Introduction to Surat Al-Baqarah (the Cow)
The Names of the Surah:
There are two names, according to the authentic traditions, for the Surah as follows:
1- The Cow
Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, “He who recites the two verses at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This name was given to the Surah due to the story of the cow that is mentioned within it.
2- Az-Zahra’ (something that gives of light/illuminates)
Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) said he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: “Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the two bright ones, Al-Baqarah and Surah Aal `Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.” (Muslim)
Virtues and Characteristics of the Surah
Al-Baqarah has numerous virtues and great characteristics that were mentioned in the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) such as:
1- The Satan flees from a house in which Surat al-Baqarah is recited.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying: “Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surat Al-Baqarah is recited.” (Muslim)
2- This Surah and Aal `Imran shelter the one who keeps on their recitation and following their guidance brings blessings of Almighty Allah.
Abu Umamah said he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: “Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the two bright ones, Al-Baqarah and Surah Aal `Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.” (Muslim)
3- It contains the greatest verse in the Qur’an.
Ubayy ibn Ka`b (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Abu Mundhir! Do you know which verse in Allah’s Book is the greatest?” I replied: “It is ‘Allah la ilaha illa Huwal-Haiyul-Qayum (Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever-Living…)’.” (Al-Baqarah 2:256) Thereupon he (peace be upon him) patted me in the chest and said, “Rejoice by this knowledge, O Abu Mundhir!” (Muslim)
4- The last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah are one of the most memorized and recited Qur’anic verses among Muslims and that is for a good reason.
Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, “He who recites the two verses at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Is it a Makki or Madani Surah?
Surat Al-Baqarah is a Madani Surah. The greater part of the Surah was revealed during the first two years of the Prophet’s life in Madinah. The smaller part which was revealed at a later period has been included in this Surah because its contents are closely related to those dealt with in this Surah.
Purposes of the Surah
1- The Surah focuses on the Islamic doctrine, monotheism, and knowledge of Allah.
2- Mentioning three kinds of people regarding their relationship with the religion and adhering to it as follows:
The believers
The hypocrites
The disbelievers
3- There are many statements about the Resurrection and life after death with a few tangible examples, like the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and how the birds became restored to life, and the story of `Uzayr (Ezra).
4- There are long discussions and explanations concerning the Jews and hypocrites and their peculiar positions against Islam and the Qur’an, evidenced by their various mischievous hindrances against them.
5- There are some passages that illustrate some Islamic acts of worship such as: prayers, fasting, pilgrimage, Jihad, the change of the qiblah, marriage, divorce, debt, and a great many of the ordinances concerning usury.
6- The Surah also discusses the donation for the sake of Allah, the problem of retaliation, gambling, and wine drinking.
The Connection between Surat Al-Baqarah and Al-Fatihah:
There is a deep connection between the both. Imam As-Sayuti said:
There is a principle in the Qur’an that every surah is a detailed explanation for the surah that came before it (or sometimes a surah explains a particular point /verse in the previous surah).
Surat Al-Fatihah ends by speaking about two groups, those who went astray and those who incurred anger then in surat Al-Baqarah after a few verses Allah begins to speak about Banu Isra’il (the Jews and Christians).
Surat Al-Fatihah establishes the major themes found in the Makki Surahs whereas Surat Al-Baqarah summaries the major themes found in the Madani
Surat Al-Fatihah ends with a du`aa’ (guide us to the straight path…). Surat A-Baqarah also ends with a du`aa’.
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Sources:
www.dorar.net.
www.contemplatequran.wordpress.com
www.al-islam.org