Surah Al-Baqarah (the second and longest chapter of the Quran) holds immense spiritual significance, with several authentic hadiths emphasizing its rewards, protection, and intercession. Below are the key authentic narrations from Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and other reliable sources.
- Intercession and Shade on the Day of Judgment
Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Recite the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection. Recite the two bright ones, Al-Baqarah and Al-Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for taking recourse to it is a blessing, abandoning it is a cause of grief, and magicians cannot confront it.”
(Sahih Muslim 804; also in similar wording in other collections)
This highlights its role in providing shade and intercession on Judgment Day. - Protection from Shaytan
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Indeed, Shaytan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited.”
(Sahih Muslim 780)
Reciting it drives away devils, bringing peace and protection to the home. - The Last Two Verses (285-286) Are Sufficient
Abu Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5009; Sahih Muslim)
“Suffice” means protection from harm, sufficiency from night prayer (qiyam), or overall safeguarding—scholars like Imam Nawawi note it encompasses multiple benefits. - The Pinnacle of the Quran
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) described Surah Al-Baqarah as the “hump” or pinnacle of the Quran, containing Ayatul Kursi as the greatest verse.
(Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2878; graded authentic)
This underscores its supreme status among all chapters.
These authentic hadiths encourage regular recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah for blessings in this life (protection, barakah) and the next (intercession, shade). Beautiful calligraphy and depictions often adorn homes as reminders of its majesty.
