The Shaykh—may Allah Most High have mercy on him—said:

Know that Allah, glorified and exalted be He, gave His Prophet Muhammad—may Allah’s blessings, peace, and benedictions be upon him—the closing verses of Sūrat al-Baqarah from a treasure beneath the Throne, from which no prophet before him had been given anything. Whoever reflects upon these verses and understands the truths of religion, the five foundations of faith, and the refutation of every proponent of falsehood that they contain, as well as the fullness of Allah Most High’s blessings upon this Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—and his community, Allah’s love for them, and His favoring them above all others—may he rejoice in that knowledge!

Were we to discuss these verses exhaustively, we would stray beyond the purpose of this book. Nevertheless, a few brief words pointing to some of these matters are necessary. We therefore say:

Since Sūrat al-Baqarah is the pinnacle of the Quran, contains more rulings than any other surah, and most comprehensively encompasses the principles of religion, both its foundations and its branches; and since it describes the “categories of people”—believers, disbelievers, and hypocrites—their characteristics and their deeds, presents the evidence establishing the existence of the Creator—glorified and exalted be He—and His oneness, recounts His blessings, and establishes the prophethood of His Messenger—may Allah bless him and grant him peace,