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سورة البقرة (Surah Al-Baqarah)

آية 204

القرآن: وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يُعْجِبُكَ قَوْلُهُ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَيُشْهِدُ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِي قَلْبِهِ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ الْخِصَامِ
Translation: And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

Explanation (Tafheemul Quran):
Maududi explains that this verse begins the description of a specific type of hypocrite or worldly person, perhaps exemplified by figures like Akhnas ibn Shurayq or others known for their deceptive eloquence.

· Outward Charm: This individual’s speech is impressive, pleasing, and seemingly wise regarding worldly affairs. He can discuss religion, ethics, and politics in a captivating way.
· Profession of Sincerity: To add credibility, he “calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart,” swearing that his intentions are pure and his words are sincere.
· The Hidden Reality: Despite this facade, he is “the fiercest of opponents (aladd al-khisam).” When his interests are challenged or his true motives are exposed, he becomes the most stubborn, hostile, and quarrelsome adversary. His pleasant speech is a tool for manipulation, not a reflection of a virtuous character.

آية 205

القرآن: وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِي الْأَرْضِ لِيُفْسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهْلِكَ الْحَرْثَ وَالنَّسْلَ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْفَسَادَ
Translation: And when he leaves [you], he goes throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.
Explanation: This verse reveals his true actions when he is away from public scrutiny (“when he leaves”).

· Active Corruption: His life’s mission becomes to “cause corruption (yufsid) in the earth.” Maududi explains this includes spreading falsehood, creating social strife, undermining justice, and working against the community’s welfare.
· Concrete Destruction: The corruption is not abstract. It involves tangible harm: “destroy crops and animals (al-harth wa al-nasl).” This symbolizes the destruction of livelihoods, economic sabotage, and the ruination of societal foundations—peace, trust, and productivity.
· Divine Disapproval: The verse concludes by stating God’s unambiguous stance: “And Allah does not like corruption.” This person is engaged in work that is hateful to God.

آية 206

القرآن: وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ اتَّقِ اللَّهَ أَخَذَتْهُ الْعِزَّةُ بِالْإِثْمِ ۚ فَحَسْبُهُ جَهَنَّمُ ۚ وَلَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ
Translation: And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah,” pride (izzah) seizes him in sin. Then Hell will suffice him, and how wretched is the resting place.
Explanation: This verse exposes his internal disease when confronted with the truth.

· Rejection of Counsel: If someone advises him to fear God and mend his ways, he does not accept it humbly.
· Pride in Sin: Instead, “pride seizes him in sin.” He considers such advice beneath him. His arrogance (izzah) becomes intertwined with his sinful behavior; he takes pride in his rebellious independence and sees submission to God’s command as weakness.
· The Sufficient Punishment: For such a person, “Hell will suffice him.” His arrogance and active corruption have earned him his fitting abode, described as “how wretched is the resting place.”

آية 207

القرآن: وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَشْرِي نَفْسَهُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ
Translation: And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is kind to [His] servants.
Explanation: Immediately after the portrait of corruption, the Quran presents its polar opposite: the model of ultimate sincerity and sacrifice.

· “Sells Himself”: This is a metaphor for one who dedicates his entire existence, sacrificing all his desires, comforts, and even his life, in obedience to God.
· The Pure Motive: The sole objective is “seeking the pleasure of Allah.” This is the defining trait of the true believer, like the companions who emigrated, fought, and gave everything for the faith.
· Divine Kindness: Such supreme sacrifice is met with God’s supreme kindness (“And Allah is kind to [His] servants”). His pleasure and eternal reward are the return on this priceless transaction.

آية 208

القرآن: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ
Translation: O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.
Explanation: Maududi explains this is a direct call to the believers after the contrasting examples.

· “Enter into Islam completely”: The word “as-Silm” here means Islam (submission) and also carries the meaning of peace. The command is to embrace Islam in its entirety (kaaffah)—accepting all its beliefs, laws, and morals without reservation or selective adherence. It is a call to total commitment.
· Avoid Satan’s Footsteps: Partial acceptance or compromise on principles is a following of Satan’s path, who always aims to lead people away from complete submission. He is again identified as the “clear enemy.”

آية 209

القرآن: فَإِن زَلَلْتُم مِّن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْكُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ فَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
Translation: But if you slip back after clear proofs have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
Explanation: This is a solemn warning to the believers themselves.

· “If you slip back”: Refers to deviation, hesitation, or retreat from the comprehensive commitment after having received the clear signs (al-bayyinat) of the Quran and the Prophet’s message.
· The Consequence: For those who do so, they must “know that Allah is Exalted in Might (Aziz) and Wise (Hakim).” Maududi explains that His Might means He can punish those who turn away, and His Wisdom means His judgment and plan are perfect; He will not let such deviation go unchecked. It is a reminder of divine power and justice.

آية 210

القرآن: هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا أَن يَأْتِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي ظُلَلٍ مِّنَ الْغَمَامِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَقُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ ۚ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ
Translation: Do they [then] wait for anything except that Allah should come to them in covers of clouds and the angels [as well] and the matter is [then] decided? And to Allah [all] matters are returned.
Explanation: This verse addresses the obstinate disbelievers and doubters, questioning their arrogance.

· Their False Expectation: The rhetorical question asks: Are these people (who reject the clear signs) waiting for some spectacular, overwhelming sign—like God Himself appearing in clouds with angels—before they will believe?
· The Reality: By the time such a direct manifestation occurs, “the matter is [then] decided.” It will be the Day of Judgment, and the time for faith and choice will be over. It will be too late.
· The Ultimate Return: The verse concludes with the fundamental truth: “And to Allah [all] matters are returned.” All affairs—judgment, decisions, and outcomes—ultimately go back to Him. The wise course is to submit to His clear signs now, not to demand impossible proofs and risk eternal loss.

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Summary from Tafheemul Quran Perspective (Verses 204-210):

This passage, according to Maududi, serves as a powerful moral and psychological lesson:

1. Beware of Deceptive Eloquence: It warns believers not to be fooled by pleasing speech and oaths, but to judge people by their actions, especially when unsupervised, and by their reaction to divine counsel.
2. The Two Ultimate Transactions: Humanity is divided between those who “sell” themselves for God’s pleasure (the highest success) and those who sell their souls for worldly corruption and pride (the ultimate loss).
3. The Call to Total Submission: Believers are commanded to embrace Islam fully, without compromise, and to avoid any step towards Satanic influence.
4. The Final Warning: For those who hesitate or turn back after clear guidance, there is a severe warning of God’s mighty punishment. For the rejecters, their demand for spectacular signs will only be met on the Day of Decision when it is too late. The message is to accept and act on the clear truth that has already been revealed.

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Compiled by grok

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:204-210) from Tafheem-ul-Quran by Maulana Maududi

Verse 2:204

Arabic:
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يُعْجِبُكَ قَوْلُهُ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَيُشْهِدُ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِي قَلْبِهِ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ الْخِصَامِ

Translation:
Among people there is a kind whose sayings on the affairs of the world fascinate you: he calls Allah again and again to bear testimony to his sincerity; yet he is most fierce in enmity.

Explanation:
Such a person tends to claim again and again that he was merely a well-wisher and was simply striving to uphold what is true and right, and to promote the welfare of the people rather than doing things for the sake of personal aggrandizement. The words aladd al-khisam mean ‘the most fierce in enmity’. This would apply to someone who concentrates all his energies on opposing truth, and who resorts to whatever falsehood, dishonesty, treachery and breach of faith he thinks necessary to achieve his ends. 10

Verse 2:205

Arabic:
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِي الْأَرْضِ لِيُفْسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهْلِكَ الْحَرْثَ وَالنَّسْلَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْفَسَادَ

Translation:
Whenever he attains authority, he goes about the earth spreading mischief and laying to waste crops and human life, even though Allah (whose testimony he invokes) does not love mischief.

Explanation:
The expression idha tawalla can be translated in two ways. First, in the manner of our translation of the text. It can also be translated to make the verse mean that when such people return from sweet and apparently genuine talk, they engage in arrogant and destructive action. 10

Verse 2:206

Arabic:
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ اتَّقِ اللَّهَ أَخَذَتْهُ الْعِزَّةُ بِالْإِثْمِ ۖ فَحَسْبُهُ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ وَلَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ

Translation:
Whenever he is told: “Fear Allah,” his vainglory seizes him in his sin. So Hell shall suffice for him; what a wretched resting place!

Explanation:
There are no additional footnotes or notes specific to this verse in the provided content. 10

Verse 2:207

Arabic:
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَشْرِي نَفْسَهُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ

Translation:
On the other hand, among men there is a kind who dedicates his life seeking to please Allah; Allah is Immensely Kind to such devoted servants.

Explanation:
There are no additional footnotes or notes specific to this verse in the provided content. 10

Verse 2:208

Arabic:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۖ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ

Translation:
Believers! Enter wholly into Islam and do not follow in the footsteps of Satan for he is your open enemy.

Explanation:
God demands that man should submit, without reservation, the whole of his being to His will. Man’s outlook, intellectual pursuits, behaviour, interaction with other people and modes of endeavour should all be completely subordinate to Islam. God does not accept the splitting up of human life into separate compartments, some governed by the teachings of Islam and others exempt. 10

Verse 2:209

Arabic:
فَإِنْ زَلَلْتُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْكُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ فَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

Translation:
And if you stumble in spite of the clear instructions which have come to you, then know well that Allah is Most Mighty, Most Wise.

Explanation:
The point is that God has enormous power and knows well how to punish criminals. 10

Verse 2:210

Arabic:
هَلْ يَنْظُرُونَ إِلَّا أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي ظُلَلٍ مِنَ الْغَمَامِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَقُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ ۚ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ

Translation:
Are those people (who are not following the Right Path in spite of admonition and instruction) waiting for Allah to come to them in canopies of clouds with a retinue of angels and settle the matter finally? To Allah shall all matters ultimately be referred.

Explanation:
These words are indicative of an important fact. Man’s test lies in showing whether he accepts reality even though he cannot perceive it directly through his senses; and whether, after having accepted it, he has the required moral stamina to obey God even though he is endowed with the capacity to disobey Him. In sending the Prophets, in revealing the Scriptures, indeed, even in performing miracles, God has always taken care to leave scope for testing man’s power of judgement and his moral stamina. He has never disclosed reality to such a degree that man would be inevitably compelled to accept it. For if that were done, nothing would remain to be tested and the very idea of man’s success or failure would be meaningless. It is pointed out, therefore, that people should not keep waiting for God and the angels – the devoted servants of His realm – to appear before them. If that were to happen, it would mark the end of everything and there would be no occasion left for man to decide anything. To believe and to bow in submission and obedience to God are of value only so long as the reality is presented in such a way as to make its rejection possible. For, if the Truth were to be fully disclosed and if men were to see with their own eyes God on His Throne of Majesty with the entire universe acting according to His command, what would be the worth of their faith and obedience? If all these things were physically observable not even the most stubborn unbelievers and the worst sinners would dare either to disbelieve or disobey. Acceptance of faith and obedience has value only as long as there remains a veil over reality. The moment when reality is totally unveiled would mark the end of the period granted to man to decide, and of the testing period for him. It would, in fact, be the Day of Judgement. 10