The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page 393
PT. 2 AL-BAQARAH he returned; he returned to God; he repented; he left off the way of sin and began to tread the path of rectitude. means: (1) a chest or box, as things are repeatedly taken out of, and returned to, it; (2) a coffin or a bier; (3) chest or breast or bosom or the ribs with what they contain, as the heart, etc. (Lane); (4) the heart which is the storehouse of knowledge, wisdom and peace (Mufradāt). a (tranquillity) is derived from ✓✓ i. e. it became calm and tranquil. means, peace, tranquillity, calmness, freedom from agitation and disturbance (Aqrab & Lane). سكينة بقية (legacy) is derived from i. e. he or it remained behind; or he or it continued or lasted for long or forever. means, that which remains behind, i. e. legacy; remainder; remains; remnant; residue; relic; the best portion of a thing, as it is always the best part of a thing that means, such a one فلان بقية القوم. survives is the best and the most excellent of the party (Lane). Commentary: Though commentators have differed about the significance of the word and the Bible mentions it as an "ark" or chest, the description of the Quran definitely shows that the word has been used here in the sense of "heart" or "bosom. " The words of the Quran are: wherein there will be tranquillity from your Lord. Now this description cannot apply to an ark or a chest; for, far from granting peace and tranquillity to others, the ark 393 CH. 2 spoken of by the Bible could neither protect the Israelites against defeat nor could it protect itself, and was carried away by the enemy. Even Saul who took with him the ark during his campaigns, suffered crushing defeats, so much so that even the enemy pitied him and he met with an ignominious end. Such an ark could not be a source of tranquillity to the Israelites. What God gave them was a heart full of tranquillity which was aided by angels who buoyed up the Israelites and filled their hearts with courage and perseverance so that, after the coming of the said tranquillity, they successfully resisted the attacks of the enemy and inflicted heavy defeats on them. Another favour which God conferred on the Israelites has been referred to in the word or legacy. God imbued their hearts with the noble qualities which characterized their ancestors, the people or the descendants of Moses and Aaron. The legacy left by the descendants of Moses and Aaron did not consist of any material things but referred to the good qualities which they were given the heritage of their great ancestors. This heritage was similar to the one to which reference has been made in the words, that (he) may be heir to me and to the House of Jacob (19: 7). Evidently, it is not a material heritage but a spiritual and moral heritage that is mentioned in this verse. Similarly, the followers of Gideon were imbued with a spiritual and moral i. e. such noble as