Recited by
Mustafa Ismail
Surah Al-Baqarah by Mustafa Ismail - MP3
سورة البقرة
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About This Surah
Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) is the longest chapter in the Quran with 286 verses. It is a comprehensive legislative surah addressing the foundations of faith, worship, law, and social conduct for the Muslim community.
Key Themes
Guidance and misguidance, the story of Adam and Iblis, the trials of Bani Israel, the change of the Qibla, laws of fasting and Hajj, the prohibition of usury (riba), and the most famous verse in the Quran — Ayat Al-Kursi (verse 255).
Virtues & Significance
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for taking to it is a blessing and giving it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it." (Sahih Muslim). It is widely recited for protection and as Ruqyah. Its last two verses (Al-Baqarah 285-286) are said to be sufficient for one who recites them at night.
Context of Revelation
Revealed primarily in Madinah after the Hijra, Al-Baqarah is the first Medinan surah and the longest in the Quran. It took several years to be fully revealed, addressing the nascent Muslim community's legal and social needs.
About the Reciter
Sheikh Mustafa Ismail (1905–1978) was a legendary Egyptian Quran reciter widely regarded as having one of the most extraordinary voices in the history of Quranic recitation.