Sura Al-Baqara (, Sūratu l-Baqarah, "Calf") is the second and the longest sura (chapter) of the Qur'an. The chapter comprises 286 ayat (verses) and the verse 282 is the single longest verse in the Qur'an. The famous Ayat ul Kursi (Verse 255) is also part of this Surah. The last two verses of the chapter are also of special importance.

Overview

The Sura's name is in reference to an argument between the Prophet Moses and the Israelites over a cow they should sacrifice in order to know the murderer of a slain man (see ). (Not to be confused with the popular biblical incident where Moses prohibited worshiping a Calf idol, referenced elsewhere in the chapter.)

It is a Medinan sura; most of it is believed to have been revealed during the first two years after the Hijra. Some sections (for instance, the verses prohibiting interest on loans) were revealed later, and the last three verses were revealed in Mecca. The sura addresses a wide variety of topics, including substantial amounts of law, and retells stories of Adam, Abraham and Moses. A major theme is guidance: urging the pagans (Al-Kuffar) and the Jews of Medina to embrace Islam, and warning them and the hypocrites of the fate God had visited in the past on those who failed to heed His call.

Al-Baqarah contains several verses dealing with the subject of warfare. Verses are often quoted on the nature of battle in Islam.