Surah Al-Baqarah
Surah Al-Baqarah — Its Virtues, When to Recite It, and Protecting the Home
What are the virtues of Surah Al-Baqarah, what happens when it is recited in the home, what is the virtue of the last two verses, and how can a busy person recite it regularly.
In this article
Among the practices for protecting the home from magic and the harm of Shaytan, the clearest and strongest one has been stated in the hadith itself — reciting Surah Al-Baqarah in the home.
The Virtues of Surah Al-Baqarah
The Prophet ﷺ said — "Do not make your houses graveyards. Shaytan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited." (Sahih Muslim)
In another narration it says — "Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for taking hold of it is a blessing and abandoning it is a cause of regret; and the magicians are unable to face it." (Sahih Muslim)
It is this last part that makes Surah Al-Baqarah so important against sihr (magic).
The Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
The Prophet ﷺ said — "Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will be sufficient for him." (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
It is a sunnah to recite these two verses (285–286) before sleeping. For those who do not have time to recite the whole surah, this is the daily minimum amal.
When Should Surah Al-Baqarah Be Recited?
No particular time is fixed — the main thing is that it is recited regularly in the home. Here are a few practical ways:
- Divide it over three days — divide the surah into three parts and recite one part each day
- Once a week the whole surah, and on the remaining days the last two verses
- By listening — if you cannot recite it yourself, keep a recitation playing in the home
- After Fajr or at night — whichever time is easier for you to keep to
A small amal done regularly is better than a large amal done irregularly. Reciting one page every day is more effective than reciting the whole surah once a month.
Does Listening to Surah Al-Baqarah Count Too?
Many people ask — if they keep a recording playing instead of reciting it themselves, will that suffice? According to the scholars, reciting it yourself is better and carries more reward; however, for those who cannot recite or who are ill, listening is beneficial and creates an atmosphere of recitation in the home.
The easiest way to begin — start tonight with the last two verses, then increase gradually.
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