Surah Al-Baqarah is mainly a Madni Surah. The major portion of this longest Surah of the Quran was revealed during the first two years after the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina. The last two verses of this Surah, the verses 285 and 286 are rated as the most important verses of the Quran.
Verse 285 of Surah Al-Baqarah:
اٰمَنَ الرَّسُوْلُ بِمَاۗ اُنْزِلَ اِلَيْہِ مِنْ رَّبِّہٖ وَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ۰ۭ كُلٌّ اٰمَنَ بِاللہِ وَمَلٰۗىِٕكَتِہٖ وَكُتُبِہٖ وَرُسُلِہٖ۰ۣ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنْ رُّسُلِہٖ۰ۣ وَقَالُوْا سَمِعْنَا وَاَطَعْنَا ۰ۤۡ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَاِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيْرُ
Translation
The Prophet believes in what has been revealed to him by his Lord, and so do the faithful. Each one believes in God and His angels, His Books and the prophets, and We make no distinction between the apostles. For they say: “We hear and obey, and we seek Your forgiveness, O Lord, for to You we shall journey in the end.”
Verse 286 of Surah Al-Baqarah:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللہُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَہَا۰ۭ لَہَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْہَا مَااكْتَسَبَتْ۰ۭ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَاۗ اِنْ نَّسِيْنَاۗ اَوْ اَخْطَاْنَا۰ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَاۗ اِصْرًا كَـمَا حَمَلْتَہٗ عَلَي الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا۰ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَۃَ لَنَا بِہٖ۰ۚ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا۰۪ وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا۰۪ وَارْحَمْنَا۰۪ اَنْتَ مَوْلٰىنَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَي الْقَوْمِ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ
Translation
God does not burden a soul beyond capacity. Each will enjoy what (good) he earns, as indeed each will suffer from (the wrong) he does. Punish us not, O Lord, if we fail to remember or lapse into error. Burden us not, O Lord, with a burden as You did those before us. Impose not upon us a burden, O Lord, we cannot carry. Overlook our trespasses and forgive us, and have mercy upon us; You are our Lord and Master, help us against the clan of unbelievers.
These two verses hold a special status and importance, as they cover the core Islamic beliefs, highlighting the relationship between Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and the believers, as well as providing a powerful supplication in the last verse. The core beliefs in Islam, such as the belief in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, His Angels, His Books, and His Prophets, are narrated in the 285th verse of Surah Al Baqarah, whereas in the last verse (286th Verse) it is assured that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى does not put a burden on any of the believers, which is beyond their capacity. Following this affirmation, a powerful set of supplications is provided in the last part of this verse.
Historical Background of Revelation of The Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
It is widely believed that the last two verses were given to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ as a gift by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى during his ascension to the heavens on the event of Miraj. Although it happened during the last phase of the Prophet’s life in Mecca, these verses are included in Surah Al-Baqarah, which is primarily a Madni Surah, based on their relevance to the subject and theme of the Surah. Despite a slight difference of opinion amongst the Scholars, the revelation of these two verses is established as being gifted to the Prophet during the night of ascension. It is also evidenced in Hadiths.
Hadith number 173 of Sahih Al-Muslim narrates the event of Miraj, where three important gifts were given by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى to His Messenger, Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, including the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, the other two being five daily prayers and remission of serious sins for those who believe in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
Translation
It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah (b. Umar) that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was taken for the Night journey, he was taken to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, which is situated on the sixth heaven, where terminates everything that ascends from the earth and is held there, and where terminates every- thing that descends from above it and is held there. (It is with reference to this that) Allah said: ” When that which covers covered the lote-tree” (al-Qur’an, Iiii. 16). He (the narrator) said: (It was) gold moths. He (the narrator further) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was given three (things): he was given five prayers, he 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.
That’s why these two verses are considered to be highly virtuous. Recitation of these verses brings huge benefits and rewards, especially during the night for protection against evils.
Significance and Meanings of The Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
While the 285th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah is an affirmation of the basic concept of faith, the next verse narrates the Divine Mercy and subsequently teaches us the best way to supplicate. In fact, these verses summarize the subject and theme of the entire Surah Al-Baqarah.
· Significance of the 285th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah
This verse confirms the fundamental beliefs of a Muslim, which include:
- Belief in Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
- Belief in His Angels.
- Belief in all of His revealed Books.
- Belief in all of His Prophets.
- No discrimination among the Prophets.
The verse starts with the affirmation that the Prophet believes in what was revealed upon him by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and his followers also believe in that. Going further, the distinction between the believers and the non-believers is narrated. The believers would say “we hear and we obey”, contrary to the earlier nations, such as the Jews, who said, “we hear and we disobey”. The disobedience of the Jews is mentioned in the 46th verse of the Surah An-Nisa, as under:
Translation
Some among the Jews distort the words out of context and say (in place of the right words): “We have heard and do not obey;” and, “hear without hearing,” and “listen to us,” twisting their tongues and reviling the faith. But if they had said: “We have heard and obeyed,” and, “hear and regard us,” it would have been better for them and more appropriate. But God has disgraced them for their lack of belief; and so only a few of them believe.
The consequences of their disobedience are also mentioned in the last part of the above-referenced verse. On the other hand, in the 285th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, the qualities of the believers are mentioned, “We hear and obey, and we seek Your forgiveness, for to You we shall journey in the end”, thus removing from them the hardship, as contrary to the fate of the disbelievers, as mentioned in the 78th verse of Surah Al-Ma’ida:
Translation
Cursed were disbelievers among the children of Israel by David and Jesus, son of Mary, because they rebelled and transgressed the bounds.
So, that is the clear distinction between the believers and disbelievers. Believers would submit unconditionally, whereas the disbelievers try to distort things and commit glaring disobedience.
· Significance of the 286th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah
This verse starts with the assertion that Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى does not put a burden on His believers, which is beyond their capacity; hence showing the Divine justice and mercy. Following this, there is a comprehensive set of Supplications, which every believer is expected to recite, so often. That’s why this verse is sometimes referred to as the verse of Supplication and Mercy. The supplications in this verse include the following important aspects:
- Divine mercy for the mistakes or sins committed by the believers, based on the forgiveness for forgetfulness and Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
- Protection from the excessive burden, contrary to the previous nations, such as the children of Israel.
- Praying for victory and mercy, seeking Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى support against oppression.
- Requesting for the Exoneration of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
This verse is an assurance for the believers that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is Merciful and just and never puts any burden on them for which they are not capable. It also teaches us how to supplicate in the best of the words.
Significance Of Verses 285 And 286 Of Surah Al-Baqarah In Hadith
The significance of these two verses is narrated in different Hadiths, which mention that they are a source of blessings and protection, especially when recited at night.
· Special Status – One of the Two Special Lights
The last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah are referred to as one of the two special lights, given to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, as narrated in Hadith 806 of Sahih Al-Muslim.
Translation
Ibn ‘Abbas reported that while Gabriel was sitting with the Apostle (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).
· Protection and Mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
Provision of protection and Mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى are the core benefits and virtues of reciting these verses.
Hadith 5040 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates the significance of these two verses, as under:
Translation
Narrated Abu Mas`ud Al-Ansari: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If one recites the last two Verses of Surat-al-Baqara at night, it is sufficient for him (for that night).
The same subject is narrated in Hadith 807a of Sahih Al-Muslim as under:
Translation
Abd al-Rahman b. Yazid reported: I met Abu Mas’ud near the House (Ka’ba) and said to him: A hadith has been conveyed to me on your authority about the two (concluding verses of Surah al-Baqara. He said: Yes. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) (in fact) said: Anyone who recites the two verses at the end of Surah al-Baqara at night, they would suffice for him.
Per the scholars, the term “Sufficient for him” or “Suffice him” includes protection from evil, Satan, and all kinds of harm, throughout the night. It is also believed that these two verses are sufficient for providing a spiritual shield during the night and can be recited in place of lengthy supplications, yet getting equal protection and benefits. In short, it is established from different Hadiths that these two verses, when recited during the night, protect the reciter from evil, Satan, and all sorts of harm.
In another Hadith, as appears at number 7422 in Sahih Al-Bukhari, it is narrated that Allah’s Mercy prevails over His Wrath.
Translation
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When Allah had finished His creation, He wrote over his Throne: ‘My Mercy preceded My Anger.
This Hadith refers to the Mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, which every believer might get while reciting the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, especially during the night. Hence these verses of Surah Al-Baqarah provide us with powerful supplication, invoking the above-mentioned Mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, seeking forgiveness for mistakes and relief from excessive and unbearable burden.
· Relief from Anxiety and Unbearable Burdens
The first part of the last verse of Surah Al-Baqarah provides a sense of relief from anxiety, as it assures the believers that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى does not put them under the burden, which might be beyond their capacity. It brings peace of mind and courage to face difficult times, keeping complete trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. Hence, one should recite this verse during times of stress, which would strengthen their patience and firm belief in Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى Justice and Mercy.
· Following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ
Reciting these verses daily, before going to bed is also an act of following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. The Prophet emphasized the recitation of these two verses to get protection from Satan.
Hadith 5017 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates the Sunnah of the Prophet as under:
Translation
Narrated ‘Aisha: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over it after reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas, Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas, and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face and front of his body. He used to do that three times.
Hence, repeating this action would not only bring the benefits of recitation of these verses but would also bring the rewards of following the Sunnah of the Prophet.
· An All-inclusive Dua for All Needs
The last verse of Surah Al-Baqarah teaches us a comprehensive set of Supplications (Dua), which fit all needs and situations one might come across during their lifetime. It includes:
- Forgiveness, seeking pardon from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
- Seeking Mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
- Relief from hardships
- Victory over the enemies
Conclusion
Although every word in the Quran is important, virtuous, and brings huge rewards for the reciters, some of the verses and Surahs are considered highly beneficial. The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah are among those that are highly virtuous. The significance of these verses is mentioned in several Hadiths. It is also one of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ to recite these two verses before going to bed.
In many Hadiths, the significance and virtuousness of these two verses are narrated in different contexts. It is repeatedly emphasized in several Hadiths to recite these verses during the night, so as to get protection from evil, Satan, and all kinds of harm, for the entire night. The last verse of Surah Al-Baqarah comprises a complete Dua, which can be recited anytime under any condition.
 and its spiritual impact in a believer’s life.){kind=link}