Published February 12, 2026 · 9 min read
Surah Al-Baqarah (البقرة) is the 2nd chapter and the longest surah in the Holy Quran, containing 286 verses. Revealed primarily in Madinah, it is one of the most comprehensive chapters, covering everything from foundational beliefs to detailed Islamic rulings on worship, finance, and family life.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Do not make your houses like graves. Indeed, Shaitan runs from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited." (Sahih Muslim). This powerful hadith alone demonstrates the immense spiritual protection this surah carries.
Read Surah Al-Baqarah now: Listen with audio sync and transliteration on QuranMakkah
Surah Al-Baqarah holds a position of unmatched importance in the Quran. The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions spoke about it extensively, and its virtues are numerous:
The surah was given the name "Al-Baqarah" (The Cow) after the story of the cow that Allah commanded the Israelites to sacrifice — a story that teaches obedience to Allah without excessive questioning.
The surah begins by describing three types of people: the believers, the disbelievers, and the hypocrites. It establishes the Quran as guidance for the God-conscious and warns against the deception of hypocrisy.
Extensive accounts of the Israelites including their covenant with Allah, the story of Prophet Musa (Moses), the golden calf, and lessons from their failures and disobedience. These serve as powerful warnings for the Muslim community.
The crown jewel of the surah — Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse) — the greatest verse in the Quran, describing Allah's majesty, knowledge, and power. It is followed by the declaration that there is no compulsion in religion.
Detailed guidance on charity, prohibition of usury (riba), debt contracts, and family law. The surah concludes with the magnificent last two verses (285-286) — a comprehensive statement of faith and a beautiful supplication.
The Prophet (PBUH) explicitly stated that Shaitan flees from a home where Surah Al-Baqarah is recited. Many scholars recommend reciting it in your home at least once every three days to maintain this spiritual protection. The home becomes a place of barakah and peace.
Verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah is Ayat al-Kursi, confirmed by the Prophet (PBUH) as the greatest verse in the Quran. Reciting it after every obligatory prayer brings immense protection. The Prophet said: "Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing prevents him from entering Paradise except death." (An-Nasa'i)
Verses 285–286 hold a special status. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him." (Bukhari, Muslim). Scholars explain "suffice him" means they serve as protection from evil, as a substitute for night prayer, or as a comprehensive source of blessing.
As the longest surah, reciting Al-Baqarah carries an enormous amount of reward — each letter earns ten good deeds, and with 286 verses, the reward is immeasurable. It also provides the most comprehensive set of Islamic teachings found in any single surah, making it a complete guide for life.
Yes, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Do not make your houses like graves. Indeed, Shaitan runs from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited." (Sahih Muslim). This protection applies whether you recite it yourself or play an audio recitation.
Ayat al-Kursi (verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah) is the greatest verse in the entire Quran. The Prophet (PBUH) confirmed this. Reciting it after every obligatory prayer and before sleeping provides continuous protection from evil and brings the reciter closer to Paradise.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him." (Bukhari, Muslim). Scholars explain this means they provide protection from evil, serve as a supplication, and bring comprehensive blessings for the night.
Listen with word-by-word audio sync, transliteration, and translation.
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