Surah Al-Baqarah 1-5
Place of Revelation: Madinah
Tawqeefi Sequence: 2
Order of Revelation: 87
Ruku: 40
Verses: 286
Reason for Name: It is named Al-Baqarah (The Cow) after the mention of the story of the cow in verses 67–73. This story refers to an incident involving Bani Israel and reflects their reluctance and questioning in following Allah's command.
Time of Revelation: Revealed gradually over several years after the Hijrah (Migration to Madinah). It addresses laws, social matters, and guidance for the growing Muslim community.
Recognizing Allah as the Sustainer of All Creation
At the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah introduces the Quran and describes the qualities of those who believe in the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him). This Surah also includes mention of the hypocrites. After migrating to Madinah, Muslims came into contact with the Jews. The Jews, although they had settled in Madinah awaiting the arrival of the final Prophet, became envious upon the arrival of the Messenger of Allah. They altered the descriptions of the Prophet that had been clearly mentioned in the Torah. In doing so, they rejected both the Torah and the Messenger. Surah Al-Baqarah sheds light on all these matters.
In Madinah, the Prophet laid the foundation of an Islamic state. This Surah outlines the fundamental principles required for the establishment of a state. It also discusses the disobedience of Bani Israel and their failure to uphold the covenants they made with Allah. Bani Israel were given leadership over the nations of the world for about twenty-five thousand (2,500) years. This Surah announces their removal from this position of leadership and the transfer of this responsibility to the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad.
In verse 106, Allah abrogates the previously revealed divine laws and scriptures before the Quran. Many laws are clarified in this Surah. Allah does not merely command belief but also invites man to use intellect and consciousness to recognize the truth of God.
_____ Awareness (Āgāhi) ___________________________________________________________________
Madni Surah: The Surahs revealed from the time of migration to Madinah until the passing of the Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) are called Madani Surahs. There are a total of twenty-eight (28) Madani Surahs. (See Awareness: Introduction to Surah Al-Baqarah)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
There is No Doubt in the Quran
2:2 Inference: There is absolutely no doubt in the Quran that has been revealed to My Messenger. This is the very same Book I have mentioned in the earlier scriptures (Al Quran, 26:196). I have sent this Word down upon My servant Muhammad for the guidance and direction of mankind. I have made it easy to understand for those who reflect (Al Quran, 19:97, 44:58, 54:17). It was brought by a trustworthy angel (Al Quran, 26:193). Every single letter is preserved exactly as I revealed it (Al Quran, 10:37-38, 15:9, 26:192-195, 17:88). For those who accept Me as their Master and live according to My commands, while recognizing that I am closer than their jugular vein (Al Quran, 50:16), the Quran is a source of guidance.
Explanation: The Quran is a book of guidance. Allah has commanded reflection and contemplation in dozens of verses (Al Quran, 1:5, 15:9). He says: “For those who reflect, there are signs in the Quran” (Al Quran, 4:82, 13:3). Therefore, whoever sincerely seeks guidance, Allah will grant it to them.
Topics: 1. Fear of Allah 2. The Quran 3. Guidance 4. Believers
Characteristics of the Believers
2:3 Inference: Successful are those who believe in Me without seeing, based on what My Messenger has conveyed. They establish prayer as per My command. They are the ones who spend from the blessings We have given them — on their parents, spouses, children, the poor, the needy, and in My path (Al Quran, 2:215, 2:219, 47:36-38).
Topics: 1. Belief in the unseen 2. True believers
2:4 Inference: These are the people who believe in the Quran revealed to My Messenger and also in the scriptures and scrolls sent to the previous prophets. They have firm belief in the Day of Accountability – a day that belongs to Me. Their belief in that Day and their certainty of returning to their Lord makes it easier for them to walk upon the path I have shown (Al Quran, 2:48).
Explanation: The Quran emphasizes the Oneness of Allah and the continuity of divine religion. All divine scriptures brought the same essential message. The Arabs believed that once the human body decomposes after death, it cannot be revived (Al Quran, 45:24). They thought that this worldly life is all there is. This verse clarifies the reality of existence.
Topics: 1. Afterlife 2. True believers 3. Revelation 4. Divine scriptures
2:5 Inference: It is the believers who walk on the straight path by following the guidance sent by Me. These are the ones who will succeed in this world and the Hereafter. They will be overjoyed when they receive the reward in the Hereafter for having lived by My commands in this world (Al Quran, 2:25, 23:10-11, 31:2-5).
Explanation: In the previous four (4) verses, Allah mentions seven (7) signs of the successful ones: 1. They accept Allah as their Master and live their lives according to His commands, knowing He is closer than their jugular vein. 2. They believe in Allah without seeing Him, based on the Prophet’s message. 3. They establish prayer. 4. They spend from what Allah has provided in His path and for the people. 5. They believe in the final revelation – the Quran. 6. They believe in the scriptures revealed before the Quran. 7. They believe in the Day of Accountability.
Topics: 1. True believers
