What Are the Benefits of Reading Surah Al-Baqarah

Surah Al-Baqarah, commonly known as Surah Baqarah, is one of the longest surahs of the Holy Quran; it has 286 verses. It was revealed to the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) in Medina over a long period of time, and the last two verses were revealed during Mi’raj or ascension of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ).

All of the verses of the Holy Quran hold significance and value for Muslims, but this particular Surah is important because it contains many essential commands for Muslims.  

Its importance also lies in the fact that there are great rewards for reciting Surah Al-Baqarah, especially the last 2 ayat’s.

Let’s learn about its significance, rewards, and teachings.

What Is the Reward for Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah?

The reward for reciting Surah Al-Baqarah is immense, especially the last 2 ayat. If we knew what the benefits were of reciting these verses, we would make it a habit to recite them every night before we go to sleep.

Abu Umama said he heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) 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 Al’ 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. (Sahih Muslim)

So it is clear from this hadith that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) specifically mentioned the benefits of reciting the last two ayats from Surah Baqarah. It holds a special place in regards to rewards from Allah as He has compared it to two giant clouds or flocks of birds that will carry us to heaven.

What Is Special about Surah Al-Baqarah?

Surah Al-Baqarah has a special place in the Holy Quran because the last two ayats were revealed outside the realm of the physical world. Allah called his beloved Prophet for a meeting above the seventh sky in an event known as Mi’raj or ascension, and while the Prophet was on the 6^th, heaven called Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, the last two ayats were revealed to him. Sahih Muslim:173

Surah Baqarah is the only Surah in the Quran that was revealed outside the physical realm, and herein lies its specialty. Moreover. Surah Baqarah also contains the famous Ayat ul Kursi, which the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) dubbed as the greatest ayat of the Quran Sahih Muslim:810. The Prophet (ﷺ) said that whoever recites Ayat ul Kursi will have a halo of protection around them; it will be as if they have an invisible protector from all harms and ills.

What Does Surah Al-Baqarah Teach Us?

Surah Al-Baqarah is a comprehensive Surah with many lessons, let’s look at them one by one:

Belief in Allah

The first and foremost lesson it teaches us is that we should submit our will and intention to Allah 100%. We should always look to Allah whenever we are in a difficult situation and accept that only Allah can determine our destiny. It teaches Muslims to rely on Allah and seek sustenance from Allah as only He can bring us strength.  

Through the story of the Prophet Musa alaihissalam, Allah tells Muslims to have a firm belief in Him. Prophet Musa alaihissalam was being attacked by Firaun (Pharaoh) and his entire army. At one point, Prophet Musa was about to be killed; he was cornered by the sea on one side and the Pharaoh’s army on the other.

However, he had a firm belief that Allah would save him, and that is when the sea parted, and Musa alaihissalam was able to escape the Pharaoh’s army with his followers. Allah told this story to signify that your belief in Allah can save you even in the most difficult situations.

How to Setup an Islamic State

The revelation of Surah Al-Baqarah began just when the Muslims of Mecca migrated to the city of Medina to set up an Islamic state, and the verses contain detailed guidelines on how to do just that. The Surah is a cornerstone of Islamic society; it contains the blueprint on which the Islamic State of Medina was founded. Within the Surah, there are lessons for Muslims on all fronts; whether social, political, or economic, the Surah covers all the principles that the Muslim ummah must follow to build a harmonious community.

The Fundamentals of Islam

Surah Al-Baqarah also teaches us about the fundamental concepts of Islam like the belief in life after death, Day of Judgment, and Fast, etc.

In the Surah, Allah tells us that we should remember that the Day of Judgment will be upon us and that we should remember that this world is only temporary. There are many temptations in this world, but we must remember that we will be held accountable for them in the hereafter.

Similarly, it talks about Ramadan, the month of fasting. It reveals how to fast during the month of Ramadan. The Surah also explains the fate that is met out to the non-believers who worship idols and those who are hypocrites and Munafiqun, which is an important concept in Islam,

Belief in All Prophets

The Surah also retells the story of important Prophets like Adam, Ibrahim, and Musa alaihissalam. Through these stories, the verses reveal that Muslims must believe in the prophecy of all prophets before the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

What Are the Benefits Of Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah?

There are many benefits of reciting Surah Al-Baqarah, and the most authentic (hasan) benefit of the Surah is that it protects you from Shaitan (Satan) and all evils.

The Surah helps to protect people who recite it from evildoers and those who wish harm upon us. The recitation of the Surah will protect us from black magic, witchcraft, and nazar or evil eye.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported, ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Satan runs away from the house in which Surah Baqarah is recited.’ Sahih Muslim:780.

Specifically, the last two verses of the Surah are of great importance. If we look at various hadiths, we can see that surah Al-Baqarah and the last two ayat have been mentioned numerous times by scholars and Islamic experts.

The last two verses explain the benefits of reciting at night before you go to sleep and how important it is for Muslims.

Abu Mas’ud Al-Badri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, ‘He who recites the two Ayat [verses] at the end of Surat Al Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.‘ (Al- Bukhari and Muslim)

Surah Baqarah can also be recited for 41 days as a wazifa which will help to get rid of the devil and evil eye from your house. Similarly, recite Ayat ul Kursi before going to sleep, while travelling, and before any hardship to protect yourself from harm.

Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah Has Many Rewards and Benefits

The rewards and benefits of Surah Baqarah are aplenty. We should make it a habit to recite the entire Surah whenever we can, but if you find it difficult as it is quite long, then you can also recite the last two verses of the Surah, especially before you go to bed. Also, reciting the Surah as a wazifa for 41 days to rid your house of the devil and evil is a good way to protect you and your family from harm.