 'An-Nasl'.
Judge individuals, especially leaders, by their tangible impact on the community's well-being, not just their eloquent speeches.
Crucial for making informed decisions in political elections, choosing community leaders, and evaluating public figures.
Hidden Gem
The synthesis of scholarly opinion reveals a subtle terror: the hypocrite does not just stumble into corruption, they 'strive' (سعى) for it. It is their primary goal after turning away from truth. This implies 'Fasad' is an active, consuming ideology, not a passive byproduct of sin. The hidden gem for contemplation is to ask: What am I actively 'striving' for? The answer reveals whether one is on the path of the believer, who strives for Allah's pleasure, or the hypocrite, who strives for corruption.
Scroll to see more verses or use the dropdown in the breadcrumb to jump to any verse