Quran Commentary 2.9 — The Kaaba, Hajj, and the Covenant of a United Ummah (2:196; 2:198–209)

Quran 2:196

196. And complete the ḥajj and ʿumrah for Allāh. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs ʿumrah [during the ḥajj months] followed by ḥajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] – then a fast of three days during ḥajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is severe in penalty.

Ritual Cannot Be Holy If It Feeds Suffering

By offering sacrifices, you feed not the Almighty but the forces that rejoice in terror and pain. Do you truly believe that the Almighty requires sheep to die in agony?

Reflect carefully: whom do these sufferings nourish?

Consider also the ritual of circling the Kaaba counterclockwise. Why were you instructed to move in one direction only? Why not circle equally in both directions — beginning to the left and ending to the right? Who determined that one direction alone carries sanctity?

There were once no madrasas in Arabia, no Vatican in Europe, yet the Caucasus was called sacred by the entire world. The Almighty willed that the Book be revealed in that ancient land, for its descendants carried the potential to fulfill His will first.

The Kaaba Points to Unity, Not Sacrifice and Division

The secret of the sacred cube has already been revealed. The purpose of the Kaaba as a symbol has been fulfilled. Yet this remains hidden from many — because they fear what would happen if peoples united and sacred teachings converged into one.

Those who benefit from division fear unity.

While you continue ritual practices without reflection, others prepare the world for a unified doctrine of darkness. Where are you, servants of religion? Should you not be the ones to unite the peoples against those who spread corruption?

For centuries, leaders of Sunnis and Shiites have argued over who should lead. Weigh the value of these disputes against the rivers of blood that have flowed as a result.

You already have a leader — the Holy Quran. Unite under its true teaching.

Stop the conflicts. The world stands at the edge of the abyss. Awaken.

Quran 2:198–202

198. There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during ḥajj]. But when you depart from ʿArafāt, remember Allāh at al-Mashʿar al-Ḥarām. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.

199. Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

200. And when you have completed your rites, remember Allāh like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world,” and he will have in the Hereafter no share.

201. But among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

202. Those will have a share of what they have earned, and Allāh is swift in account.

The Covenant of a United Ummah

These verses are true. Yet it is crucial to awaken imams, mosque leaders, and religious authorities to the urgent fulfillment of the covenant of a united Ummah. Yes, this must be said again and again.

Otherwise, even if people perform Hajj a hundred times, they will remain weak through division before their enemies. Every person must reflect on this.

Ask yourselves: was the covenant of a united Ummah given only to mosque leaders and religious authorities — or to all people?

If you believe it was given only to them, then you cannot honestly say that you are worthy of the Prophet Muhammad’s respect.

If you believe the covenant was given to all of you, then why have you placed mosque leaders above the Prophet Muhammad by waiting for them to fulfill what was entrusted to everyone?

If this reasoning is wrong, then ask yourselves why, for centuries, people have waited for religious authorities to fulfill the covenant while they themselves remained divided and inactive.

If you wait to see what mosque leaders will do first, then you are treating the covenant of Muhammad as though it were not your concern — even though it was given to all of you and has not yet been fulfilled.

The circle is closed. Step out of inaction.

What should a person do after realizing that the covenant was given to each of us? Many will say: “Who am I? No one will listen to me. I am only a worker, an engineer, a teacher.” If you think this way, your faith is still weak.

Instead, in the presence of others, ask imams, mosque leaders, and religious authorities politely and openly: why is the covenant of the Prophet not being fulfilled? Why does the Ummah remain divided?

Ignorant people may laugh, but do not be embarrassed. Remain polite, yet firm. The covenant of the Prophet stands with you; with those who mock it stand foolishness and spiritual weakness.

If your question is ignored, do not continue arguing. Even then, there will be benefit, because several people among those who hear you may begin to reflect. Gradually, people will awaken to the fulfillment of the covenant of the great Prophet.

This path is difficult, but true. And the Almighty will smile upon those who act without fear and without foolish embarrassment.

Unity begins with courage.

Quran 2:204–207

204. And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allāh to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

205. And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allāh does not like corruption.

206. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allāh,” pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

207. And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking means to the approval of Allāh. And Allāh is Kind to [His] servants.

Faith Must Protect People, Not Remain Words

These verses are true.

Religious servants must move from speech to action. Protection of nations requires more than sermons.

If sacred commandments are not lived, they become empty formulas.

The protection of peoples from darkness requires bravery, integrity, and willingness to confront corruption. Those who know truth yet remain silent bear responsibility.

Faith without action cannot defend humanity.

Quran 2:208–209

208. O you who have believed, enter into Islām completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

209. But if you slip [i.e., deviate] after clear proofs have come to you, then know that Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.

Blind Obedience Keeps Division Alive

In order to prevent people from distinguishing true texts from falsified passages, they are often advised not to reflect — but to believe blindly in everything written.

Yet throughout the surahs, there are many passages that clearly bear the voice of conscience. At the same time, distortions can also be found, as in other sacred scriptures and spiritual traditions. This broader question is explored in the Bible Commentary, the Tanakh Commentary, and the reflections on selected Buddhist teachings.

Those who inserted falsifications proclaim: “Embrace the religion fully and do not follow the devil,” while simultaneously deepening division within the community.

Division serves darkness.

The sacred text must be read with an awakened heart. Conscience is the measure.

In-Chapter Reflection — Unity Dies Where Fanaticism Rules

The Quran Should Be a Call to Unity, Not a Banner of Separation

Read the words of a sincere advocate of Islamic unity:

“Another important point in connection with Islamic unity is foresight and the renunciation of fanaticism. This means that before acting or speaking, all Muslims should think about the consequences of their actions without any fanaticism. Fanaticism is the beginning of division and the end of cohesion and unity. In other words, fanaticism means insisting on one’s own ignorance, ignoring logic and arguments, and this can contribute to the fall of both the individual and society as a whole, regardless of whether it is religious, ethnic, political or partisan fanaticism”.

Religious Unity and Brotherhood from the Perspective of the Holy Quran and Hadith – Pars Today

And reflect on the words attributed to Imam Ali in Sermon 192:

“Look, how they were when their groups were united, their views were unanimous, their hearts were moderate, their hands used to help one another, their swords were intended for assisting one another, their eyes were sharp and their aims were the same. Did they not become masters of the corners of the earth and rulers over the neck of all the worlds? Thereafter, also see what happened to them towards the end when division overtook them, unity became fractured, and differences arose between their words and their hearts. They divided into various groups and were scattered fighting among themselves. Then Allah took away from them the apparel of His honour and deprived them of the prosperity produced by His favours. Only their stories have remained among you for the guidance of those who may learn the lesson from them.“

Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 192

The goal of the Prophet Muhammad was the restoration of unified teaching and the union of peoples.

But the world was first divided into religions, then into confessions, then into sects — and even sacred books were approved in multiple versions.

Is this not fragmentation?

Unite and set aside invented divisions.

The Quran should not be a banner of separation — but a call to unity.

Awaken.

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* Quran 2:196; 2:198–202; 2:204–207; and 2:208–209 are quoted from the Saheeh International translation as presented on Quran.com. ↑ back