Surah Al-Baqarah 2:97
سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ · Medinan · Verse 97 of 286
قُلْ مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّۭا لِّجِبْرِيلَ فَإِنَّهُۥ نَزَّلَهُۥ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ مُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًۭى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Translation
Say [Prophet], ‘If anyone is an enemy of Gabriel- who by God’s leave brought down the Quran to your heart confirming previous scriptures as a guide and good news for the faithful-
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
When Allah addresses us through the Quran, every word carries profound meaning, inviting us to reflect. Here, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:97), the opening command `قُلْ` (Say) is not a mere suggestion but a direct order to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It instructs him to declare a firm truth to those who harbored animosity towards Jibreel (Gabriel), specifically some Jews who viewed him as an enemy. This immediate and forceful command sets a tone of clear declaration and rebuttal.
The Unseen Power of "It"
The verse continues, `فَإِنَّهُ نَزَّلَهُ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ` (Indeed, he sent *it* down upon your heart). Notice the pronoun `هُ` (it) in `نزله` (he sent *it* down). The Quran itself is not explicitly named here. As scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi explain, this unmentioned reference points to the Quran. Its identity is so renowned, so evident, that it doesn't need to be stated directly. This implicit naming lends immense grandeur and significance to the revelation, making it self-evident in its greatness and renown.
A Heartfelt Reception
The phrase `عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ` (upon your heart) is also noteworthy. While the revelation came to the Prophet, specifically mentioning the heart emphasizes the profound depth of its reception. Al-Razi clarifies that the heart is singled out because it is the seat of comprehension and preservation. The Quran was not merely heard by the Prophet's ears or recited by his tongue; it was firmly implanted and protected within his heart, ensuring its complete understanding and accurate transmission to humanity.
By Allah's Own Will
Crucially, the verse adds `بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ` (by Allah's permission or command). This short phrase is a powerful rebuttal to the Jews' claim of Jibreel being an adversary. It stresses that Jibreel is not acting independently or out of personal will. As al-Razi underscores, `إذن` here means Allah's `أمر` (command). Jibreel is an obedient messenger, fulfilling divine instructions. Therefore, any enmity towards Jibreel for bringing the revelation is, in essence, enmity towards the explicit command of Allah Himself, stripping their objection of any validity.
Confirming Past Truths
The Quran's role is further defined as `مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ` (confirming what was before it). This means it validates and affirms the divine scriptures that preceded it, like the Torah and the Gospel. Al-Zamakhshari notes that if those who claimed enmity towards Jibreel had been fair-minded, they would have cherished him for bringing a book that confirms and perfects their own. This linguistic choice highlights the Quran's continuity with earlier revelations, inviting acceptance rather than rejection.
Guiding Light, Glad Tidings
Finally, the Quran is described as `وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ` (and a guidance and good tidings for the believers). The arrangement of these words, `هُدًى` (guidance) before `بُشْرَىٰ` (good tidings), is significant. Al-Razi explains that guidance, which includes clarifying the duties of the heart and body, logically precedes the glad tidings, which are the rewards for following that guidance. This order reflects the natural sequence of action and consequence. The exclusivity `لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ` (for the believers) implies that while the Quran is universally available, only those with faith truly open their hearts to its guidance and accept its joyful promises.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:97 is discussed in 11 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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