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Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 185

سورة البقرة، الآية ١٨٥

2:185 Juz 2 Hizb 3 Page 28 of the mushaf Medinan surah

Text of verse 2:185

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ۝١٨٥

Transliteration

shahru ramaḍāna alladhī unzila fīhi l-qur'ānu hudan lilnnāsi wabayyinātin mina l-hudā wal-fur'qāni faman shahida minkumu l-shahra falyaṣum'hu waman kāna marīḍan aw ʿalā safarin faʿiddatun min ayyāmin ukhara yurīdu l-lahu bikumu l-yus'ra walā yurīdu bikumu l-ʿus'ra walituk'milū l-ʿidata walitukabbirū l-laha ʿalā mā hadākum walaʿallakum tashkurūna

Translation

The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month,66 let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

Notes

[66] Also, "whoever is present during the month."

Translation in another language
Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hussary Read in the surah

Verse 185 of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), a Medinan surah, is in juz 2, on page 28 of the mushaf. Read it in Arabic with its transliteration, translations and tafsir, and listen to it recited by 69 reciters.

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Tafsir of verse 185

Al-Mukhtasar

The Qur’ān was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the Night of Decree in the month of Ramadan. Allah revealed it as a guidance for people, with clear proofs of its guidance, and the criterion between the truth and falsehood. Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan, and is well and healthy, is required to fast; and whoever is ill, or for whom fasting is difficult, or is travelling, then they may break their fast. If they do not fast then they must perform make-up fasts for the days they missed at another time. Allah intends ease, and not hardship, in what He decrees for you; and wants you to complete the right number of days and to glorify Him upon the completion of Ramadan, on the day of Eid, as He helped you and made it possible for you to fast, so that you thank Allah for guiding you to this religion which He has approved for you.

Tafsir of the whole Surah Al-Baqarah

Other translations of verse 185

Ramadān is a month in which the Qur’an was sent down82 as a guidance for mankind and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong. So whoever of you witnesses this month, should fast. But if anyone is ill or on a journey, he should make up for those days. Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you, so that you may complete the prescribed number of days, and proclaim the greatness of Allah for having guided you, and so that you may be grateful.

Notes

[82] This either means that the Qur’an was sent down from the Preserved Tablet to the Lowest Heaven on the Night of Decree during the month of Ramadan, or that it was the start of the revelation to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’ân, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allâh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allâh [i.e. to say Takbîr (Allâhu Akbar; Allâh is the Most Great] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.38

Notes

[38] (V.2:185)
(A) Narrated Talhah bin ‘Ubaidullâh: A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! Inform me what Allâh has made compulsory for me as regards the Salât (prayers)." He replied: "You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory Salât (prayers) in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to pray Nawâfil ." The bedouin further asked, "Inform me what Allâh has made compulsory for me as regards Saum (fasting)." He replied, "You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadân, unless you want to fast more as Nawâfil ." The bedouin further asked, "Tell me how much Zakât Allâh has enjoined on me." The narrator added: Then, Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم informed him all about the Laws (i.e. fundamentals) of Islâm. The bedouin then said, "By Him Who has honoured you, I will neither perform any Nawâfil nor will I decrease what Allâh has enjoined on me." Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he will be granted Paradise). (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Hadîth No.115, Vol.3).
(B) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, " As-Siyâm (the fasting) is Junnah (protection or shield or a screen or a shelter from the Hell-fire*). So, the person observing Saum (fasting) should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should say to him twice, ‘I am fasting.’ " The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better with Allâh تعالى than the smell of musk. (Allâh says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The Saum (fast) is for Me**. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.’ " (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Hadîth No.118, Vol.3).
* See Fath Al-Barî , Vol.5, Page 5.
** Although all practices of worshipping are for Allâh, here Allâh تعالى singles out Saum (fasting), because fasting cannot be practiced for the sake of showing-off, as nobody except Allâh can know whether one is fasting or not. Therefore, fasting is a pure performance that cannot be blemished with hypocrisy. (Fath Al-Barî, Vol.5, Page 10)
(C) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Whoever does not give up lying speech - false statements (i.e. telling lies) and acting on those (lies), and evil actions etc., then Allâh is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allâh will not accept his fasting*)". (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Hadîth No.127, Vol.3).
* See Fath Al-Barî , Vol.5, Page 18.

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.

Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

The month of Ramazan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction; therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.

The month of Ramadan (is the month) in which the Qur'an All-Supreme Reading) was sent down: a guidance to mankind, and supreme evidences of the guidance and the all-distinctive Criterion; So, whoever of you is present (Literally: witnesses the month) at the month, then he should fast it; and whoever is sick or on a journey, then a (fixed) number of other days. Allah wills for you ease, and He does not will difficulty for you (He wills) and that you should complete the (fixed) number. And magnify Allah for having guided you, and that possibly you would thank (Him).

Verse 185 word by word

  1. شَهْرُ shahru Month ش ه ر
  2. رَمَضَانَ ramaḍāna (of) Ramadhaan ر م ض
  3. ٱلَّذِىٓ alladhī (is) that
  4. أُنزِلَ unzila was revealed ن ز ل
  5. فِيهِ fīhi therein
  6. ٱلْقُرْءَانُ l-qur'ānu the Quran ق ر أ
  7. هُدًى hudan a Guidance ه د ي
  8. لِّلنَّاسِ lilnnāsi for mankind أ ن س
  9. وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ wabayyinātin and clear proofs ب ي ن
  10. مِّنَ mina of
  11. ٱلْهُدَىٰ l-hudā [the] Guidance ه د ي
  12. وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ wal-fur'qāni and the Criterion ف ر ق
  13. فَمَن faman So whoever
  14. شَهِدَ shahida witnesses ش ه د
  15. مِنكُمُ minkumu among you
  16. ٱلشَّهْرَ l-shahra the month ش ه ر
  17. فَلْيَصُمْهُ falyaṣum'hu then he should fast in it ص و م
  18. وَمَن waman and whoever
  19. كَانَ kāna is ك و ن
  20. مَرِيضًا marīḍan sick م ر ض
  21. أَوْ aw or
  22. عَلَىٰ ʿalā on
  23. سَفَرٍ safarin a journey س ف ر
  24. فَعِدَّةٌ faʿiddatun then prescribed number (should be made up) ع د د
  25. مِّنْ min from
  26. أَيَّامٍ ayyāmin days ي و م
  27. أُخَرَ ukhara other أ خ ر
  28. يُرِيدُ yurīdu Intends ر و د
  29. ٱللَّهُ l-lahu Allah
  30. بِكُمُ bikumu for you
  31. ٱلْيُسْرَ l-yus'ra [the] ease ي س ر
  32. وَلَا walā and not
  33. يُرِيدُ yurīdu intends ر و د
  34. بِكُمُ bikumu for you
  35. ٱلْعُسْرَ l-ʿus'ra [the] hardship ع س ر
  36. وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ walituk'milū so that you complete ك م ل
  37. ٱلْعِدَّةَ l-ʿidata the prescribed period ع د د
  38. وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ walitukabbirū and that you magnify ك ب ر
  39. ٱللَّهَ l-laha Allah
  40. عَلَىٰ ʿalā for
  41. مَا mā [what]
  42. هَدَىٰكُمْ hadākum He guided you ه د ي
  43. وَلَعَلَّكُمْ walaʿallakum so that you may
  44. تَشْكُرُونَ tashkurūna (be) grateful ش ك ر

Hadiths that cite this verse

Authentic Sahih Muslim 1145b

We, during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), in one month of Ramadan (observed fast according to our liking). He who wished to fast lasted and he who wished to break broke it and fed a needy person as an expiation 1544 till this verse was revealed:" He who witnesses among you the month…

كُنَّا فِي رَمَضَانَ عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مَنْ شَاءَ صَامَ وَمَنْ شَاءَ أَفْطَرَ فَافْتَدَى بِطَعَامِ مِسْكِينٍ حَتَّى أُنْزِلَتْ هَذِهِ الآيَةُ ‏‏{‏ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ…

Narrated by Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘

Differing grades Sunan Abu Dawud 506

Prayer passed through three stages. And out people narrated to us that Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) said; it is to my liking that the prayer of Muslims or believers should be united (i.e., in congregation), so much so that I intended to send people to the houses to announce the time…

لَقَدْ أَعْجَبَنِي أَنْ تَكُونَ صَلاَةُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ - أَوْ قَالَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ - وَاحِدَةً حَتَّى لَقَدْ هَمَمْتُ أَنْ أَبُثَّ رِجَالاً فِي الدُّورِ يُنَادُونَ النَّاسَ بِحِينِ الصَّلاَةِ وَحَتَّى هَمَمْتُ أَنْ…

Differing grades Sunan Abu Dawud 507

Prayer passed through three stages and fasting also passed through three stages. The narrator Nasr reported the rest of the tradition completely. The narrator, Ibn al-Muthanna, narrated the story of saying prayer facing in the direction of Jerusalem. He said: The third stage is that the Messenger…

قَدِمَ الْمَدِينَةَ فَصَلَّى - يَعْنِي نَحْوَ بَيْتِ الْمَقْدِسِ - ثَلاَثَةَ عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فَأَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى هَذِهِ الآيَةَ ‏‏{‏ قَدْ نَرَى تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِي السَّمَاءِ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً…

Narrated by Mu‘ādh ibn Jabal

Good (hasan) Sunan Abu Dawud 2316

Ibn ‘Abbas explain the Qur’anic verse “For those who can do it(with hardship) is a ransom, the feeding of one, that is indigent” said “If one of them wished to pay ransom by providing food to an indigent person he could pay ransom.. Thus, his fast was complete. Allaah, the Exalted pronounced “But…

مَنْ شَاءَ مِنْهُمْ أَنْ يَفْتَدِيَ بِطَعَامِ مِسْكِينٍ افْتَدَى وَتَمَّ لَهُ صَوْمُهُ فَقَالَ ‏‏{‏ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَهُ وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ ‏}‏ وَقَالَ ‏‏{‏ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ…

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās

Authentic Muttafaq ‘alayh (Bukhari and Muslim) Sahih al-Bukhari 4507

When the Divine Revelation: "For those who can fast, they had a choice either fast, or feed a poor for every day," (2.184) was revealed, it was permissible for one to give a ransom and give up fasting, till the Verse succeeding it was revealed and abrogated it.

لَمَّا نَزَلَتْ ‏‏{‏وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ‏}‏ كَانَ مَنْ أَرَادَ أَنْ يُفْطِرَ وَيَفْتَدِيَ حَتَّى نَزَلَتِ الآيَةُ الَّتِي بَعْدَهَا فَنَسَخَتْهَا

Narrated by Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ + 5 other versions

Other hadiths (10)

Verses related to verse 185

Cited by Ibn Kathir in his explanation of this verse

  • Al-Qadr 97:1

    إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ

    Indeed, We sent it [i.e., the Qur’ān] down during the Night of Decree.

  • Ad-Dukhan 44:3

    إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَٰرَكَةٍ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ

    Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind].

  • Al-Furqan 25:32–33

    وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ جُمْلَةً وَٰحِدَةً كَذَٰلِكَ لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ وَرَتَّلْنَٰهُ تَرْتِيلًا …

    And those who disbelieve say, "Why was the Qur’ān not revealed to him all at once?" Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly. …

Verses with similar wording

They share a sequence of words with this verse: useful for telling them apart when memorising.

  • Al-Baqarah 2:184

    أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُۥ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

    [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of other days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers good [i.e., excess] - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.

  • Al-Hajj 22:37

    لَن يَنَالَ ٱللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَآؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

    Their meat will not reach Allāh, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.

All similar verses of Surah Al-Baqarah

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