Also translated as Baqara, or the Cow, Surah Al-Baqarah is the second chapter and the longest surah in the Quran. It was revealed after the migration to Madinah. It contains 286 verses that are spread over 3 juz (parts). Within the surah is the well known ayat ul kursi, the verse of the throne, which is the most powerful verse in the Quran.
Surah | |
| Name | Al Baqarah |
| Meaning | The Cow |
| Number of Verses | 286 |
| Place of Revelation | Madinah |
| Chapter Number | 2 |
Main themes of Surah Al Baqarah
Being the longest surah, it covers many topics including:
- Classification of humans into 3 groups: the believers, the disbelievers and the hypocrites.
- The story of a nation among the children of Israeel.
- The rites of hajj.
- The legislation concerning Ramadan.
- The direction of prayer.
- The concept and method of dua.
- Divorce.
- Interest and usury.
- Debt.
- The laws of fighting.
Surah Baqarah specialities
The last verse to be revealed (2:281) to the Prophet (SAW) is in this surah.
Longest verse in the Quran appears in surah Baqarah – verse 282.
The last two verses in this surah – 285 and 286, were given to the Prophet (SAW) during the night of Mi’raj in the heavens.
Why is the surah named Al-Baqarah, the Cow?
The Quran informs about the time when a man was killed among the children of Israeel and the people wanted to find the killer. They asked their Prophet Musa (AS) to ask Allah to reveal the killer. Musa returned after speaking to Allah saying He wants them to slaughter a cow.
They mocked Musa (AS) for this response, and instead of doing what they were told, asked too many questions. They told him there are many different types of cows out there, which one does He Allah want? Musa replied saying just slaughter any cow, doesn’t matter what it looks like.
Constant questioning
But the people wanted him to be more specific, so after much insistence, Musa (AS) went to Allah. For their persistent questioning without need, Allah made it harder on them. So, Allah gave them a category of cow to choose from. They asked for more, like color, age, type, etc and in the end only one cow fitted the exact description.
This cow belonged to an orphan boy. His father had passed away having only one calf in his possession. Before he died the father instructed his wife to take the calf into the forest and release it because he couldn’t trust the villagers to leave it alone.
Allah protected this calf which wouldn’t let anyone near it to touch it. As the boy grew older, his mum asked him to go and look for it. He went in search and this cow came to him by itself. At the same time, the people were looking for exactly this type of cow. They asked the young man to sell it to them, but he declined, saying he needs to speak to his mother first. His mother also refused.
Value of the cow
The young man came to know about the people’s search for the cow as instructed by Allah. He asked for its weight in gold, and the children of Israeel were forced to give that amount due to their need. Only then did they believe in what Musa (AS) was saying.
After slaughtering the cow, they were instructed to take a piece of its meat and touch the dead man with it. He came to life and started to speak. He said: ‘My nephew is the one who killed me.’ His nephew was after the inheritance. After these words, the man died again. Allah wanted to show His ability to give life after death. But this amazing scene didn’t move the children of Israeel to completely fulfil Allah’s commands. In fact, their hearts became harder.
Lessons for us today
The lesson in this for us today is that when a command is given by Allah and shown to us by the Prophet (SAW), we shouldn’t start questioning every little detail to find a way to avoid it. We hear and we obey. We shouldn’t be like those among them who, when a law was given, looked for ways to selectively apply it because their desires had overcome them.
First 4 ayat of Surah Baqarah
The first four verses of this surah are considered to be very important. These verses talk about how a person is guided to the truth and becomes a devout believer. Faith is believing in the unseen by establishing prayer and giving charity from what they earn.
Also, someone who completely believes in the Quran and the previous scriptures as they were revealed to the respective messengers.
Benefits of reciting Surah Al-Baqarah
- Satan runs away from the house in which it is read.
- It will keep the devils away for 3 days and 3 nights if recited.
- The sorcerers and magicians cannot compete with it.
- The person gains blessings by reciting it.
- Is a means of regret for a person not reciting it.
- Contains the most powerful verse, ayat ul kursi which protects the reciter.
- Reciting the last two verses of surah Baqarah suffices as a means of protection.
Hadith on Surah Baqarah
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW), said, “Recite Surah al-Baqarah in your houses, for Satan does not enter a house in which Surah al-Baqarah is recited.”
(Shu’ab al-Imān)
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Everything has a summit and the summit of the Quran is Surah al-Baqarah. It contains a verse which is the head of the Quran, the verse of the Throne.”
Abu Mas’ud reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surat al-Baqarah in the night, it is enough for him.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Sahl ibn Sa’d (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Verily, everything has a summit and the summit of the Quran is Surat al-Baqarah. Whoever recites it in his house at night, Satan will not enter his house for three nights. Whoever recites it during the day, Satan will not enter his house for three days.
Duas mentioned in Surah Baqarah
‘Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.’ (2:127)
Prophets (AS) mentioned in Surah Baqarah
- Adam
- Musa
- Isa
- Sulaiman
- Ibrahim
- Ismaeel
- Yaqub
- Ishaq
- Harun
Dawud Abu Ishaq reported: Ali (RA) said, “I have not seen anyone of intelligence go to sleep until he had recited these three verses at the end of Surah al-Baqarah.” Sunan al-Dārimī
