I asked Abu Mas'ud while he was making circumambulation of the Ka'bah (about the recitation of some verses from the Qur'an). He said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: If anyone recited two verses from the last of Surah al-Baqarah at night, they will be sufficient for him.
Hadith Text & Context
The narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 1397 describes Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari being questioned during tawaf about Quranic recitation, where he transmitted the Prophet's teaching regarding the virtue of reciting the final two verses of Surah al-Baqarah at night.
Virtue of the Two Verses
The phrase "they will be sufficient for him" (hasabahu) indicates comprehensive protection and spiritual adequacy. Classical scholars interpret this as protection from evil, Satanic whispers, worldly anxieties, and spiritual harm throughout the night.
Imam al-Nawawi explains this sufficiency encompasses both worldly protection and spiritual reward, serving as a shield and means of divine proximity.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn al-Qayyim elucidates that these verses contain the greatest name of Allah and encompass the foundations of faith - divine sovereignty, knowledge, power, and the reality of the Hereafter.
Al-Qurtubi notes the timing specification ("at night") emphasizes protection during darkness when fears intensify and spiritual vulnerabilities increase.
Legal Ruling
The majority of scholars consider this practice recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory. The Hanafi and Shafi'i schools particularly emphasize its merit for nightly protection and spiritual attainment.
Practical Application
Scholars recommend reciting these verses (285-286 of Surah al-Baqarah) before sleeping, blowing lightly into one's hands and wiping over the body for maximum spiritual benefit and protection.