Surah Al-Baqarah: Arabic & English Translation

Understanding the Quran is a profound journey, and one of the most significant chapters to explore is Surah Al-Baqarah. This longest chapter in the Quran is filled with invaluable lessons, stories, and guidance for Muslims. In this article, we’ll delve into Surah Al-Baqarah, providing both the Arabic text and its English translation to help you grasp its deep meanings. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or just beginning your Quranic studies, this comprehensive guide will be beneficial.

Diving Deep into Surah Al-Baqarah

Surah Al-Baqarah, meaning "The Cow," is the second and longest chapter of the Quran. It comprises 286 verses and covers a wide range of topics, including matters of faith, law, and morality. Understanding this surah is crucial for any Muslim seeking to strengthen their connection with Allah and live according to Islamic principles. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together!

Significance and Context

Before diving into the verses, it’s important to understand the context and significance of Surah Al-Baqarah. This surah was revealed in Medina after the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated from Mecca. It addresses various issues faced by the early Muslim community, including interactions with other religious groups, the establishment of Islamic laws, and the strengthening of faith among believers. The surah serves as a comprehensive guide for building a just and righteous society. Its teachings are timeless and continue to be relevant for Muslims today.

Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah

Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah brings numerous benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that reciting Surah Al-Baqarah in a house drives away Satan. It also offers protection and blessings from Allah. Regular recitation helps in understanding the Quran better, strengthening faith, and gaining rewards in this life and the hereafter. Many Muslims make it a habit to recite or listen to Surah Al-Baqarah regularly to reap its immense spiritual benefits.

Arabic Text and English Translation

Now, let's explore some key verses from Surah Al-Baqarah, presenting both the Arabic text and their English translations. This will help you to understand the meaning and context of each verse.

Verse 1: Alif, Lam, Meem

Arabic: الم

English Translation: Alif, Lam, Meem.

These are the opening letters of the surah, and their exact meaning is known only to Allah. These letters appear at the beginning of several chapters in the Quran and are considered one of its miracles.

Verse 2: Guidance for the Righteous

Arabic: ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

English Translation: This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.

This verse emphasizes that the Quran is a complete guide for those who are mindful of Allah. It highlights the importance of piety and righteousness in seeking guidance from the Quran. Those who are conscious of Allah find direction and clarity in its verses, making it a central theme of the entire Surah.

Verse 255: Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse)

Arabic: اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ

English Translation: Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi (throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

Ayat al-Kursi is one of the most powerful verses in the Quran. It speaks about the greatness and attributes of Allah, emphasizing His absolute power and knowledge. Reciting this verse offers protection and brings immense blessings. This verse highlights Allah's eternal existence and His role as the sustainer of the entire universe.

Verse 286: The Final Verse

Arabic: لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ ۗ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ ۖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا ۚ أَنتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ

English Translation: Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.