Surah Al Baqarah

The Story of the Cow

Class notes

Surah al Baqarah contains 286 verses. The verse which is exactly in the middle, verse 143, talks about the balance and the middle nation (Muslims).

Surah al Baqarah is split into two major subjects 1-142 is about one subject, 144-283 is about a separate subject.

We are an ummah (community) which is in the middle. Meaning we are balanced. We integrate our lives in a balanced way. We take care of our intellect, body and soul in a balanced way, both spiritually and materialistically.

I. Book (written) in Qur’an, in Allah’s preserved book in Jennah (Heaven), in the 7^th Heaven ( Jennah al-Firdous) and in the book of the angels.

A. It is unlike any other way of writing. The Qur’an is a drawing, it is not writing. Printing of a mushaf (copy of the Qur’an) is different than any other book in the Arabic language.

B. Book

C. Qur’an means: read, recited

1. Some angels have the specific job of constantly reciting the Qur’an.

2. Reciting Qur’an is a form of worship.

II. The name Al Baqarah means “The Story of the Cow” not “The Cow” and refers to 2: 67-73.

III. The first ½ of al Baqarah discusses

A. Verses 1-5 Al Muttaqeen – thos who acquired shelter and protection from Allah’s punishment through correct means.

B. Verses 6-7 The Disbelievers

C. Verses 8-29 The Hypocrits

D. Verses 30-39 The Story of Adam and his appointed time on earth.

E. Verses 40-142 Critical review of the Children of Israel.

IV. Every home should have a designated masjid area. The Prophet (salallahu alehi wa salam) said the house in which al-Baqarah is not recited is like a cemetery and the house in which it is recited shaytan runs away from.

A. Prophet Muhammad used to appoint those who had memorized Surah al Baqarah as ameer (leader).

B. Surah al Baqarah is for the Qur’an like the hump of the camel.

C. If you recite Ayyat al Kursi before sleeping 2 angels will come to protect you.

V. The main ideas of Surah al Baqarah are:

A. Guidance

B. Representation