Al-Baqarah (Surah 2)

Introduction

This Medinian sûrah, which takes its name from the story of the cow in verses 67–73, details the main concepts of the previous sûrah, with emphasis on the qualities of the believers, disbelievers, and hypocrites; Allah’s power to create and resurrect; the enmity of Satan towards Adam (ﷺ) and his descendants; as well as Allah’s covenant with Moses (ﷺ) and the Children of Israel. Several rulings are given in regards to marital relationships, bequest, jihad, fasting, pilgrimage, donations, debts, and interest. Unlike the next sûrah, which focuses on the Christian perception of Jesus, this sûrah dedicates a sizable portion to Jewish attitudes and practices.