Our previous posts: Before we read the Hadith and its explanation, you may like to read our following posts which have the same theme of understanding Qur'an and sharing it with others:
Coming back to the hadith being shared today, which is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 6 The Book of Prayer - Travellers / كتاب الزكاة / Chapter 42: The virtue of reciting the Qur’an and Surat al-Baqarah / باب فَضْلِ قِرَاءَةِ الْقُرْآنِ وَسُورَةِ الْبَقَرَةِ مِنَ الْمَعْرُوفِ / as Hadith number # 804a as under:
Abu Umama said he heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) say:
Recite the Qur'an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqara and Surah Al 'Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah al-Baqara, for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.
(Mu'awiya said: It has been conveyed to me that here Batala means magicians.)
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنِي الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ الْحُلْوَانِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو تَوْبَةَ، - وَهُوَ الرَّبِيعُ بْنُ نَافِعٍ - حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاوِيَةُ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ سَلاَّمٍ - عَنْ زَيْدٍ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا سَلاَّمٍ، يَقُولُ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو أُمَامَةَ، الْبَاهِلِيُّ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " اقْرَءُوا الْقُرْآنَ فَإِنَّهُ يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ شَفِيعًا لأَصْحَابِهِ اقْرَءُوا الزَّهْرَاوَيْنِ الْبَقَرَةَ وَسُورَةَ آلِ عِمْرَانَ فَإِنَّهُمَا تَأْتِيَانِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ كَأَنَّهُمَا غَمَامَتَانِ أَوْ كَأَنَّهُمَا غَيَايَتَانِ أَوْ كَأَنَّهُمَا فِرْقَانِ مِنْ طَيْرٍ صَوَافَّ تُحَاجَّانِ عَنْ أَصْحَابِهِمَا اقْرَءُوا سُورَةَ الْبَقَرَةِ فَإِنَّ أَخْذَهَا بَرَكَةٌ وَتَرْكَهَا حَسْرَةٌ وَلاَ تَسْتَطِيعُهَا الْبَطَلَةُ " . قَالَ مُعَاوِيَةُ بَلَغَنِي أَنَّ الْبَطَلَةَ السَّحَرَةُ
This hadith emphasizes the virtues of reciting and adhering to the Qur'an, specifically highlighting Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Aal-'Imran. Let’s break it down:
1. Reciting the Qur'an as Intercession
"Recite the Qur'an, because it will come as an intercessor on the Day of Judgment for its companions."
Intercession on the Day of Judgment: This means the Qur'an will advocate for those who engaged with it sincerely, asking Allah to forgive and reward them. It highlights the immense reward of being closely connected with the Qur'an through recitation, understanding, and practice.
Companions of the Qur'an: Refers to those who recite the Qur'an regularly, ponder its meanings, and strive to implement its guidance in their lives.
2. The Special Virtue of Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Aal-'Imran
"Recite the two illuminating ones, Sūrat al-Baqarah and Sūrat Āl-‘Imrān, because these will come as two clouds, two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks defending their companions on the Day of Resurrection."
The Two Illuminating Ones: Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Aal-'Imran are referred to as the "illuminating ones" because they are filled with guidance, light, and wisdom that enlighten the heart and soul.
Symbolism of Clouds, Shade, and Birds:
Clouds and Shade: They will provide protection and relief from the hardships of the Day of Judgment.
Flocks of Birds: Represents their beauty, harmony, and defense for those who recited them in this life.
Defense for Their Companions: These surahs will testify on behalf of those who read and adhered to them, seeking Allah's mercy and protection for them on the Day of Judgment.
3. The Unique Status of Surah Al-Baqarah
"Recite Sūrat al-Baqarah because reading it is a blessing, abandoning it is a (cause of) regret, and the mendacious (sorcerers) cannot handle it."
- A Blessing: Regular recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah brings immense spiritual, emotional, and even physical blessings. It strengthens faith, provides guidance, and brings protection.
- Regret for Abandonment: Neglecting this surah—either by not reciting it or not living according to its teachings—will be a source of sorrow, particularly on the Day of Judgment.
- Protection Against Sorcery and Evil: Sorcerers, liars, and those who invoke evil cannot stand against the power and light of Surah Al-Baqarah. It is a fortress of protection for those who read it with understanding and belief.
Practical Lessons:
- Consistency in Qur'anic Recitation: Make Qur'an a part of daily life, as it will intercede on your behalf in the Hereafter.
- Focus on Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Aal-'Imran: These surahs, in particular, have profound benefits, both spiritual and protective. Try to memorize, recite, and reflect on their meanings.
- Protection Against Harm: Surah Al-Baqarah is a shield against sorcery and evil influences. Regular recitation ensures a connection with Allah’s guidance and protection.
- Spiritual Reflection: This hadith reminds us that the Qur'an is not merely a book to be read—it is a living guide, a source of blessing, and a powerful protector for those who engage with it sincerely. By prioritizing its recitation and following its guidance, we align ourselves with the promise of Allah’s mercy and success in both this life and the Hereafter.
The above quoted Hadith is very important for it hinges on the Divine promise of allowing Qur'an to act as an intercessor for all those who recited it regularly in their worldly lives. Secondly it also enlightens us the importance of Surahs Al Baqarah and Al 'Imran. These two Surahs in fact give out a detailed layout of the Divine Commandments that if acted upon can provide the best guidance and understanding of Islam. Let us try to recite the entire Qur'an for its promised intercession and specially recite the two surahs which will keep us guided, In Sha Allah.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.
Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.
0 comments:
Post a Comment