Al-Ummahat and Al-Mathani — The Distinction of Al-Baqarah and Al Imran
terms
Level: intermediate
ulum-quran
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شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ
— آل عمران 18
The term "Al-Ummahat" (the mothers):
Some scholars called Al-Baqarah and Al Imran "Al-Zahrawain" (the two luminous ones) or "the two mothers" for the comprehensive legislation and creed they contain.
Evidence:
"Recite the two luminous ones: Al-Baqarah and Al Imran — for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds, or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for their companions." (Muslim 804)
Why "Al-Zahrawain" (the two luminous ones)?
For their light and radiance in the heart and in argument — the Prophet compared them to a light that intercedes for its companion.
Al-Baqarah — "The Hump of the Quran":
Called "the hump of the Quran" in a sound hadith — it is the longest surah containing: the longest verse (282 — the debt verse), the greatest verse (255 — Al-Kursi), and its closing verses which are a treasure of the Quran.
Al Imran — the Surah of Argument:
Opens with the response to Christians — and contains proofs of monotheism, argumentation with People of the Book, and verses of steadfastness in struggle.
Source: Muslim (804); Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan (1/56); Ibn Kathir, Fada'il al-Quran (p.135)
Question: Why are Al-Baqarah and Al Imran called "Al-Zahrawain"? What does it mean that Al-Baqarah is "the hump of the Quran"?
Answer: Al-Zahrawain: for their light and radiance in heart and argument — the Prophet compared them to luminous light. Hump of the Quran: its apex and most noble part — as the hump is the highest point of a camel.