Al-Baqarah 142–153
The change of the qiblah from Baitul Maqdis to the Ka'bah becomes a test to separate those who obey the Messenger, while also revealing that the People of the Scripture reject it due to following their desires.
Still related to the rebelliousness of the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) against Allah. Verses 142-145 inform Prophet Muhammad that the change of the qiblah from Baitul Maqdis to the Ka'bah will not be accepted by them. The foolish among them will question this change of the qiblah. Yet the east and west belong to Allah.
Allah commanded the change of the qiblah of the Muslims from Baitul Maqdis to the Ka'bah or towards the Sacred Mosque so that it would be known who obeys the Messenger and who does not. The People of the Scripture know about this command from Allah. They reject it merely out of following their desires. Allah will not neglect what they do.
For this reason, Allah warns Prophet Muhammad and his followers of the stubbornness of the People of the Scripture. Although the Messenger brings to them all the proof from Allah regarding the change of the direction of prayer (qiblah), they will not follow the qiblah of the Messenger. Allah warns the Messenger and the believers not to follow their qiblah. They follow their qiblah merely out of following their desires. Therefore, never imitate the People of the Scripture in practicing religion. They practice it based on their desires, while Prophet Muhammad practices it based on the revelation from Allah.
Remember, indeed practicing Allah's religion based on following desires is a very unjust act and constitutes associating partners with Allah through one's desires. This pattern of religion, namely doing what suits one's desires and rejecting what does not, is very common in Muslim society today. Allah is our Helper.
Verses 146-150 explain that the People of the Scripture (the Jews and Christians to whom Allah gave the Torah and Gospel) know very well that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger just as they know their own children. A group of them, particularly their scholars, hide the truth of the news of the coming of the last prophet that Allah has mentioned in their Scriptures. They fully understand this act.
For this reason, Allah forbids us to doubt the truth that comes from Him. Everything that comes from Him is true. Allah commands the Messenger and his community to face towards the Sacred Mosque during prayer. None dispute it except the unjust and the polytheists. Allah forbids the Prophet and his community to fear them and to fear only Allah, so that Allah may perfect the blessing of Islam upon them and so that they may be in His guidance.
Verses 151-153 affirm that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger whose duty is to recite all the verses of Allah, purify souls, teach the Qur'an and wisdom and what you did not know. For this reason, Allah commands the believers to always remember Him, be grateful to Him, not deny Him, and seek His help through prayer and patience so that Allah may be with them.
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