Al-Baqara facts for kids

A page from the Blue Quran showing part of the chapter Al-Baqara. This is kept at the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha.

This is the left side of a Quran page from Terengganu, showing the start of the chapter Al-Baqara. It was made in the late 1700s or 1800s and is now at the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Al-Baqarah, also known as The Cow, is the second and longest chapter (called a surah) in the Quran. It has 286 verses (called āyāt). This surah starts with special letters: alif, lām, and mīm. One of its verses, Q 2:282 (known as the Verse of Loan), is the longest single verse in the entire Quran.

Muslims believe that Al-Baqarah was mostly revealed in Medina after the Hijrah (the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina) in 622 CE. However, some parts, like the verses about interest, are thought to have been revealed later, during Prophet Muhammad's last pilgrimage. Verse 281 is even believed to be the very last verse of the Quran to be revealed.

This surah covers many different topics and gives Muslims important rules. For example, it talks about fasting during Ramadan, and it forbids charging interest (called riba). It also includes famous verses like The Throne Verse and Al-Baqara 256. The surah shares stories of important figures like Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), and Mūsa (Moses). A main idea in Al-Baqarah is guidance. It encourages people who didn't believe in Islam to accept it. It also warns everyone, including those who pretended to be Muslim (called hypocrites), about what happened to people in the past who ignored God's call.

Understanding Al-Baqarah

Al-Baqarah helps us understand important ideas in Islam. It describes different groups of people and their actions.

Believers and Their Qualities

The surah begins by saying that the Quran is a guide for those who have taqwa. This word means being aware of God, showing care, and protecting oneself from wrong actions. These people, called God-fearing or muttaqin, are described as those who:

• Believe in the al-ghaib (the Unseen, things we can't see).
• Perform salah (prayers).
• Give zakat (charity) from what God has given them.
• Believe in the prophethood of Muhammad and other prophets.
• Believe in the holy books revealed to them.

Unbelievers and Hypocrites

The surah also talks about kafirs (unbelievers) and munafiqs (hypocrites).

• A kafir is someone who hides the truth. The Quran says that God has sealed their hearts and hearing, meaning they cannot truly understand guidance.
• Munafiqs are people who say they believe in God and the Last Judgment, but deep down, they don't. They try to trick God and the true believers, but they only end up tricking themselves. They are seen as causing trouble, even though they claim to want peace.

The surah uses examples to explain the hypocrites. It compares them to someone who lights a fire for warmth, but then God puts it out, leaving them in darkness. It also says they are like people caught in a storm, deaf, mute, and blind to the truth.

The Challenge of the Quran

The Quran challenges anyone who doubts that it came from God to create a surah like it. It then says that no one will ever be able to do this. This challenge highlights the unique nature of the Quran.

Important Verses and Rules

Al-Baqarah contains many significant verses and lays down several rules for Muslims.

The Throne Verse (Ayatul Kursi)

Q2:255

This verse, Q 2:255, is known as "The Throne Verse" (Ayatul Kursi). It is one of the most famous verses in the entire Quran. Many Muslims memorize it and display it in their homes because it powerfully describes God's greatness and power. Prophet Muhammad taught that reciting this verse can protect a home from evil.

No Compulsion in Religion

Q2:256

Verse Q 2:256 is very well-known and often quoted. It clearly states, "There is no compulsion in religion." This means that no one should be forced to become a Muslim, because Islam's truth is clear and evident.

The Verse of Loan

Q2:282

Verse Q 2:282 is the longest verse in the Quran. It gives important guidance on how to handle loans and agreements. It teaches that when people make a loan for a certain time, they should write it down carefully. There should also be witnesses to the agreement, usually two men, or one man and two women. This helps ensure fairness and clarity in financial dealings.

Stories of Prophets

Al-Baqarah tells us stories about several prophets, teaching us lessons through their experiences.

Abraham (Ibrahim)

The surah shares the story of Abraham and his connection to Mecca and his son, Ishmael.

• Abraham prayed to God that Mecca would always be safe and prosperous for its people (Q2:126).
• He and Ishmael built the Kaaba, a holy building in Mecca. They prayed that their children would be righteous Muslims and that God would send prophets to guide them (Q2:127-130).
• The chapter also makes it clear that Abraham was a true monotheist, meaning he believed in only one God, and he fully submitted to God's will (Q2:131-136).
• The surah also tells a story where Abraham challenges a powerful ruler named Nimrod who claimed to be God. Abraham showed him God's power over life and death and challenged him to make the sun rise from the west, which silenced Nimrod.
• Finally, Abraham asked God to show him how He brings the dead back to life, and God showed him a powerful example (Q2:260).

Moses (Musa)

Moses is mentioned many times in Al-Baqarah. The surah talks about:

• How Moses was a prophet God spoke to directly (Q2:253).
• The Torah, the holy book given to Moses (Q2:41-44, Q2:53, Q2:87).
• Miracles performed by Moses (Q2:56, Q2:60, Q2:92, Q2:211).
• The story of Moses and the Pharaoh, including how Moses and his followers were saved, and the Pharaoh and his army were punished (Q2:49-50).
• The journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land (Q2:58).
• How the Israelites worshipped a calf while Moses was away (Q2:51-54, Q2:92-93).
• The challenges and struggles of the Israelites (Q2:41-44, Q2:55-59, Q2:61-71, Q2:74-76, Q2:83, Q2:93-6, Q2:100-101, Q2:104, Q2:108, Q2:140-142, Q2:246-249).

Other Important Topics

Al-Baqarah also discusses other important rules and ideas:

• It talks about the change of the prayer direction (Qiblah) from Jerusalem to Mecca (Q2:142-153).
• It gives guidance on giving to charity and helping those in need.
• It includes rules about fasting, Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca), and fighting for faith.
• It also touches on topics like inheritance, marriage and divorce, and business dealings.
• The surah also mentions the prohibition of alcoholic beverages and gambling.

See also

• Ayatul Kursi
• Al-Baqara 256
• Verse of Loan