Reflections on Surah Al-Baqarah - A Reminder for the Heart

Assalamu Alaikum. Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar Rahimahullah once said that every time he reads Surah Al-Baqarah he feels a deep comfort in his heart, yet two little questions keep returning to him: Why is the greatest surah called “Al-Baqarah” (The Cow)? And how do so many different rulings, stories, and verses knit together into one clear message? Some critics even mocked it, saying it jumps from one thing to another without logic. But the Quran is not a random human composition; it is the Word of a Wise and All-Knowing Lord, and everything is placed with purpose. First: why the name “Al-Baqarah”? On the surface the story is simple but deep in meaning. A man among the Children of Israel was killed and the murderer was unknown. They asked Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), and the guidance they received was: slaughter a cow. They were puzzled - they were asking about a murder, yet the command seemed unrelated - so they delayed and questioned until finally they obeyed. When they struck the cow as commanded, a miracle happened: the dead man was brought back to life briefly and pointed out his killer. The point is clear: do not argue with your Lord’s command; carry it out without unnecessary delay. Obedience brings goodness. Second: what ties the surah’s verses together? Surah Al-Baqarah is not just a book of rulings or a book of stories - it’s really a surah about succession on Earth. It presents two main scenes: Part One: three successors on Earth and three different outcomes. 1) Adam (peace be upon him) erred but repented immediately - partial success. 2) The Children of Israel received blessings, scripture, and prophets but fell into argument, scheming, and rebellion - failure. 3) Abraham (peace be upon him) responded to every test with, “We hear and we obey” - complete success. Part Two: now it’s your turn. After showing these three models, the surah presents rulings and legislation - fasting, retribution, spending, usury, marriage, divorce, trade, debt - as if God is saying: before you act on these laws, decide which type you will be. Are you like Adam, who errs but returns? Or like the Children of Israel, who hear but do not obey? Or like Abraham, who submits without argument? Then comes the weighty reminder: to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and He will account for what is within your hearts. The Companions were moved to tears and said, “O Messenger of Allah, we cannot bear this.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned, “Do not be like the Children of Israel who said, ‘We hear and we obey,’” and through perseverance the believers attained God’s praise: “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers.” They said, “We hear and we obey. Our Lord, forgive us; to You is the return.” And then the comforting assurance came: God does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. Finally, the supplication: “Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or make a mistake.” It’s a plea: forgive us if we slip like Adam; do not burden us as those before us who disobeyed; pardon us, have mercy, and make us among the party of Abraham - the party of obedience and true success. This surah is not merely “Al-Baqarah,” but a chapter about resolve and choice: either be a sincere successor or fall into argument and procrastination. If this reached your heart, light it with a short prayer: O Allah, send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.