Al-Baqara

Al-Baqara (Arabic: سورة البقرة, meaning "The Cow" or "The Cattle") is the second chapter of the Quran, and contains the most verses of any chapter. It comprises approximately 286 verses and occupies a substantial portion of the first three parts (juz) of the Quran.

The chapter is Medinan, meaning that most of it was revealed during the period when the Prophet Muhammad resided in Medina, after the hijra. Its subjects include Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), community covenants, and accounts concerning the Children of Israel.

Name

The chapter's name derives from a story within it concerning the Children of Israel, who were commanded to slaughter a cow. The narrative illustrates how they posed many questions before complying with the command. The names of Quranic chapters generally derive from words or topics found in the text and are not titles that comprehensively describe all the contents.

Subjects

The chapter opens with the disconnected letters "Alif Laam Miim," and then divides people into three categories: believers, disbelievers, and hypocrites. It contains the story of the creation of Adam and the angels, an extended account of Moses and the Children of Israel, and the story of Abraham and the building of the Kaaba.

Regarding jurisprudence, the chapter discusses the change of the direction of prayer (qibla) from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Mecca, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage, marriage and divorce, inheritance, and the prohibition of usury (riba). It also contains the longest verse in the Quran, concerning the recording of debts.

Well-known verses

Ayat al-Kursi (the Verse of the Throne) is among the chapter's most frequently recited and memorized verses; it discusses God's power and knowledge. Similarly, the final two verses of the chapter are regarded as a supplication and declaration of faith, and it is customary to recite them in the evening.

Usage

Because of its length and juridical depth, Al-Baqara plays a significant role in Quranic study, memorization, and jurisprudential learning. Its verses are regularly cited in discussions concerning Islamic finance, particularly regarding the prohibition of usury.