O Believers Lesson 29 0:00 Do Not Mediate for Sins! 1:14 Interpretation of Verse 2 of Surah Al-Maidah. Brothers and sisters, Today we will try to understand and explain the twenty-ninth verse of “O you who believe” that our Lord has granted us. One of the verses of the Quran that begins with this call is the 2nd verse of Surah Al-Maidah. Allah the Almighty and Majestic says in this verse: Our Lord says: “O you who believe! Do not disrespect the symbols of Allah, nor the sacred months, nor the animals given as gifts to the House of Allah, nor the animals marked with necklaces, nor the people who turn towards the Kaaba seeking the favor and pleasure of their Lord. When you put off the ihram, you may hunt. And do not let the hatred of a people who prevented you from the Sacred Mosque lead you to exceed the limits. Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and enmity. Fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is severe in punishment.” (Al-Maidah, 2) 1. Respect for the Sha’airullah In the first part of the verse, our Lord commands to respect the symbols of Allah (sha’airullah). Sha’air are symbols that point to Allah’s religion. This includes the Kaaba, Safa and Marwa, sacrificial animals, and even elements such as the call to prayer. These symbols represent the remembrance and remembrance of Allah. The believer’s respect for these symbols is an indication of his devotion to his religion. However, this respect should not go beyond the intention of worship. For example, when showing respect to the Kaaba or any other sha’air, one should not display excessiveness that exceeds Allah’s command. 2. Respect for the Sacred Months The second part of the verse mentions the sacred months that must be respected in Islam. These are the months of Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. Even in the pre-Islamic period, fighting was forbidden in these months. However, Islam has taken this practice beyond the prohibition of fighting and advised us to avoid sins and draw closer to Allah during the sacred months. Respecting the sacred months is not just continuing a past tradition, but increasing our devotion to Allah. 3. Respect for Sacrificial and Marked Animals Our Lord commands us to show respect for sacrificial animals given as gifts in the way of Allah. In Islamic society, these sacrificial animals were sent to the Kaaba during the pilgrimage or for the purpose of a dedicated act of worship for Allah. Marking the animals with necklaces indicated that they were assigned to a sacred duty. This was to increase their respect and prevent them from being treated unjustly by people. 4. Respect for Those on the Way to the Kaaba Respecting those who turn towards the Kaaba and seek the pleasure of their Lord is also an important emphasis in the verse. It is the morality of a believer not to cause difficulty for those on the Hajj or Umrah journey, but to make their task easier for them. Respect for these people who set out with an intention on the path of Allah is a reflection of respect for Allah. 5. Permission to Hunt After Leaving Ihram Another part of the verse states that hunting is allowed after leaving Ihram. Hunting is forbidden while in Ihram; this prohibition was introduced as an act of worship in accordance with the discipline of Hajj and Umrah. However, this prohibition is lifted when the state of Ihram ends. This situation reminds believers that they must respectfully abide by Allah’s prohibitions. 6. Justice Against the Enemy “Do not let the hatred of a people who prevented you from the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgress.” This warning is one of the strongest expressions showing the place of justice in Islam. Believers should treat even their enemies with justice. The first Muslims who were prevented from entering the Kaaba are the best example of this verse. Even though they faced oppression and hostility, they avoided transgressing. Hatred and anger distance people from justice. Therefore, believers should act under the guidance of their Lord’s commands, not their feelings. 7. Cooperation in Goodness “Help each other in goodness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and enmity.” Islam sees cooperation as one of the fundamental virtues of humanity. However, this cooperation should not be for a deed that Allah does not approve of. Cooperation that serves sin and enmity corrupts society. However, cooperation in goodness and piety leads to Allah’s approval. The friendship of believers should be built on these foundations. 8. Fearing Allah and Adhering to Piety “Fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Stern in punishment.” At the end of the verse, our Lord reminds us of piety. Piety is living with the awareness of Allah, doing deeds that will earn His approval, and avoiding His prohibitions. Fearing Allah includes fearing not only His punishment but also the fear of losing His love. The severity of punishment points to Allah’s justice; Therefore, every believer should live knowing that he/she will be held accountabl