Virtues of recitation of surah baqarah and surah Al Imran

• Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Umamah Al-Bahili said that he heard the Messenger of Allah say,"Read the Qur'an, because it will intercede on behalf of its people on the Day of Resurrection. Read the two lights, Al-Baqarah and Al `Imran, because they will come in the shape of two clouds, two shades or two lines of birds on the Day of Resurrection and will argue on behalf of their people on that Day"
  
  The Prophet then said, "Read Al-Baqarah, because in having it there is blessing, and in ignoring there is a sorrow and the sorceresses cannot memorize it."

• So what is implied in this hadith: reading or memorizing? The arabic word (iqra) means to read but in the Prophet (SAW) time, people would actually memorize the verses and not just read. So both meanings are possible. To memorize is better but to read is virtuous too Inshallah.

• "On the Day of Resurrection the Qur'an and its people who used to implement it will be brought forth, preceded by Surat Al-Baqarah and Al `Imran."