Jewels of Qur'an Series: Surah Baqarah Selected Verses

Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri

This short and rich discourse draws focus to the five verses from surah Al Baqara. ‘The Cow’. Shaykh Fadhlalla uses these vast and powerful verses to illucidate on key themes and questions in human life: What is the path to sustainable durable happiness and wellbeingness? Why do human beings suffer?

Every living entity is constantly challenged by dualities, restrictions built into the patterns of life. We are challenged to constantly be modest, courageous, vigilant in our pursuit of wisdom and justice. A central theme of this discourse is the meaning of ‘Sabr’ patience in growth evolvement and the good life. As Sabur is one of the divine names – In developing the capacity to stop desires, to stop time is to connect with this state. Shaykh Fadhlalla elucidates on four categories of patience, encompassing a range of states and ails and the appropriate attitudes and circumstances in which they’re applicable; how to live well with constant reference to light is a major theme in this discourse paralleled with various definitions regarding the path of salvation and the tricks of the lower self. All human beings are the same thus through grooming, service, sharing we have the opportunity to grow towards deeper perception of Unity. The second major theme is restrictions and suffering as as the door to the eternal presence. Shaykh Fadhalla shares various descriptions of the path of evolvement and awakening the crucible of life dualities - for the traveler on the path, the ultimate condition is recognizing divine mercy in every state and circumstance. Shaykh Fadhlalla concludes this discourse with various descriptions of the meaning of Awakened life by the Qur’an. To redeem oneself from oneself by oneself and divine mercy.