Al Baqarah 1-5, the longest Surah in the Quran, starts with a powerful introduction in its first five verses. These verses summarize the essential qualities of true believers and lay the foundation for guidance, faith, and success.
Full Translation of Al Baqarah 1-5
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:1
الم
“Alif Lam Meem.”
(These are Arabic letters; only Allah knows their full meaning.)
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2
“٢. ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah (the Muttaqeen).”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:3
“٣. الَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:4
“. وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَبِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ
And who believe in what has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), and what was revealed before you, and they have firm faith in the Hereafter.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:5
“أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ عَلَىٰ هُدًۭى مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُو
It is they who are upon guidance from their Lord, and it is they who will be successful.”
Explanation (Tafseer) of Al Baqarah 1-5
Verse 1 (Alif Lam Meem):
- These are known as Muqattaʿat (disjointed letters).
- Their exact meaning is known only to Allah.
- They serve to emphasize the miraculous nature of the Quran.
Verse 2:
- The Quran is the ultimate source of guidance.
- There is absolutely no doubt about its authenticity or its message.
- Guidance is specifically for Al-Muttaqeen (those who fear Allah, the God-conscious).
Verse 3:
Describes the qualities of the Muttaqeen:
1️⃣ Belief in the unseen:
- Belief in Allah, Angels, Jannah, Jahannam, Qiyamah, and everything unseen.
2️⃣ Establishment of prayer (Salah):
- Performing prayers regularly with sincerity.
3️⃣ Spending from sustenance:
- Giving charity (Zakat, Sadaqah) from what Allah has provided.
Verse 4:
- True believers accept:
- The Quran (revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)
- The previous scriptures (Torah, Injil, Zabur)
- All prophets and their messages
- They also have unwavering faith in the Akhirah (Hereafter).
Verse 5:
- Those who possess these qualities:
- Are on true guidance from Allah.
- Will achieve true success in both this life and the Hereafter.
Benefits of Reciting Al Baqarah 1-5
✅ Strengthens Iman (faith)
✅ Reminder of qualities needed for true success
✅ Motivates establishing Salah and giving charity
✅ Builds belief in the unseen world
✅ Instills hope for guidance and success
Virtues of Surah Al Baqarah 1-5 (including first five verses)
- The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for taking recourse to it is a blessing and abandoning it is a cause of regret, and the magicians cannot confront it.”
(Sahih Muslim 804)
- The beginning verses are part of the guidance that repels evil and strengthens faith.
Conclusion
The first five verses of Surah Al Baqarah 1-5 serve as a spiritual roadmap for every Muslim seeking Allah’s guidance. They outline the essential qualities of a believer and promise ultimate success for those who follow the path of righteousness.
Regular recitation, reflection, and implementation of these teachings bring light, clarity, and success into one’s life.