Surah Al-Baqarah, the second chapter of the Holy Quran, holds significant importance for Muslims around the world. Its last two ayats, Aya 285 and Aya 286, are particularly revered and are recited for spiritual nourishment and protection. These verses encapsulate core principles of faith, accountability, and God’s mercy, and they are often memorized and recited by believers daily.
The transliteration of the last two ayats of Surah Al-Baqarah is as follows:
Ayat 285:
Amanar Rasoolu bima unzila ilaihi min rabbihi wal mu’minoon. Kullun amana billahi wa malaikatihee wa kutubihi wa rusulihi la nufarriq bayna ahadin min rusulihi. Wa qalu sami’na wa ata’na, ghufranaka rabbana wa ilayka al-masir.
Ayat 286:
La yukallifullahu nafsan illa wus’aha. Laha ma kasabat wa alayha ma اكتسبت. Rabbana la tu’akhidhna in naseena aw akhta’na. Rabbana wala tahmil alayna isran kama hamaltahu ala alladhina min qablina. Rabbana wala tuhamilna ma la taqata lana bih. Wa ‘fu anna wa ighfir lana wa irhamna. Anta maulana fansurna ala alqawmi alkafirina.
These two ayats are not merely an ending to a chapter; they communicate profound themes and can be reflected upon deeply. The first ayat emphasizes the core belief in the oneness of God, His angels, His books, and His messengers. The verse highlights the unity of faith, manifest in the declaration that all believers must trust in what has been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and expressed through the rest of the messengers. The believers submit to God’s will and reflect on the adherence to faith, acknowledging their limitations as humans.
Saying “sami’na wa ata’na” means we hear and obey, indicating a commitment to follow the divine guidance provided in the Quran and through the teachings of the prophets. This phrase is a vital expression of Muslims’ obedience. It illustrates the essence of servitude to God, showing that faith must be active and dynamic. As believers declare their faith, they also seek God’s forgiveness, showing the understanding that while humans may strive for righteousness, they are still prone to mistakes.
The second ayat continuously teaches about God’s merciful nature and the limits of human ability. The declaration “La yukallifullahu nafsan illa wus’aha” reinforces the idea that God does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. This serves as a source of comfort and reassurance for believers, emphasizing God’s wisdom and understanding of human nature. Each individual faces their own unique challenges and responsibilities, and the awareness of divine justice is a fundamental aspect of Islamic belief.
Moreover, the supplications in this ayat demonstrate a profound humility and need for assistance. The verse moves through pleas for forgiveness, referencing the human tendency to err, stating “Rabbana la tu’akhidhna in naseena aw akhta’na”. This sincere request for pardon is pivotal to the Muslim faith, recognizing that seeking forgiveness is an integral aspect of one’s relationship with God.
The ayat further progresses into a plea for alleviation from heavy burdens, as indicated in “Wala tahmil alayna isran kama hamaltahu ala alladhina min qablina”. This is an appeal for ease and mercy, highlighting the importance of recognizing struggles endured by previous communities while also aspiring for guidance in one’s trials. The faithful also ask for a greater strength to confront the burdens that life includes, a testament to their resilience and commitment to overcoming obstacles with divine support.
The closing phrases, “Wa ‘fu anna wa ighfir lana wa irhamna”, succinctly express the essence of supplication—requesting pardon, seeking forgiveness, and asking for mercy. This triad of requests reaffirms the significance of these characteristics in Islam: forgiveness from the Almighty, compassion, and mercy towards others. The ayat concludes with a reaffirmation of reliance on God with the phrase “Anta maulana fansurna ala alqawmi alkafirina”. Here, believers express their dependence on divine aid against all forms of disbelief and injustice, showcasing the ongoing struggle between faith and disbelief.
The last two ayats of Surah Al-Baqarah are often recited, especially during the night, as they are known to convey immense blessings and protection. Many narrations suggest that these verses offer a shield from evil and provide solace to those in distress. Their recitation is encouraged as part of daily prayers and spiritual routines, providing a reminder of the principles that underpin Islamic faith.
Overall, the articulation of the last two ayats of Surah Al-Baqarah serves as a comprehensive guide for believers. They remind Muslims of their faith’s foundation, prompt them to seek divine forgiveness, illustrate God’s unlimited mercy, reinforce the vitality of submitting to God’s will, and cultivate a spirit of hope and reliance on divine assistance. By engaging with these verses, believers can enhance their spiritual connection, find solace in challenges, and foster resilience as they navigate the complexities of life with unwavering faith.
As people recite and reflect on these powerful verses, they instill a reminder of the essence of the Quran’s message: a profound emphasis on faith, mercy, and the strength found in obedience and trust in God. Thus, the last two ayats of Surah Al-Baqarah continue to resonate deeply within the hearts of believers, serving as a guiding light towards a fulfilling spiritual journey that is engaged with constant reflection and growth in one’s relationship with the Almighty. The understanding of these ayats goes beyond mere recitation; it calls for a deeper appreciation and active application of their meanings in everyday life, encouraging every believer to embody the principles of faith, mercy, and resilience each day.