Al-Baqarah (البقرة)

2. Al-Baqarah (البقرة)

Meaning: The Cow

Total Ayahs: 286

Place of Revelation: Medina

Summary

The longest Surah, it lays down a comprehensive legal and moral framework for the nascent Muslim community in Medina. It covers a vast range of topics including faith, monotheism, stories of previous prophets (Adam, Ibrahim, Musa), laws related to prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, marriage, divorce, trade, debt, and jihad. It emphasizes the importance of belief in the unseen, adherence to divine guidance, and the consequences of obedience and disobedience.

Core Message

Submission to Allah's will through adherence to His commandments, establishing a righteous society based on justice and compassion. It highlights the role of believers as vicegerents on Earth, responsible for upholding divine law and seeking guidance from the Quran.

Benefits

Protection from evil (especially Ayat al-Kursi, 2:255). The Prophet (PBUH) said its recitation brings blessings and its abandonment brings grief. The last two verses (2:285-286) are highly meritorious, offering protection if recited at night.

Famous Verses

2:155 "وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ..." (And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger...).
2:255 (Ayat al-Kursi - The Verse of the Throne) - Describes Allah's absolute power and knowledge.
2:286 "لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا..." (Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...).

Moral Lesson

The importance of obedience to Divine Law for individual and societal well-being. The nature of tests and trials in a believer's life and the virtue of patience. The responsibility of enjoining good and forbidding evil.

Divine Attributes

Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living), Al-Qayyum (The Self-Subsisting), Al-Aliyy (The Most High), Al-Azim (The Most Great), All-Knowing, All-Powerful, The Forgiving, The Wise.

Keywords

Faith Law Shariah Hypocrisy Jihad Patience Justice