Browse Tag
Sura 2
12 posts
Sura 2: Al-Baqarah (البقرة) – The Cow: This Medinian sura is the second chapter of the Quran and the longest one, containing 286 verses. It covers a wide range of topics, including guidance on faith, law, and morality. The sura is known for its comprehensive teachings, including the famous Verse of the Throne (Ayat al-Kursi) and the last two verses, which are highly revered for their spiritual significance.
Omar al-Mukhtar and the Airplanes Under the Throne
Omar al-Mukhtar, the Libyan resistance leader who fought Italian colonial rule, is credited with a famous reply about Italian airplanes and the Throne of God. But did he really say it?
Sentence Autopsy: What the Grammar of Surah 2:95 Reveals
A short Quranic verse can contain a surprising amount of grammar. In this first episode Sentence Autopsy, we trace a missing نون, attached pronouns, shifting sentence structures, and the meaning they help uncover.
Lexicalization in Arabic: The Secret Life of Broken Plurals
Some Arabic words begin as tiny actions and end up as institutions. A scoop becomes a room (غُرْفَةٌ), a turn becomes a state (دَوْلَةٌ), a guest becomes a fixed social role (نَزِيلٌ). The clue is often hiding in the plural.
The Qur’an Revisited: The Passive Voice in the Qur’an
The passive voice appears in only 5.27% of Qur'anic verbs, making it a unique grammatical feature. This article summarizes important findings on its use, including emphasizing Allah's miraculous acts, conveying instructions, and expressing prohibitions. We also examine relevant verses from Suras like Al-Infitar and Al-Ma'ida.
Why Is كَأَنَّ a Sister of إِنَّ but لِأَنَّ Is Not?
This article delves into a fascinating Arabic grammar question: Why do classical grammarians list كَأَنَّ as a sister of إِنَّ, but not بِأَنَّ or لِأَنَّ? We explore the nature of the particle كَ, analyze common use cases, and examine examples from the Qur'an and classical poetry to find answers and invite further discussion.
Top Gifts For Arabic Nerds And Language Learners (2022)
Struggling to find unique Arabic-related gifts? This list compiles top presents for Arabic learners and enthusiasts. It includes diverse options, from Arabic design watches to Quran memorization aids and personalized jewelry.
The Islamic Basmala: Its Meaning, Use in the Qur’an, and a Surprising Link to Immanuel Kant
The Islamic Basmala, "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," found its way onto Immanuel Kant's doctoral invitation. This article delves into the Basmala's meaning, its presence in the Quran, and its unexpected appearance in popular culture.
Master Arabic If-Clauses: The Difference Between إن and إذا
This guide on Arabic conditional sentences covers various "if" particles and common conditional words. It details the nuances of إن, إذا, and لو, explaining how each affects meaning and verb mood for accurate sentence construction.
The Ultimate Guide to Gender-Neutral Language in Arabic
This guest article by Lisa Schor examines gender-inclusive language in Arabic, discussing grammatical androcentricity, societal taboos, and how the Quran's language influences the debate. It offers practical strategies for gender-neutral communication.
“I expect to serve in the Arab world so this feels like a wise investment of my time” | Ulric Shannon | 9273 Roots #11
He's the Canadian ambassador to Egypt who has served across the Middle East. Ulric Shannon discusses why studying Arabic is a "wise investment," his experience at Middlebury College, and his love for the complex literature of Taha Hussein and the "swagger" of the Lebanese dialect.
