The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed that whoever recites the last two verses of Surat al-Baqarah at night, Allah will protect him from evil and harm. It is also said that they are sufficient for him in place of qiyām al-layl (supererogatory prayer at night). They are also said to suffice him in place of all regular dhikrs. Others say that they are the least sufficient amount of Qur'anic recitation in qiyām al-layl. Other opinions were also expressed. Perhaps all those views are correct and consistent with the Hadīth's wording.
- The Hadīth points out the merit of the last verses of Surat al-Baqarah - From {The Messenger believes...} to the end of the Surah.
- The last verses of Surat al-Baqarah protect its reciter from evil, harm, and the devil if recited during the night.
- The night starts at sunset and ends at dawn.
صحيح البخاري (6/ 188) (5008-5009). صحيح مسلم (1/ 554) (807). فتح الباري بشرح صحيح البخاري، لابن حجر (9/ 56). بهجة الناظرين شرح رياض الصالحين، لسليم الهلالي (2/ 240). تطريز رياض الصالحين، لفيصل آل مبارك (ص593). مرقاة المفاتيح شرح مشكاة المصابيح، لملا علي القاري (4/ 1465). نزهة المتقين شرح رياض الصالحين، لمصطفى الخِن وغيره (2/ 757).