Podcast 115 Psalms 38

Episode: 116 Reading Material for Qur’an 3:72 - 102

Sur'ah  3:72-102

3:72

“And a faction of the People of the Scripture say to one another, ‘Believe in what has been revealed to the believers in the morning, and reject it at its end that perhaps they may return [to disbelief].” Quranic Arabic Corpus+2IslamAwakened+2

3:73

“And they say among themselves, ‘Do not follow anyone except him who follows your faith.’ Say, ‘Surely true guidance is God’s. It is His favour that anyone may be given the like of what you have been given, and that others may be given firm evidence against you before your Lord.’ Say: ‘Surely bounty is in the Hand of God; He gives it to whom He wills. God is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.’” Islamic Studies+1

3:74

“He singles out for His mercy whom He wills; God is possessed of abundant bounty.” Islamic Studies+1

[Verses 75-101 – Summary]
These verses address various themes: some among the People of the Book (Jews/Christians) who hide or distort parts of scripture (3:75-80); the establishment of covenant, oaths, trading away God’s pledge for a small price (3:77); pointing out those who twist scripture and claim parts are from God when they are not (3:78); the role of Prophet, the sending of revelation (3:79-85); the battle of faith and hypocrisy, guidance versus misguidance (3:86-91); believers, fear of God, and mention of times when God will test or rescue (3:92-101). (See sources: Al-Islam.org+1)

3:102

“O you who believe! Be mindful of God with the mindful fear (that is due to Him), and do not die except in a state of submission.” Quran Verse Compare

---

2. Historical & Spiritual Context

• This chapter (Sūrah Āl-ʿImrān) is classified as Medinan, meaning many of its verses were revealed after the Prophet Muḥammad’s migration to Medina. My Islam+1

• Verses 72-74 refer to a device attributed to some among the “People of the Book” (i.e., Jews and Christians) in the early Muslim community. According to the classical commentary of Ibn Kathīr, some would outwardly appear to affirm what was revealed to the Muslims in the morning, but then deny it in the evening, with the aim of sowing doubt among the Muslims. Surah Quran+1

• The broader section (verses 75-101) engages with inter-faith dialogues, attitudes towards revelation, covenant, hypocrisy, and the test of faith. The historical backdrop includes the early Muslim community in Medina, interactions with Jewish tribes and other religious groups, and issues of loyalty, testimony, truth and falsehood.

• Verse 102 acts as a moral exhortation: maintaining God-consciousness (taqwā) and remaining in a state of submission until death. It serves as a summary call to the believing community in this chapter.

---

3. Tanakh & New Testament Parallels

While the Qur’an is its own scripture and this chapter addresses particular issues in the early Muslim community, we can note themes that resonate with the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. These are parallels in theme, rather than verse-by-verse exact correspondence.

Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) Parallels

• The idea of faithfulness to the covenant: For example, in Jeremiah 31:31-34 the prophecy of a new covenant with God’s people emphasises inner faithfulness and obedience. (See: Jeremiah 31) Wikipedia

• The admonition against mixing truth and falsehood, or hiding the truth: e.g., in the prophets (like Ezekiel, Jeremiah) one finds critiques of the people who “cover” or “twist” the word of God.

New Testament Parallels

• The call to remain faithful unto death: for example in Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (See: Conditional preservation of the saints) Wikipedia

• The theme of submission to God: The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to submission to God and to hold fast to truth, to not turn away.

• The concept of not merely outward profession but inward authenticity is also present (e.g., Jesus’ warnings about hypocrisy).

Though there is no direct verse in the Christian or Jewish scriptures that says exactly “believe in the morning and reject in the evening,” the Qur’anic text addresses a particular stratagem of false affirmation which has thematic resonance in the broader scriptural tradition of calling out hypocrisy.

---

4. Spiritual Takeaways (Educational & Reflective)

• Authenticity of faith: Verses 72-74 warn about superficial faith — claiming belief outwardly, then rejecting it. The takeaway is that genuine belief cannot just be a show, but must endure.

• Grace, guidance & humility: Verse 73 affirms that true guidance is God’s, and it is a favour when someone is given it. This encourages humility: one cannot boast of having exclusive possession of truth.

• Accountability and covenant: The section emphasises that revelation, covenant, oaths, and truth matter. One cannot treat them lightly for a “small price.” This invites reflection on one’s commitments, integrity, and the seriousness of one’s spiritual walk.

• Perseverance and submission until death: Verse 102 encapsulates the broader message: remain conscious of God (taqwā) and do not die except in submission. This frames the spiritual journey as ongoing, until one’s last moment.

• Community and truth-sharing: The broader context shows that faith involves community (Muslims, People of the Book, etc.), inter-religious engagement, and reflection on truth, falsehood, and unity. One takeaway is the importance of supportive community and clarity in belief.

• Reflection on motives: The verses challenge not only belief, but motives: are we believing for truth, or for show? Are we ready to maintain submission under pressure or change when convenient?

• Practical application: For learners and seekers, one can ask: “In what ways might I be tempted to ‘believe in the morning and reject in the evening’ (metaphorically)?” “How can I hold fast to truth, maintain integrity, and live in submission to God in all states — ease and hardship?”

Podcast 114 Surah 3 41 - 71

Podcast 113 Psalms 37

Podcast 112 Surah 3 12 - 41

Episode: 114 Reading Material for Qur’an 3:42 - 71

 

Selected Qur’an Verses (3:42–49, 71)

(“God” substituted in place of “Allah”)

3:42

And when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed God has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.” QuranX+6Quran.com+6Al-Quran.cc+6

3:43

“O Mary, be obedient to your Lord and humble yourself and bow down with those who bow.” alahmadiyya.org

3:44–49 (condensed highlights)

• 3:45: The angels bring glad tidings that God will give Mary a son named the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, one of the closest to God.

• 3:47: Mary questions how she can have a son with no man touching her; God replies that He creates what He wills—“Be,” and it is.

• 3:48–49: Jesus will be taught the Book, Wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel; he will perform miracles (like creating a bird from clay, healing, raising the dead) by God’s permission, and will inform people what they eat and store. Al-Quran.cc+3alahmadiyya.org+3Islamic Studies+3

3:71

“O People of the Scripture, why do you mix the truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?” Quran.com+6Quran.com+6Surah Quran+6

---

Bible Parallels (Tree of Life Version)

Here are analogous passages in the Bible that resonate with these Qur’anic themes:

• On Mary’s favor and purity (3:42–43):

  • Luke 1:28 (TLV): “The angel entered to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.’”
    This reflects Mary’s special selection and purity before God.

• Divine conception ("Be," and it is) (3:47):

  • Luke 1:35 (TLV): “The angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.’”
    Both passages underscore miraculous conception by divine will.

• Jesus teaching, miracles, prophecy (3:48–49):

  • Luke 2:52 (TLV): “And Jesus continued to increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

  • Acts 3:6 (TLV): “But Peter said, ‘I do not have silver or gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Yeshua the Messiah of Nazareth, walk!’”
    These illustrate Jesus’ wisdom growth and miracle-working, akin to Qur’anic descriptions.

• Mixing truth with falsehood (3:71):

  • Matthew 23:27 (TLV): “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you are like whitewashed tombs—outwardly appearing beautiful, but within full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”

  • 2 Peter 3:16 (TLV): warns of those who distort Scripture “as they do also the rest of the Scriptures”—parallel to concealing or mixing truth.

---

Historical & Spiritual Context

Surah 3:42–49

• Historical background: Revealed in Medina, this section recounts the annunciation of Mary’s miraculous conception, highlighting Jesus’ prophetic mission, his unique creation, and his role as a sign (āyah) for Israel. en.wikipedia.org+15quran-wiki.com+15alahmadiyya.org+15en.wikipedia.org+6alahmadiyya.org+6Quran.com+6en.wikipedia.orgQuran.com+6Surah Quran+6Surah Quran+6

• Spiritual themes: It underscores God’s sovereignty in creation and selection, Jesus’ prophetic authority, and the continuity of revelation—from Torah to Gospel—emphasizing divine wisdom and mercy.

Verse 3:71

• Historical backdrop: Addressed to “People of the Scripture” (Jews and Christians) who held scriptural knowledge yet concealed or distorted parts of it—often to undermine Muhammad’s claim or prophetic signs. QuranXquran-wiki.com

• Spiritual essence: A critique of hypocrisy, urging sincerity in upholding truth and warning against selective acknowledgment of revelation.

---

Spiritual Takeaways (Educational & Reflective)

1. God’s Grace and Purposeful Selection:
   Mary is honored for her purity and devotion—an example that being chosen by God carries both privilege and responsibility. Reflect: How does humility deepen our communion with the divine?

2. Faith in Divine Capability:
   Mary’s surrender—accepting the miraculous conception—teaches trust in God’s will. Reflect: Where in your life are you called to trust beyond logic?

3. Jesus as a Sign, Not Divine by Self:
   The Qur’an emphasizes the miracles and prophethood of Jesus, performed by God’s permission. Reflect: How does recognizing divine agency in spiritual gifts reshape our admiration for sacred figures?

4. Integrity of Scripture:
   The admonition in verse 71 calls for honesty in preserving truth. Reflect: In what ways can one guard against misrepresenting truth—whether for convenience, bias, or fear?

5. Dialogue Across Faiths:
   Seeing parallels between Qur’anic and Biblical narratives fosters respectful interfaith understanding. Reflect: How might shared themes of reverence for Mary or Jesus be bridges for deeper community?

---

In summary, these passages elevate Mary’s virtuous role, highlight Jesus as a destined messenger, affirm God’s miraculous power, and call for integrity in scripture. They resonate with Biblical accounts and offer profound spiritual lessons in humility, trust, and fidelity to truth.

Podcast 111 Psalms 36