2: The Cow

This chapter of 286 verses is arranged in forty sections. It, as well as Chapter 3
and Chapters 29-32 inclusive, begin with the mystic initials A. L. M. It dates
from the first year after the Hijra or Transfer from Mecca to Madina, or around
the year 623 A.D. It was revealed before Chapter 8 Booty, except for verse 281
(xxxvii) which was revealed at Mina, a suburb just east of Mecca, during the
Farewell Pilgrimage shortly before the Prophet passed away. The title is taken
from the Cow. Or the Golden Calf, the story of which appears in section vii below
and which Moses wanted the Children of Israel to sacrifice to God Alone.
Because the chapter is quite long, it continues through two and a half of the
thirty Parts into which the Qur'an is traditionally divided, and comprises more
than one-tenth of the whole text of the holy Book. The chapter mostly concerns
legislation promulgated during the Madinese period. It begins with the majestic
invocation to the Book which announces the first section, and then proceeds to
describe disbelievers and those arrogant persons who take it upon themselves to
dictate to others concerning religion. There is a parable on The Gnat in section
III. and we proceed to the story of Adam's creation in IV.
Prayer is discussed in V, and we are told in vi that intercession is not acceptable
because God's face is to be found everywhere. The Direction of Prayer, or our qibla,
is dealt with in XVII-XVIII and prayer itself once more in XXXI. Section XIX instructs
us that we should simply strive to meet God Alone. Abraham is introduced to us
at Mecca (XV) while his signs appear in XXXV.
Fasting, the month of Ramadan and God's care are other themes discussed here
(XXIII). Food is mentioned in XXI; virtue and retaliation in XXII: the Pilgrimage
appears in XXV. Charity is prescribed in XXXVI-XXXXVII, and we are told to favor the
genteel poor who do not go around begging in public. Death and wills are treated
in XXII; waste and bribery in XXIII. There is legislation against liquor and gambling
in XXV, the loan business in XXXVIII, while the matter of debts and loans is handled
in XXXIX Then follow such matters as orphans. the sin of associating others with
our worship of God Alone, menstruation (XXVIII), marriage, oaths, divorce, nursing
mothers and widows (XXX).
In Part III of the Qur'an, towards the end of this chapter, we are offered the
It great vision of God's Seat or Throne, which embraces Heaven and Earth, and are
admonished to observe tolerance (XXXIV). The chapter ends with a statement of
the Islamic creed, given as this is generally recited by Muslims (XI).