Quran
Al-Baqarah (Surah Al-Baqarah)
Al-Baqarah
The 2nd and longest chapter of the Quran (286 verses), "The Cow". A Medinan surah containing Ayat al-Kursi and the foundations of Islamic law and faith.
What is Surah Al-Baqarah?
Surah Al-Baqarah is the 2nd and longest chapter of the Quran, a Medinan surah of 286 verses. Its name, "The Cow", refers to the story of the cow that the Children of Israel were commanded to sacrifice. It is a comprehensive surah, laying out the foundations of belief, law, and the life of the Muslim community, and it contains two of the most powerful passages in the Quran: Ayat al-Kursi and the closing two verses.
Themes and Content
The surah opens by dividing humanity into the God-conscious, the disbelievers, and the hypocrites. It recounts the creation of Adam, the long history of the Children of Israel, and the change of the qibla toward the Kaaba. It establishes core rulings on prayer, fasting, hajj, charity, marriage, and trade — including the longest verse in the Quran (2:282), on recording debts. Throughout, it calls the new Muslim community to faith, gratitude, and steadfastness.
Virtues
- The Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Indeed, Satan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited" (Muslim 780).
- "Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for taking it is a blessing, abandoning it is a regret, and the sorcerers cannot confront it" (Muslim 804).
- The last two verses: "Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him" (Bukhari 5009).
When and Why it is Recited
Because of its protective virtue, many Muslims recite Surah Al-Baqarah — or play and follow its recitation — in their homes to ward off the influence of Satan, and recite its final two verses each night. Ayat al-Kursi is recited after every prayer and before sleep. Its sheer breadth makes it the heart of the Quran's guidance for individual and communal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the surah called "The Cow"?
It refers to an episode (2:67–73) in which the Children of Israel, investigating a murder, were commanded by Allah through Musa to sacrifice a cow. Their repeated questioning and reluctance — when a simple obedience would have sufficed — is a lasting lesson about submission to Allah's command.
What are the last two verses of Al-Baqarah?
Verses 285–286 (beginning "Amana ar-rasul") affirm the believers' faith in Allah, His angels, books, and messengers, and contain the beloved supplication, "Our Lord, do not burden us beyond what we can bear." They were given to the Prophet ﷺ during the Night Journey and carry a special promise of sufficiency and protection.
Etymology & origin
Al-Baqarah (البقرة), "the Cow", from B-Q-R, names the surah after the cow the Children of Israel were ordered to sacrifice (2:67–73). The longest surah of the Quran, its title marks one of its most instructive narratives about obedience.
References
- Quran:
- 2:2, 2:67, 2:144, 2:255, 2:282, 2:285, 2:286
- Hadith:
- Muslim 780 (Satan flees the house where Al-Baqarah is recited); Muslim 804 (recite Al-Baqarah — its taking is a blessing); Bukhari 5009 / Muslim 808 (the last two verses suffice whoever recites them at night)
Related terms
Al-Fatihah
The Opening — the first surah of the Quran, recited in every unit of every prayer. Called 'the Mother of the Book' and 'the Seven Oft-Repeated'.
Ayat al-Kursi
The Throne Verse (2:255) — the greatest verse of the Quran, describing Allah's majesty and dominion. Recited after prayers and before sleep for protection.
Surah
A chapter of the Quran. The Quran contains 114 surahs of varying length, from Al-Baqarah (286 verses) to Al-Kawthar (3 verses), each with its own name and theme.
Tilawah
The act of reciting the Quran aloud with reflection and proper rules. It is itself an act of worship, with each letter recited earning multiplied rewards.
Ya-Sin (Surah Ya-Sin)
The 36th chapter of the Quran (83 verses), known as the "Heart of the Quran". A Meccan surah on resurrection, divine signs, and the truth of the Messengers.