Benefits of Surah Baqrah: 1400 years ago Allah SWT sent his full and final Book to mankind, the Noble Quran. Quran is the complete code of guidance for mankind. It provides us with strong foundations for our beliefs, guides us through the journey in this world. Its words are healing for troubled hearts.
Why You Should Recite Surah Baqrah Daily?
Every Surah (chapter) in the Quran is important in its way, some are more prominent than others. Surah Baqarah holds a very high status in the Quran, as the Prophet ﷺ called it the pinnacle of the Quran, largely due to Ayat ul-Kursi. It is the 255th verse in Surah Baqarah (Chapter 2), which is also the largest Surah in the Quran. This ayah is the most prestigious and respected in the Quran. The reason why it is given the highest place in the category of ayahs is that Allah SWT has explicitly defined and elaborated His grandeur, power, and glory in this ayah. It is also known as the Throne Verse. It is narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“For everything, there is a hump (pinnacle) and the hump (pinnacle) of the Qur’an is Surah Al-Baqarah, in it, there is an Ayah which is the master of the Ayat in the Qur’an; [it is] Ayat ul-Kursi.” TIRMIDHI
I also recommend that you go through these Short Surahs of Quran That You Can Easily Learn.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Allah! There is no God but He,
the Living, the Self-subsisting, the Eternal.
No slumber can seize Him, nor sleep.
All things in heaven and earth are His.
Who could intercede in His presence without His permission?
He knows what appears in front of and behind His creatures.
Nor can they encompass any knowledge of Him except what he wills.
His throne extends over the heavens and the earth,
and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them,
for He is the Highest and Most Exalted.
Why Is Surah Baqrah Important?
What is so special about Ayatul Kursi? It is just one ayah and that too is only one-third of a page. There are over 6,200 Ayahs in the Quran but why is this deemed so powerful and held in such high esteem. The answers to these questions are very simple. This verse deals with the attributes of Allah SWT and the most majestic verses in the Quran are those that talk about Allah SWT. Why? Because nothing is grander than to talk about Allah SWT. There is nothing more worthy of being discussed other than Allah SWT.
Power of Surah Baqrah
According to one of the companions of Messenger of Allah ﷺ :
The chief of the ayahs of the Quran is Ayat ul kursi- Ali R.A
The Prophet ﷺ asked Ubayy bin Ka’b who was one of the top reciters of the Quran and a hafidh (the one who had memorized the Quran) which ayah was the best. He asked him three times, but Ubayy out of politeness replied that Allah and His messenger knew best, then on the third time, Ubayy ibn Ka’b reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Significance Of Ayatul Kursi
The Magnificence of these verses has been described in a Hadith. It is narrated by Abdullah bin Mas’ud R.A:
What Does Ayatul Kursi Comprise Of:
The Arabic word Kursi signifies absolute power and authority. The word Kursi has been variously interpreted by Muslim scholars. The literal meaning is obvious; it signifies that which one sits on. Scholars, however, are still not sure as to whether the word has been used in the Qur’an literally or figuratively. Here is what Ayatul Kursi tells us:
- There is none worthy of worship except HE, THE EVER LIVING, THE EVER WATCHFUL
- Neither drowsiness nor sleep OVERTAKES HIM
- To Him belongs whatever is in the HEAVENS and the EARTH
- Who is there that can intercede with HIM except by HIS PERMISSION?
- He knows what will be BEFORE them and what will be AFTER them.
- HIS Throne extends over the HEAVENS and the EARTH
- And He is THE MOST HIGH and THE MOST SUPREME
Benefits Of Reading Ayatul Kursi
Ayatul Kursi should be memorized and saved in the heart of every Muslim, it has a great many benefits.
1-For The Protection Of Yourself And Your Home
2-The Virtue Of Reciting Ayatul Kursi After Every Prayer
Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
3-Reciting Ayatul Kursi Before Bedtime
Allah SWT has perfected every aspect of this religion, even our sleep becomes an act of worship if we follow Quran and Sunnah.
The importance of this Ayah can also be known from another Hadith in which Shaitan himself advice upon its virtue and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ agreed:
Abu Huraira رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) put me in charge of charity of Ramadan (Sadaqat-ul- Fitr). Somebody came to me and began to take away some foodstuff. I caught him and said, “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” He said, “I am a needy man with a large family, and so I have a pressing need.” I let him go.
When I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) next morning, he asked me, “O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?” I said, “O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing need and a big family. I felt pity for him so I let him go.” He (ﷺ) said, “He told you a lie and he will return.”
I was sure, according to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that he would return. I waited for him. He sneaked up again and began to steal foodstuff from the Sadaqah. I caught him and said; “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” He said, “Let go of me, I am a needy man. I have to bear the expenses of a big family. I will not come back.” So I took pity on him and let him go.
I went at dawn to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) who asked me, “O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?” I replied, “O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing want and the burden of a big family. I took pity on him and so I let him go.” He (ﷺ) said, “He told you a lie and he will return.”
(That man) came again to steal the food-stuff. I arrested him and said, “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and this is the last of three times. You promised that you would not come again but you did.” He said, “Let go of me, I shall teach you some words with which Allah may benefit you.” I asked, “What are those words?” He replied, “When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul- Kursi (2:255) for there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah, and Satan will not be able to approach you till morning.” So I let him go.
The next morning the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked me, “What did your prisoner do last night.” I answered, “He promised to teach me some words which he claimed will benefit me before Allah. So I let him go.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked, “What are those words that he taught you?” I said, “He told me: ‘When you go to bed, recite Ayat- ul-Kursi from the beginning to the end.
By reciting it, there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah who will protect you during the night, and Satan will not be able to come near you until morning’.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Verily, he has told you the truth though he is a liar. O Abu Hurairah! Do you know with whom you were speaking for the last three nights?” I said, “No.” He (ﷺ) said, “He was Shaitan (Satan)- BUKHARI
4-Reciting It in The Morning and Evening
A very easy way to keep yourself under the protection of Allah SWT, even if you are not in a continuous state of worship of some form or another.
Ibn ‘Abbas reported that while Jibraéel A. A was sitting with the Messenger Of Allah ﷺ he heard a creaking sound above him. He lifted his head and said:
This is a gate opened in heaven today which had never been opened before. Then when an angel descended through it, he said: This is an angel who came down to the earth who had never come down before. He greeted and said:
Rejoice in two lights given to you which have not been given to any prophet before you: Fatihat al-Kitab and the concluding verses of Surah al-Baqara. You will never recite a letter from them for which you will not be given (a reward).– MUSLIM
Islamic teachings are based on the foundation of the Qur’an and Sunnah This Surah guides through all aspects of life, ranging from faith, righteousness, knowledge, marriage and divorce, parenting, business transactions, social or community engagement, and more.
Why must you start reading Surah Baqarah, right away? Make it a point to read it often. Related reading: benefits of Surah Yaseen and the evil eye in Islam. According to a hadith in Sahih Muslim, its concluding verses were given to the Prophet ﷺ during the Night Journey (Isra and Miraj).
It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA)
That when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was taken for the Night journey, he was taken to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, which is situated in the sixth heaven (another narration places it in the seventh), where terminates everything that ascends from the earth and is held there, and where terminates everything that descends from above it and is held there.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was given three (things): he was given five prayers, was given the concluding verses of Sura al-Baqara, and remission of serious Sins for those among his Ummah who associate not anything with Allah SWT. –MUSLIM
The power of this Surah as protection against Shaytan is described in different ways in the hadiths.
5 – Surah Baqarah Will Serve As Your Shade On The Day Of Judgement
On the Day of Judgment, different people and things will come and testify for or against you. Among them is the Quran. The Prophet ﷺ said:
6 – Reading Last Two Ayahs Of Surah Baqarah
Everything destined was written before the creation of Heavens and the Earth, before the birth of Adam A.S. Same is the case with Quran it was destined to be sent down long before everything came into existence. It is narrated by An–Numan bin Bashir, the Prophet ﷺ said:
7 – Reciting Ayah 125 After Tawaf (Circumambulating Around The House Of Allah)
It is narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah:
8 – Reciting Specific Ayahs Of Surah Baqarah
The Messenger Of Allah ﷺ said:
9 – A Practice To Be Adopted Regarding The Two Sunnah Rakahs Before Fajr Paryer
Ibn ‘Abbas R.A reported:
10 – Prescription For Not Forgetting The Quran
An authentic hadith mentioned in Sunan al-DarImi is a Book for Hadith. it has a big collection of Hadiths organized in sections, by Imam Abi Muhammad Abdullah al-Darimi. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud’s student; Imam Mughirah ibn Subay’ (rahimahullah) said:
What are these 10 verses? They are ayahs from Surah Baqarah:
- The first four verses. (2:1-4)
- Ayatul Kursi and the two verses that follow it. (2:255-257)
- The last three verses (2: 284-286)
Here are Benefits of Surah Falaq Recitation & How It Protects Us.
Can Surah Baqarah Be Played Instead Of Being Recited?
A question commonly asked if we don’t have time to recite Surah Baqarah can we play it on a tape or speakers, will it serve the purpose?
Scholars differ here. The hadith speaks of reciting the surah, and many scholars hold that listening to a recording is not the same as reciting it, though listening is itself rewarded and some contemporary scholars are more lenient. Reciting it yourself is best, and it is an act of worship that needs Niyyah (intention). And there is no such intention in the recording, it should not be a reason for us to become lazy.
A lot of scholars have permitted if and only if the person hasn’t learned how to read the Quran, like a newly converted Muslim who has just accepted Islam and doesn’t know how to read. If you want the protection, then recite it.
Another common practice is to ask a Maulana (A Muslim man respected for his religious knowledge) to come to recite it in the house in exchange for some form of Hadiyah (gift). This is again not advisable, your house needs protection you have to make time for the recitation. The Ikhlas (honesty) you will put into your own matters no one else can.
Should Surah Baqarah Be Recited In Each Room Of The House?
There is no specific number of rooms established in the hadith; reciting in the house is encouraged, and many scholars say that reciting in a part of the home is a good practice. Ask a qualified scholar if you want more detail.
How Can You Recite Surah Baqarah Daily?
Surah Baqarah is the longest Surah in the Quran spread over almost more than 2 Juz (parts). Reciting it will take time, again it depends upon your fluency. If it takes you a minute to recite a page of the Quran then Surah Baqarah is spread over 50 pages it will take you a minimum of 50 minutes. But if you are still a beginner it can take you up to 2-3 hours. Think about improving your Tajweed with the help of one of these institutes. Learn Quran Online – 9 Best Places for Online Quran Classes
Some scholars prefer reciting it in one sitting if possible, but there is no authentic text fixing how it must be divided. Reciting it over a few days is also a rewarded act of worship. Consult a qualified scholar if unsure.
Some Misconceptions Regarding Surah Baqarah
When it comes to following the religion many of us turn to what our forefathers did, rather than what was done by the Prophet of Allah ﷺ and his companions. We should make sure any act of worship we do doesn’t go against any law of Islam. Some very common practices regarding Surah Baqarah which are not advisable are:
- Surah Baqarah in beneficial for those who are not getting married.
- Reciting a specific verse for chest pains.
- Another specific verse to blow on something sweet and given to an angry person
- Reading it daily for 40 dyas.
- Reciting Surah Baqarah in a new home home brings barakah.
All these practices can only be recommended by Aalim (scholar). When we fall sick we don’t prescribe medicine for ourselves we visit the doctor for the necessary medicines. The same is the case with Quran if Allah forbids you to be a victim of black magic and sorcery, you can’t decide to what level of damage is done. We need an expert for that. Some scholars even term it as Biddah (innovation), because they think it takes the person away from all obligatory forms of worship, all their energy and time is served into finishing the required number daily. Barakah (blessings from Allah SWT) is in the way of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Conclusion
The Tawheed of Allah Almighty, glorifying His attributes, His control, power, and greatness. These are all expressed when we recite the Ayatul Kursi. It contains all the elements Allah Almighty wants us to include in dua’a. It is so powerful and beautiful. Pondering over Ayatul-Kursi should make us feel humbled Allah SWT. When the Muslim makes a habit of reading Ayatul-Kursi, or the Qur’an as a whole, and embraces it genuinely, he reaps a lot of benefits. Many of these benefits may be visible and many aren’t. May Allah strengthen our faith through Ayatul-Kursi, and grant us all the benefits, those we know and those we don’t know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does reciting Surah Al-Baqarah keep Shaytan away from the home?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ said Shaytan flees from a house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited (Sahih Muslim).
Is it obligatory to recite Surah Al-Baqarah daily?
No. It is a recommended act of worship, not an obligation. Recite what you are able to, consistently.
Can I listen to Surah Al-Baqarah instead of reciting it?
Scholars differ. Listening is rewarded, but many scholars say the virtues mentioned in hadith relate to reciting. Ask a qualified scholar about your situation.
What are the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah known for?
The Prophet ﷺ said whoever recites them at night, they will suffice him (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim). Scholars explain this as sufficing against harm or in place of the night prayer, among other views.
Is Surah Al-Baqarah a cure for black magic?
Reciting the Quran is a means of seeking Allah’s protection and healing, but it is not a substitute for medical care. Consult a qualified scholar. See also benefits of Surah Yaseen.