Page 02 Notes

Surah Al-Baqarah (Arabic: الْبَقَرَة, 'al-baqarah; lit. "The Heifer" or "The Cow") is the second and the longest chapter (surah) of the Quran. It consists of 286 verses (āyāt) and is a profoundly significant surah in Islam.

Key Characteristics and Themes:

Longest Surah: It is the longest chapter in the Quran, covering a vast range of topics that are fundamental to Islamic belief and practice.

Medinan Surah: The majority of Surah Al-Baqarah was revealed in Medina, after the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) migration from Mecca (the Hijrah). This is significant because Medinan surahs generally deal with the establishment of the Muslim community, legislation, and social organization, as opposed to Meccan surahs which focus more on core beliefs and monotheism.

Comprehensive Guidance: It provides comprehensive guidance on various aspects of life, including:

Beliefs: It elaborates on the oneness of God (Tawhid), prophethood, the Day of Judgment, and the nature of believers, disbelievers, and hypocrites.
Laws and Regulations: A significant portion of the surah lays down detailed laws and regulations for the Muslim community (Ummah), covering areas such as:
Prayer (Salah)
Fasting (Sawm) during Ramadan
Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Marriage, divorce, and inheritance
Financial transactions, including the prohibition of usury (riba)
Justice and legal matters
Stories of Previous Prophets: It retells stories of past prophets, particularly Adam, Abraham (Ibrahim), and Moses (Musa), and the Children of Israel (Bani Israel). These stories serve as lessons and warnings for the Muslim community, highlighting the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience. The surah gets its name from the story of the cow (Al-Baqarah) involving the Israelites during the time of Prophet Moses, which symbolizes their obstinacy and questioning.
Moral and Ethical Teachings: It emphasizes moral conduct, patience, self-restraint, and the importance of unity among Muslims.

Notable Verses: Surah Al-Baqarah contains some of the most famous and powerful verses in the Quran:

Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse - 2:255): This is considered the greatest verse in the Quran, describing Allah's majesty, power, and knowledge.

The last two verses (2:285-286): These verses are highly regarded for their supplications and are often recited for protection and blessings.

When and Where it was Revealed:

As mentioned, Surah Al-Baqarah was primarily revealed in Medina over a period of several years, beginning shortly after the Hijrah. This was a time when the Muslim community was growing and establishing its social, political, and legal framework. Some verses within it, like those concerning the prohibition of interest, were revealed later in the Prophet's life, even during his Farewell Pilgrimage.

Sources: www.quranflect.com, www.islamicstudies.info, www.quran.com, www.iqra.com, en.wikipedia.org

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