DAY 482: Baqarah 196-203

•  Complete the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage for Allah. But if prevented ˹from proceeding˺, then ˹offer˺ whatever sacrificial animals you can afford. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal reaches its destination. But if any of you is ill or has a scalp ailment ˹requiring shaving˺, then compensate either by fasting, charity, or a sacrificial offering. In times of peace, you may combine the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage then make the sacrificial offering you can afford. Whoever cannot afford that ˹offering˺, let them fast three days during pilgrimage and seven after returning ˹home˺—completing ten. These offerings are for those who do not live near the Sacred House. And be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah is severe in punishment.  ˹Commitment to˺ pilgrimage is made in appointed months. Whoever commits to ˹performing˺ pilgrimage, let them stay away from intimate relations, foul language, and arguments during pilgrimage. Whatever good you do, Allah ˹fully˺ knows of it. Take ˹necessary˺ provisions ˹for the journey˺—surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O  people of reason! There is no blame on you for seeking the bounty of your Lord ˹during this journey˺. When you return from ’Arafât, praise Allah near the sacred place³ and praise Him for having guided you, for surely before this ˹guidance˺ you were astray. Then go forth with the rest of the pilgrims. And seek Allah’s forgiveness. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. When you have fulfilled your sacred rites, praise Allah as you used to praise your forefathers ˹before Islam˺, or even more passionately. There are some who say, “Our Lord! Grant us ˹Your bounties˺ in this world,” but they will have no share in the Hereafter. Yet there are others who say, “Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” It is they who will receive a ˹heavenly˺ reward for the good they have done. And Allah is swift in reckoning. And remember Allah during ˹these˺ appointed days. Whoever departs swiftly on the second day is not sinful, neither are those who stay behind ˹till the third—seeking additional reward˺, so long as they are mindful ˹of their Lord˺. And be mindful of Allah, and know that to Him you will ˹all˺ be gathered.
  <sup>(
  After the verses about fighting in self-defense (190–195), the Quran now turns to worship and pilgrimage — a reminder that the ultimate goal is not war, but peace and devotion. These verses outline the rites of Hajj and Umrah, what to do if you are prevented from completing them, and the importance of remembering Allah during the days of Hajj and in all of life.
  
  From the first verse to the last, Surah Al-Baqarah builds the believer — showing who to be (believers, patient, righteous), who not to be (disbelievers, hypocrites, like Israel who broke covenants), how to worship (prayer, fasting, Hajj), how to fight (defense, limits, mercy), how to give (zakah, charity, wills), how to love (Allah above all), how to speak (truth, not concealing), and how to return to God (repentance, remembrance, and the certainty that you will be gathered back).
  
  Complete Hajj with sacrifice and mercy — avoid sex, disobedience, and arguing — take provisions, but the best provision is righteousness — depart from where the people depart, seek forgiveness, pray for good in both worlds, and remember Allah during the appointed days, because whether you leave early or late, you will all be gathered to Him.
  
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