Interpretation of the Holy Quran (1): Sura al-Baqara / 2, Verses 1-7

The present article involves the interpretation of verses 1 - 7 of Sura al -Baqara, the 2nd chapter of the Quran. These verses state the qualities of the virtuous and the unbelievers when exposed to the guidance of the Quran. The method of interpretation of the verses rests on the semantic study of the words, and sentences contemplating upon the words and the context surrounding them, benefiting from verbal and intellectual clues with Concentration on the language of the Quran, and general tenor of the verses, expressions, and teachings of the Quran. The main points of the article are as follows:Verse1: There are various views on the meaning of mysterious letters and the possibility of understanding them - none, however preferable to others. Verse2: Dhālika is a demonstrative referring to something far away used to show the grandeur of the Quran. Al-Kitāb: a written material by which the holy Quran is meant. Lā rayba fīh: the Holy Quran per se has no imperfection causing people to doubt. Hudan lil Muttaqīn: by "Taqwā" here the natural or inherent virtue is meant, since it is the condition of being influenced and guided by the Quran. Other qualities such as believing in the unseen, performing the prayers, and expending for the cause of God emanate from inherent virtue and actualize in favorable circumstances. This very point is the secret behind turning from an adjective, i.e. the virtuous, to adjective clauses in the following verses.Verse3: By "Ghayb" - the unseen Allah is meant, and belief in Him is a natural or inherent thing. The verb "Razaqnā" - We have provided them - refers to satisfaction of needs and expending for the cause of God is the main cause of salvation, man's freedom from material belongings and parsimony. Verse4: Having faith in the Hereafter, provides good motives toward performing righteous deeds and avoiding wicked ones. Verse5: Guidance here is an actual type of guidance, i.e. leading someone to his destination or goal, not simply guiding. Verse6: By "Alladhīna kafarū" - as for the unbelievers - the heads of Quraysh are meant. Verse7: "Khatamallāhu alā Qulūbihim" - Allah has set a seal on their hearts - shows that unbelievers have blocked the ways of guidance, i.e. the faculty of intellectual understanding (Aql, i.e. heart), hearing the call of the prophets, and taking lessons (Basar) to themselves. Hearing (Sam<), Seeing (Basar), and intellectual understanding (Qalb) are internal faculties of man. The attribution of setting a seal on the hearts of unbelievers does not involve determinism, Since the themselves - out of their free will have eliminated the conditions of being affected by God's guidance. Nevertheless, the actual and substantial influence in the whole creation belongs to God.