Al-Baqarah (البقرة)
Definition
Al-Baqarah (البقرة), translated as “The Cow,” is the title of the second surah (chapter) in the Quran, which consists of 286 ayahs (verses). It is the longest surah of the Quran and addresses various themes primarily centered on divine guidance, ethical conduct, and legal matters.
Etymology
Al-Baqarah derives from the Arabic word البقرة (Al-Baqara), meaning “The Cow.” The surah is named after a passage within it that begins at verse 67, where Prophet Musa (Moses) conveys God’s command to the Israelites to sacrifice a cow.
Significance and Themes
Al-Baqarah is a crucial surah in the Quran, both in length and in content. Its major themes include:
- Divine Guidance: The admonition to follow the guidance provided by Allah, with references to previous scriptures and the failure of past communities like the Israelites to heed divine instruction.
- The Law and Conduct: Detailed legal norms, including guidelines for prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, and interpersonal conduct.
- Faith and Disbelief: Discussions on belief, disbelief, and hypocrisy, highlighting the characteristics of the believers, disbelievers, and hypocrites.
- Stories of Past Prophets: Narratives involving previous prophets, mainly focusing on the centuries before Muhammad to draw lessons.
Notable Verses
Some notable verses in Al-Baqarah include:
- Ayat al-Kursi (255): Extolling God’s all-encompassing knowledge and authority.
- The Verse of Loan (282): The longest single verse in the Quran, outlining the principles of fair transactions and contracts.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: البقرة (Al-Baqara)
- Turkish: Bakara Suresi
Recommended Reading for Further Study
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Qur’an and Woman: Rereading the Sacred Text from a Woman’s Perspective” by Amina Wadud
- “The Message of the Qur’an” by Muhammad Asad
- “Maqasid Al-Shariah as Philosophy of Islamic Law: A Systems Approach” by Jasser Auda
Key Takeaways
- Al-Baqarah is known for its comprehensive and extensive content, covering a wide array of guidance and legal aspects significant to the Muslim way of life.
- Preserves narratives of earlier prophets, emphasizing a consistent divine message across time.
- Known for pivotal verses that deeply resonate within Islamic theology and are frequently cited for their spiritual and practical implications.
Conclusion
Al-Baqarah stands as one of the most important surahs in the Islamic tradition, encapsulating the essence of guidance, law, and morality as revealed in the Quran. Through its extensive verses, it provides foundational principles and lessons that remain relevant for Muslims’ spiritual and daily lives.
