The Virtues of Surah Al-Baqarah: Its Blessings and Importance in Islam
Surah Al-Baqarah is one of the greatest treasures in the Quran. It holds unique virtues confirmed by the Quran and the authentic Sunnah, making it a source of guidance, protection, and blessings for every Muslim. Below are some of its most remarkable merits
The Greatest Verse in the Quran: Ayat al-Kursi
Surah Al-Baqarah contains the greatest verse in the Quran, which is Ayat al-Kursi (The Verse of the Throne). Allah Almighty says:
﴾Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.﴿ [Quran, Al-Baqarah: 255].
Within Surah Al-Baqarah lies the most powerful verse in the Quran: Ayat al-Kursi (2:255). This verse emphasizes Allah’s oneness, perfect knowledge, and absolute power. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed its greatness when he praised Ubayy ibn Ka‘b for identifying it as the supreme verse.
A Protector and Sufficiency Against Devils
Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah acts as a shield against devils from both humans and jinn. Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه narrated that a devil admitted the protective power of Ayat al-Kursi, and the Prophet ﷺ confirmed his words: “He told you the truth, though he is a liar.”
Likewise, the Prophet ﷺ promised that whoever recites its last two verses at night, “they will be sufficient for him.
Furthermore, Abu Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will be sufficient for him.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).
Expelling Devils from Homes
The Prophet ﷺ instructed:
“Do not make your houses like graves. Indeed, Satan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited.”
This shows the surah’s direct impact on safeguarding households.
An Intercessor on the Day of Judgment
It is established in the Sunnah that Surah Al-Baqarah will intercede for the one who recites it on the Day of Judgment. Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Read the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions. Read the two bright ones (Al-Zahrawayn), Al-Baqarah and Surah Al ‘Imran, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection as if they were two clouds, or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for their companions. Read Surah Al-Baqarah, for to take hold of it is a blessing, to leave it is a cause of regret, and the magicians cannot confront it.” (Narrated by Muslim).
A Path to Entering Paradise
The Prophet ﷺ promised:
“Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing will prevent him from entering Paradise except death.”
This highlights the daily reward attached to its regular recitation.
Brief Biographies of the Narrators
- Ubayy ibn Ka’b: An Ansar from the Banu Najjar tribe. He was a Jewish scholar before Islam, knowledgeable in the old scriptures. He embraced Islam, became a scribe of the divine revelation, and witnessed the battles of Badr and the Trench with the Prophet (peace be upon him). He participated in the compilation of the Quran under the order of Uthman and narrated 164 hadiths. He passed away in Madinah.
- Abu Umamah al-Bahili: A companion who settled in Homs. He narrated a great deal of knowledge from Umar, Mu’adh, and Abu Ubaidah, and several Tabi’un narrated from him. He was one of those who pledged allegiance under the tree.
Conclusion
Surah Al-Baqarah carries blessings and virtues that make it a cornerstone in a Muslim’s life. Committing to its recitation and contemplation ensures protection, intercession, and a path to Paradise. Let us be keen to integrate it into our daily lives.
