Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185

سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ · Medinan · Verse 185 of 286

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

Translation

It was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. So any one of you who is present that month should fast, and anyone who is ill or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other days later. God wants ease for you, not hardship. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.

English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.

Meaning and reflection

Wording

Ramadan, a month profoundly significant in Islam, is introduced in this verse with words that immediately highlight its unique standing and the wisdom behind its injunctions. Allah is addressing the believers, outlining the precise nature of the fasting they are commanded, offering ease, and clarifying the ultimate purposes of this divine ordinance.

The Special Month, Chosen for Revelation

The verse begins with شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ (The month of Ramadan, in which the Quran was revealed). Ibn Ashur explains that "شهر رمضان" (the month of Ramadan) acts as a clarification for the "counted days" mentioned in the previous verse, specifying exactly which days are intended for fasting. The explicit mention of "شهر" (month) before "رمضان" is not just for clarity; it also subtly emphasizes that the *entirety* of this month is consecrated for fasting, removing any misapprehension that only *some* days within it are obligatory.

The very name "Ramadan" holds meaning. Scholars like Ibn Ashur and al-Zamakhshari trace its root to "رمض" (ramada), related to intense heat or "الرمضاء" (ar-ramdaa), the scorching heat of the desert. Some suggest this refers to the historical timing of the month coinciding with hot weather or, more profoundly, to its ability to "burn away" or purify sins, much like heat refines.

The phrase الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ (in which the Quran was revealed) immediately elevates Ramadan's status. Al-Razi beautifully connects this: it is fitting that the month in which the greatest divine guidance (the Quran) was sent down is also designated for a profound act of worship (fasting) that purifies the soul, preparing it to receive and internalize that guidance. The word أُنْزِلَ (un-zila), meaning "was revealed", refers to the beginning of the Quran's revelation to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, or its descent as a whole to the lowest heaven, signifying the immense spiritual value infused into this time.

Guidance and Clear Proofs

The Quran is described as هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ (guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of guidance and distinction). The repetition of "guidance" (هُدًى) isn't redundant. Ibn Ashur distinguishes the first "guidance" as general instruction for both worldly and spiritual welfare, while بَيِّنَاتٍ مِنَ الْهُدَى (clear proofs of guidance) refers to the Quran's explicit arguments for fundamental truths like God's Oneness, distinguishing truth from falsehood (الْفُرْقَانِ). This layering of terms underscores the Quran's comprehensive and undeniable nature as a source of truth.

Allah's Intention for Ease

The verse reiterates the concession for the sick and traveler, then declares: يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ (Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you). Ibn Ashur notes the strength of this declaration. Instead of merely saying "Allah only intends ease," the Quran uses two distinct clauses, an affirmation followed by a negation, to powerfully emphasize Allah's clear and unwavering intention: He *wants* ease for you, and He *does not want* difficulty. This isn't just a statement about fasting; al-Razi sees it as a general principle reflecting Allah's mercy in all His laws, demonstrating divine compassion.

The Deeper Purposes of Fasting

Finally, the verse articulates the reasons for these rulings: وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ (and that you complete the number, and that you glorify Allah for what He has guided you to, and that you may be grateful). The repeated "ل" (li-, meaning "in order to" or "that you may") before each phrase highlights these distinct, yet interconnected, divine objectives.

Using الْعِدَّةَ (the number) instead of "the month" is precise. Al-Razi explains this choice ensures that those who have to break their fast must still complete the *full count* of days, either during Ramadan or as make-up days, demonstrating the importance of the specific quantity of fasting days.

وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ (and that you glorify Allah for what He has guided you to) points to the act of saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) at the completion of the fast, particularly on Eid al-Fitr. Ibn Ashur highlights that this verbal glorification is not just a general praise but a profound statement of Allah's absolute greatness, contrasting with the polytheistic practices of other nations and affirming pure monotheism. The particle عَلَىٰ (upon, for) here suggests that the glorification is specifically *because of* or *in gratitude for* the guidance Allah has bestowed.

And the overarching goal: وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ (and that you may be grateful). This encompasses all forms of gratitude – verbal thanks, belief in the heart, and performing good deeds. As al-Razi points out, this gratitude is a natural response to understanding Allah's immense favor in guiding us and making our worship easy. The wording invites us to reflect on the immense blessings of the Quran, the ease in our religious duties, and the guidance we have received, fostering a deep sense of thankfulness within our hearts.

Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn

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