Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 996 [Read full issue]
Pinnacle of the Quran
The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke very highly of the many excellences and merits of al-Baqarah. Sahl ibn Sad reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Of everything there is a pinnacle, and the pinnacle of the Quran is Sura al-Baqarah. Whoever recites it in his house during the day, Satan would not enter his house for three days, and whoever recites it at night, Satan would not enter his house for three nights.' (Ibn Kathir, Tabarani)
Abu Hurayrah reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Don't turn your houses into graves. Satan does not enter the house in which al-Baqarah is recited.' (Muslim, Ibn Kathir)
Abu Umamah al-Bahili reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Recite the Quran, it will be the intercessor for its companions. Recite the two luminous ones — al-Baqarah and Al Imran — for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or canopies [full of light], or as two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite al-Baqarah: for in learning it is a blessing, and neglecting it results in great remorse, and only the slothful do not recite it.' (Muslim, Ibn Kathir)
To Ubayy ibn Kab he said: 'Whoever recites it, on him are Allah's blessings and His mercy. He will have the merit of one who has kept the siege in the way of Allah for an entire year without wavering. Instruct the Muslims to learn the Sura al-Baqarah.'(Qurtubi)
Al-Baqarah contains an ocean of meaning. The more one reflects and ponders over it, the more the priceless gems of guidance, wisdom and light he finds. (A canopy of light, indeed!) Referring to the 'ocean of meanings' it contains, Abdullah ibn Umar once said that it took him more than eight years just to 'learn' Sura al-Baqarah (Suyuti).
Compiled From:
"Treasures of the Qur'an: Surah al-Fatihah to Surah al-Mai'dah" - Abdur Rashid Siddiqui