Surah Al-Baqarah alternatively transliterated Al-Baqarah (Arabic: الْبَقَرَة, 'al-baqarah; lit. "The Heifer" or "The Cow" or "The Calf"), is the second chapter of the Quran, holds immense significance in Islamic belief and practice. Its verses encompass a multitude of lessons, guidance, and blessings.
Revelation
Surah Al-Baqarah was revealed in Madinah and is the longest chapter in the Quran, consisting of 286 verses. It covers a wide range of topics, including faith, law, morality, guidance for personal conduct, and instructions for societal organization. The Surah was revealed over a period of several years, addressing various challenges and circumstances faced by the early Muslim community.
Memorizing and Recitation
Memorizing Surah Al-Baqarah is associated with an abundance of blessings and goodness in one's life. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Learn Surah Al-Baqarah, for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the sorcerers cannot confront it [as in, cannot overcome its protection]."
The Surah is also one of the two Zahrawayn, Surah Al Baqarah and Surah Al Imran. The term "Al-Zahrawayn" refers to the radiant white, as "Al-Zahra" means bright white. The effect resulting from reciting Surah Al-Imran and Surah Al-Baqarah is the shading of the believer with a white cloud on the Day of Resurrection.
Surahs Al-Baqarah and Al-Imran will intercede for their reciters on the Day of Resurrection. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Indeed, they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds or two shades, or like two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading on behalf of their companions [as in, asking for Allah's forgiveness and mercy]."
Unique Merits
Surah Al-Baqarah holds several unique merits and virtues in Islamic tradition:
- The Apex of the Quran: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ referred to Surah Al-Baqarah as the "apex" or "summit" of the Quran. Its comprehensive nature and profound guidance make it central to understanding the message of Islam.
- Angelic Descent: According to the narration, with each verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, eighty angels descend. This highlights the spiritual significance and divine blessings associated with its recitation.
- Protection and Blessings: Surah Al-Baqarah is believed to offer protection against Satan (shaytan), evil, and misfortune (such as sorcery or jinxes) when recited. It is often recited for blessings and guidance, especially during times of difficulty or distress. Blessings include but are not limited to healthy relationships familial or otherwise, abundance, and good deeds for the afterlife.
- Connection to the Throne of Allah: The verse of "There is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence" (Quran 2:255) is considered particularly powerful. According to the narration, Allah ﷻ has removed this verse from beneath the Throne and joined it to Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasizing its significance and divine favor.
Spiritual Significance
- Surah Al-Baqarah encompasses various rulings pertaining to acts of worship, such as fasting, its virtues, obligations, exemptions for those unable to fast, and the designated times for fasting.
- It addresses the rituals of Hajj, including its pillars, standing at Arafat, and the stoning of the Jamarat.
- The Surah discusses the topic of divorce, its regulations, and the restriction on divorce being permissible only twice.
- It delves into matters of wealth, highlighting the prohibition of usury, the permissibility of trade and selling, and the imperative of avoiding unlawful wealth.
- Surah Al-Baqarah contains numerous blessed supplications uttered by the prophets.
- The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah hold significant merit, recommended for recitation in the morning and evening remembrances.
- Certain verses from Surah Al-Baqarah are employed in spiritual healing (Ruqyah Shar'iyyah) for treatment and protection against spiritual and mental afflictions and demonic forces.
- In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah ﷻ mentions 5 different incidents in which He gives life to that which had died, be it animal or human, as proof of Allah's ﷻ divine power. Based on this, scholars understand its ability to revive that which is seemingly lifeless or devoid of blessing, such as delayed marriages, salvaging relationships, lost opportunities of making an income, distressful situations and the like.
Warding Off Satan and Reviving the Spirit of Home
In a profound Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ imparts wisdom that resonates through the corridors of time: "Do not turn your houses into graves. Indeed, Satan runs away from the house in which Surat al-Baqarah is recited."
The Hadith emphasizes its significance by highlighting that Satan flees from any abode where this Surah is recited. Such is the potency of its words that even the whispers of the devil find no foothold in its presence.
Understanding the Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ admonishes against letting our homes become lifeless, devoid of the vibrancy of worship and remembrance of Allah ﷻ. Just as neglecting prayer turns a dwelling into a metaphorical graveyard, reciting the Quran breathes life into its very walls. Failure to uphold prayers renders a home akin to a graveyard, a place where the spirit of worship and connection to Allah ﷻ is absent. Conversely, by embracing the Quran, particularly the recitation of Surat al-Baqarah, the atmosphere of the home is transformed into a sanctuary where Satan finds no refuge.
Embrace Worship and Voluntary Prayers at Home
The Hadith encourages us to not only fulfill our obligatory prayers but also to enrich our homes with voluntary acts of worship. Through these additional prayers and acts of devotion, we fortify our spiritual fortresses, ensuring that Satan finds no ingress into our hearts and homes.
Translation and Pronunciation
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like, and subscribe to their channel.
