Key to al-Baqarah: The Longest Surah of the Qur'an

by Khurram Murad

Based on valuable material from authentic tafasir in Arabic and Urdu, the book provides a thematic study of Surah al-Baqarah. A commendable work, meeting the mindset and intellectual needs of the English-speaking young generation of Muslims in the West.

Genres: Islam, Nonfiction, Spirituality

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Khurram Murad (1932–1996) was a Pakistani Islamic scholar and writer.
While his da'wah activities began in Pakistan, he has been involved in the promotion of the Islamic movement in Asia, Europe and Africa. As a teacher and a da'iyah his speeches and orations have inspired thousands of young men and women all over the world. As chief of the training departments of the Jamiat, the Jamaat and as an active resource-person in training programmes in the UK, he played a key role in the character-building of the youth in the Islamic Movement.
Khurram Murad served as Naib Amir (Vice-President) Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan and Amir (President) in Bangladesh, a Trustee and a former Director General of the Islamic Foundation in Leicester, UK, and editor of Tarjumanal Qur'an, Lahore, Pakistan (a journal founded by the Islamic scholar, Abul Ala Maududi in 1932), and the quarterly Muslim World Book Review, UK. He was also a prisoner of war for many years in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war. He was born in Bhopal, India, and after graduating cum laude, he took his master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota. From 1975–1976, he was involved in the extension project of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca as he was a civil engineer by profession. He received his engineering degree from NED University, Karachi. During his time in NED he gained stature as a student leader and later served as Nazim-e-Ala of Islami Jamiat Talaba for session 1951–52.
He was the author of over fifty works in Urdu and English.

Reviews

[Rreze · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Al-Baqarah contains an ocean of meaning. The more one reflects and ponders over it, the more priceless gems of guidance, wisdom, and more light that he finds. (A canopy of light, indeed!)"
A beautiful and simple insight into Surah al-Baqarah!

[Asma Rubab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alhamdulillah a good map for knowing Surah Baqrah

This is book is not going in detail of teachings and meanings but serves as a guide for reading Al Baqra. It can be used as a map or pointer to understand how this Surah goes, what are points of discussions in it and what are the purposes of various topics covered in it.

I like the last 20% of this book most, as it explains the real purpose of life as a Muslim and as a Human being. This Surah conveys a big message of true leadership and the responsibilities which come along with it to us through a step wise and wisdom filled approach.

How the social life and good character of a person is more than just taking up the outward ibadaat and rituals of any religion.

On one hand Allah (swt) lays down the importance of the Qibla, but then He equally emphasises that good conduct and character are the main criteria of judgement near Allah (swt).

It focuses on helping us realize the huge responsibility of being part of this blessed ummah and our duties during towards this role of ours.

JazakAllah khair to the Author. May Allah accept it from him.

[Yousof Hourani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough yet concise!

An easy and engaging book. Succinct yet comprehensive, it touches on the key themes and messages in this Surah, linking them in a way that brings a coherent, enlightening and crystal clear message.

[Leo R. Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Guidance into those...

This is a great resource for any new Muslim or non-Muslim wishing a concise but well organized outline of this longest of surahs. K. Murray has done a great service to Muslims and non-Muslims alike in clarifying and illuminating patterns and themes in this Devine message to humankind. I'm sure that any Muslim would be hard pressed to find fault with any aspect of this work. Great job Mr. Murad. May Allah reward you...

[Riduwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction

Good introduction and explanation of the contents of the second surah in Al Quran which is Al Baqarah for beginner learners of Quran

[Qanit Takmeel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Thematic Overview

This is a pretty good overview of the surah. I wish the author had some sort of a chart that would break the surah down into themes.

[TheBrainWorks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple but meaningful book. Much needed explanation about why this long Surah is the ‘first’ if you regard Surah Fathiha as a preface to the Quran.

[Aaron Schuschu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some hint of making excuses for Antisemitism, but generally yeah, this Surah, being the longest, is the meat and potatoes of the whole shebangabang.

[Rama Komo]

Good