Surah
Juz
The majority of Surah Al-Baqarah was revealed in the first two years of Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ life in Madinah, with some later revelations included due to their relevance. It addresses the transition from preaching to the polytheist Quraysh in Makkah to engaging with the Jewish community in Madinah, who had deviated from true monotheistic beliefs. Despite efforts to invite them to Islam, they remained resistant. The Surah is a chronicle of their decline and emphasises the importance of adhering to true religion and morality. In Madinah, the struggle against disbelief evolved into a collective effort to protect the Muslim community. The Quran provides guidance on spreading Islam, identifying hypocrites, facing adversity with courage, and preparing for armed resistance against threats. It also highlights the importance of moral courage in establishing Islamic principles and addresses the emergence of hypocrites within the Muslim community. This multifaceted approach demonstrates the Quran's adaptability to the changing circumstances in Madinah.
Surah Al-Baqarah, the longest in the Quran, encompasses various themes and stories centred around guidance. It begins by asserting the authenticity of the Quran as a guide for those mindful of Allah. The Surah categorises people into believers, rejecters, and hypocrites, emphasising the consequences of each group's choices. Stories of creation, Prophet Adam, and Satan illustrate the potential for beings to lose guidance. The narrative then shifts to the Children of Israel and Pharaoh, exploring the nature of guidance and misguidance. The story of the cow, from which the Surah takes its name, is included, along with the exemplary conduct of Prophet Solomon. Aimed at the Jews, the Surah draws on their history to urge acceptance of Divine Guidance, akin to what was revealed to Prophet Moses. It emphasises Allah's ultimate judgement and the consolidation of truth through figures like Prophet Ibrahim. The latter part of the Surah delves into Islamic laws and includes stories of other prophets, such as Ezekiel, Samuel, David, and interactions with figures like King Nimrod and Prophet Ezra.
