Surah Al-Imran (Ale-Imran, آل عِمْرَانَ) is the third Surah or chapter in the Holy Quran. The name translates to 'The Family of Imran'. This Surah is quite a long one, with 200 verses or ayahs and 20 Rukus. It is present in the third and fourth Paras/Juz of the Quran. The chapter's name refers to the family of Imran of Joachim. These include Imran, who was probably not a prophet but an honorable man, his wife, and his daughter Hazrat Maryam (رضي الله عنها). Hazrat Maryam (رضي الله عنها) was the mother of Hazrat Isa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known as Jesus in Christianity.
Surah Al-Imran is believed to have three discourses of revelation. The first discourse was from verses 1 to 32 and 64 to 120. These were likely revealed a little after the Battle of Badar. The second discourse, from verses 33 to 63, came down in 9 A.H., on the occasion of a Christian deputation (from Najran) visiting the Prophet (ﷺ). The third was from verses 121 to 200 and was revealed when the Battle of Uhud was over. From this information about the discourses, we may safely interpret that Surah Al-Imran is a Madni Surah. Another name for it is Surah 'Tayyiba,' which refers to how Maryam (رضي الله عنها) is free of sins people accused her of.
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Surah Aal-e-Imran was revealed during the early years after the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina. The subject matter of this Surah is closely related to various issues, which the Muslims were facing in those earlier days in Medina, including political, social, and theological matters. The historical background of Surah Aal-e-Imran is that it was revealed to address these matters pertaining to the Muslims in Medina, the hypocrites of Medina, the Jews, and the Christians.
The newly founded Muslim State, quite small at that stage, faced immediate threats from all around, especially the Quraysh of Mecca. It resulted in the Battle of Badr, which was comprehensively won by the Muslims, under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Although they won the Battle of Badr, they were still feeling insecure.
Additionally, they were also facing economic and financial issues. The first part of this Surah, comprising the first 32 verses, being a continuation of the previous Surah, Al-Baqarah, was revealed in this context, immediately after the Battle of Badr. Additionally, the third part of this Surah, the verses from 64 to 120, was also revealed soon after the first part. So, the background of the revelation of these two parts is generally associated with matters related to the Battle of Badr, especially the situation in Medina before and after the battle. Immediately after migration to Medina, the Prophet entered into an agreement with the Jewish Clans of Medina for peaceful co-existence.
However, the treaty was never honored by the Jews. They posed a permanent disturbance for the Muslims, despite the fact that the basic beliefs of both Muslims and Jews, which include Oneness of God, Prophethood, and Life after death, the Jews took the side with the Pagans of Mecca, instead of supporting the Muslims, in the Battle of Badr. Similarly, the Christians were also a cause of nuisance for the Prophet. A Christian delegation from Najran entered into a hot debate with the Prophet on the subject of the divinity of the Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. The issue resulted in the event of Mubahilla, from which the Christians backed out. The second part of this Surah (verses 33 to 63) was revealed in the 9th year after migration, to address these issues.
The last part of Surah Aal-e-Imran (verses 121 to 200) was revealed to admonish the Muslims, who disobeyed the Prophet during the Battle of Uhud, which resulted in a setback for them. The hypocrites of Medina also played a dirty role during this battle. However, mainly the disobedience of some of the Muslims was the major cause of the disaster at Uhud. Hence, the last part of this Surah was revealed after the Battle of Uhud, giving a complete review of the Battle, while highlighting the shortcomings of the Muslims of Medina and advising the way forward.
So, the purpose of the revelation of Surah Aal-e-Imran was to address the Muslims, hypocrites, jews, and Christians, in the backdrop of the security, political, and economic situation in Medina, with reference to the Battles of Badr and Uhud, and the debate with the Christians on the issue of miraculous birth of the Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ.
Surah Aal-e-Imran is a Madni Surah. It was revealed in four parts. The first and third parts of the Surah were revealed after the Battle of Badr, in the year 2AH. The fourth part was revealed after the Battle of Uhud during 3AH. The second part of the Surah was revealed in 9AH, when a delegation of Christians from Najran engaged in a heated debate with the Prophet over the miraculous birth of Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام, specifically referencing the famous event of Mubahila, as mentioned in the 61st verse of this Surah.
It is the 3rd Surah of the Quran and appears in Juzz (para) 3 and 4. It appears after Surah Al-Baqarah and before Surah An-Nisa. Per the order of revelation, it is the 89th Surah, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it falls at number 3.
Surah Aal-e-Imran, the third Surah of the Quran, holds great significance in Islam, not only in the historical context but also spiritually and theologically. As it was revealed after the migration of the Prophet from Mecca to Medina, it mainly addresses the issues faced by the newly founded Islamic State, with special reference to the earlier conflicts with the Quraysh of Mecca, the Battles of Badr and Uhud. It also addresses the Jews and Christians, with reference to various issues, such as the betrayal of Jews by violating the treaties that the Prophet had with them immediately after migration. Regarding the Christians, the matter of the miraculous birth of the Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is addressed in this Surah.
The significance of Surah Aal-e-Imran can be summarized as follows:
Since Surah Al-Imran is a long chapter, it also encompasses several themes and topics. Some of these include:
One major theme of this Surah covers the matter of hypocrites in the Muslim community. After the Muslims of Makkah came to Madinah, some people professed to accept Islam without really doing so. These were the hypocrites who tried their best to undermine the efforts of the Prophet (ﷺ) and weren't willing to put their lives on the line for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Plus, the Muslims were still a new community and were being tested both physically and morally. Surah Al-Imran touches upon how the Battle of Uhud made certain weaknesses apparent. It gave a review of this battle to both warn and educate Muslims about their weak points. Plus, it also provides instruction about how Muslims should plan and reform their strategies for the future.
This Surah has various benefits that can be useful to Muslims. These virtues are backed up by several hadith (both weak and strong) from the Prophet (ﷺ).
'Abdullah Ibn' Abbas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) woke up in the middle of the night, rubbed his eyes, and then recited Surah Al-Imran's last 10 verses. He then performed wudhu and started praying. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Number 183)
According to Imam Al-Nawawi (Rahmatullah Allah), this hadith indicates that reciting these last 10 verses is mustahabb or desirable when one wakes up. There is also an indication that Surah Al-Imran might be able to intercede for the reciter in the next world.
Abu Umama said he heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) say Recite the Qur'an, for on the Day of Resurrection, it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqara and Surah Al 'Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection, and they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah al-Baqara, for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it. (Mu'awiya said: It has been conveyed to me that here Batala means magicians.) (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 804a)
There is another Hadith that tells us how Surah Al-Imran is also a kind of supplication for those in debt. If someone is in debt and doesn't have the means to repay it, they should frequently recite verses 26 and 27 of Surah Aal-e-Imran.
Listening to the recitation of the Quran, including Surah Aal-e-Imran, with correct pronunciation, is very important. Even a slight deviation from the correct pronunciation may entirely change the meanings. For non-Arabic speakers, the matter becomes even more sensitive, as they might not be able to correctly read the Arabic words of some of the Quranic verses, whereas reading the Quran with Tajweed is crucial. Hence, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari may help us in understanding the correct way of recitation of the Quranic Surahs, including Surah Aal-e-Imran.
More importantly, sometimes, one may just like to listen to the Quran, instead of reading it oneself. At Muslim and Quran, we have uploaded recitations of the Quran by different renowned reciters (Qaris). You can find and select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You just need to download the Mobile Application of the Muslim and Quran to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Imran.
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Reading the Quran directly on the website and mobile application of Muslim and Quran is quite easy. However, sometimes you may like to read it offline, as per your convenience. At Muslim and Quran, we provide this facility. You can download Surah Aal-e-Imran in PDF for reading later.
Surah Al-Imran can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
The meaning of Aal-e-Imran is "Family of Imran". In the context of Surah Aal-e-Imran, it is important to note that, like many other Surahs, it is just a name, derived from the 33rd Verse of this Surah.
Surah Al-Imran has 200 verses.
Recitation of this Surah would intercede for its reciter on the Day of Judgement. It protects us from misguidance in the course of our lives in this world. It provides us encouragement to face the difficult times by remaining firm in our faith. It repeatedly emphasizes the believers to spend in charity, avoid hypocrisy, remain united, and prepare for the Life Hereafter.
Yes, Hadith 804 of Sahih Muslim specifically mentions the importance of reciting this surah and its role on the Day of Judgement, as it would become an intercessor for its reciter on this Day. Similarly, 4572 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ often recited the last ten verses after waking up for Tahajjud Prayer.