Summary of Quran Chapter 2 Surah Al Baqarah The Cow, Hadith

Summary of Quran Chapter 2 Surah Al Baqarah The Cow, Hadith 

Baqarah is a Madani Surah. It contains two hundred and eighty-six verses and forty ruku's. (Ruku meaning in English is Genuflection or The Doublet of) 

This is the longest surah of the Holy Qur'an, its incident is mentioned in verses 67-73. Which the Israelites were ordered to slaughter. Therefore, the name of this Surah is Surah Baqara. Because Baqara is called cow in Arabic. This surah begins with the statement of the basic tenets of Islam, namely, monotheism, prophethood, and the hereafter. In this regard, three types of human beings, namely, believers, infidels, and hypocrites have been described. 

Then the story of the creation of Adam (peace be upon him) is narrated, so that man may know the purpose of his creation. A long series of verses after this is mainly addressed to the Jews who lived in large numbers around Medina. There is a detailed description of the blessings which Allah Almighty bestowed on them, and how they acted in ingratitude and disobedience. 

It mentions Abraham (peace be upon him) because not only Jews and Christians but also Arab pagans considered him as their leader. All of them have been reminded that they believed in pure monotheism and did not accept any form of polytheism. In this context, the topic of building Baitullah and making it Qibla (direction) has been discussed. This surah contains many rules concerning the individual and collective life of Muslims, including many issues ranging from worship to society, family affairs, and governance. 

Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Al-Imraan are two of these Surahs which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) named Al-Zahrawain. It means that is, they are two very bright and enlightening Surahs (Quranic Chapters). 

This surah contains articles on Islamic law. It addresses the People of the Book. The importance and virtue of Surah Al-Baqarah can be gauged from the fact that the Messenger of Allah has declared it to be the peak of the Qur'an. 

Hadith narrated by Hazrat Maqil bin Yasar: 

The Messenger of Allah Almighty, (PBUH), said Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow, Quran Chapter:2) the hump and peak of the Qur’an. (The Musnad of Imam Ahmad - Hazrat Ma'qal bin Yasar (may Allah be pleased with him) as narrated.- Hadith No. 19419). 

Hadith narrated Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri: 

Allah's Messenger Mohammad (PBUH) said, " Whosoever recited the last two verses of Al-Baqarah (The Cow) at night, that wii be sufficient for him. " (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.5, Hadith NO:345). 

Surah Al-Baqarah can be divided into two parts and in this regard, Dr. Israr Ahmad, the late religious scholar, has suggested a name for it, namely, Surah Al-Umatin, the Surah of two nations. In the first half, the original address is to the former Jewish nation, who at that time were the representatives of God and the same Muslim Ummah on earth. 

But due to their misdeeds, they proved themselves incompetent in this position, so they were deposed and a new nation of Muhammad's Ummah was appointed to this position. In the first half, there is a conversation with the former ummah and it is as if they have been accused of doing this. We have bestowed upon you innumerable favors and kindnesses. 

Our blessings are upon you. But this is your behavior, because of which you are being ousted. This article is from the first half of the former Jewish nation. Now the second ummah has been established, that is, the ummah of Muhammad. It is addressed within the second half. 

Disclaimer: These quotations are taken from the books of various religious scholars.