Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 83

Reflection

This verse recalls the covenant Allah made with the Children of Israel, which contains universal ethical principles that remain central to Islam. The covenant begins with the foundation of monotheism—worshipping Allah alone—and then extends to social ethics: kindness to parents and relatives, care for vulnerable groups (orphans and the needy), speaking good words to all people, and fulfilling religious obligations of prayer and charity. This comprehensive set of commandments balances worship of Allah with ethical treatment of others, showing that true faith must be expressed through both vertical (human-Divine) and horizontal (human-human) relationships. The verse reminds Muslims that these fundamental ethical principles have been part of divine guidance throughout history.