By Professor Dr Sufi Atif Amin Al Hussaini
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Preamble: The Radiance of the Third Chapter
Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran) is the third chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It was revealed in Medina and consists of 200 verses. It is a sanctuary of wisdom, often referred to as one of the “Two Bright Lights” (Al-Zahrawan) alongside Surah Al-Baqarah. While Al-Baqarah lays the foundation of the law, Al-Imran builds the spirit of Steadfastness (Istiqaamah) and Devotion.
The sacred chain: Correlation with Chapters 1 and 2
- Surah Al-Fatihah (Chapter 1): The Opening. It consists of one Surah and 7 verses. It is the prayer for guidance: “Guide us to the Straight Path.”
- Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2): The response to that prayer, providing the legal and social framework for the “Straight Path.”
- Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3): The spiritual fortification. If Al-Baqarah tells us what the path is, Al-Imran teaches us how to remain firm on it when faced with internal doubts or external trials.
Divine instructions: The dos and donts
The Almighty, in His infinite mercy, provides clear guidance for the soul’s journey:
| What to do (commandments) | What to avoid (prohibitions) |
| Hold fast to the rope of Allah collectively. | Do not become divided or split into sects. |
| Give in charity in times of prosperity and hardship. | Do not consume Riba (Usury/Interest). |
| Exercise patience (Sabr) and outdo others in it. | Do not lose heart or fall into despair. |
| Consult others in matters of importance (Shura). | Do not take as intimates those outside your faith who wish you ill. |
Motivation for the people of faith
The 3rd chapter serves as a healing balm. It motivates the believer by reminding them that “Allah does not weary of your struggle.” It promises that those who are martyred or strive in His way are not dead, but alive and provided for. For the faithful, the motivation is the “Garden whose width is that of the heavens and the earth.”
Case study: The Battle of Uhud
A significant portion of Al-Imran serves as a “Divine Critique” of the Battle of Uhud.
- Summary: After initial success, some archers left their posts, leading to a temporary setback.
- Lesson: We learn that discipline and sincerity are paramount. Success is not merely numerical; it is spiritual. The case study teaches us that even the best of people can face trials if they lose focus on the divine command for material gain.
Self-actualisation and self-awareness
This chapter plays a pivotal role in Nafs (self) development. It emphasises:
- Taqwa (God-consciousness): Awareness that Allah sees the secrets of the heart.
- Tawakkul (reliance): Understanding that after one has made a firm decision and taken action, the result belongs to Allah. This creates a balanced, self-aware individual who is neither arrogant in victory nor crushed in defeat.
The Repeating Verse and the call to oneness
In Surah Al-Baqarah, the concept of monotheism (tawhid) is repeated. However, a significant thematic repetition found throughout the early chapters—and emphasized in Al-Imran—is:
“La ilaha illa Huwa al-Aziz al-Hakim” (There is no God but He, the Almighty, the All-Wise).
This appears in Verse 6 and Verse 18 of Al-Imran. Its background is the arrival of the Christians of Najran; Allah repeats this to remind the audience (specifically the People of the Book and the Muslims) that despite the miracles of Prophet Isa (Jesus) peace be upon him, Divinity belongs solely to Allah.
SWOT analysis for the human soul (Chapter 3)
- Strengths: Faith (Iman), Unity, and the legacy of the Family of Imran.
- Weaknesses: Greed for worldly goods, internal disputes, and hesitation.
- Opportunities: Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and achieving the status of the “Best of Nations.”
- Threats: Arrogance after success and the whispers of division.
Third chapter, Surah Al-Imran, focusing specifically on the divine concept of sabr (patience/steadfastness) and its role in the spiritual evolution of a human being.
In the Sufi tradition, sabr is not merely waiting; it is the “constancy of the soul” in the face of the shifting winds of destiny.
The roadmap of patience (Maqam-as-Sabr)
The Third Chapter provides a unique spiritual roadmap. It transitions from the intellectual defense of faith (the beginning of the Surah) to the physical and emotional testing of faith (the end of the Surah).
| Stage | Verse Reference | The Soul’s Action |
| Foundation | Verse 17 | Being among “The patient, the true, the obedient, those who spend [in the way of Allah], and those who seek forgiveness before dawn.” |
| Testing | Verse 142 | Realising that paradise is not entered until Allah has made evident those who strive and those who are patient. |
| Perseverance | Verse 200 | The final command: “O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.” |
The divine shield: Sacred prayers of Surah Al-Imran
The Duas in this chapter are unique because they were uttered by prophets, the family of Imran, and the deeply learned (Arifeen). They provide a spiritual roadmap for self-actualisation and economic protection.
1. The prayer for steadfastness (The seeker’s anchor)
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ “Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” (Verse 8)
- Significance: This is the ultimate prayer for internal stability. In the Sufi path, “deviation” is the greatest threat to one’s purpose.
2. The Prayer for sovereign provision (economic empowerment)
قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِي الْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَاءُ وَتَنزِعُ الْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَاءُ… “O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will… You give provision to whom You will without account.” (Verses 26-27)
- Significance: This verse is the key to economic empowerment. It reminds us that wealth and power belong to Allah. Reciting this with sincerity removes the fear of poverty and the influence of “non-state actors” who seek to control resources unjustly.
3. The prayer for noble offspring (The legacy of Imran)
رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِیعُ الدُّعَاءِ “My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.” (Verse 38)
- Significance: Uttered by Prophet Zakariya (AS), this prayer is for the protection of the family and the continuity of righteous leadership.
Concluding prayer
Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin wa ‘ala Aali Sayyidina Muhammad.
O Allah, Lord of the Worlds, we beg for Your Mercy.
- For Economic Empowerment: We pray for the prosperity of all mankind especially for Gambia, Pakistan, Venezuela, Iran, Guinea Bissau, and Ukraine. Bestow upon them stability and just leaders.
- For Palestine: O Allah, send Your special blessings and protection to the oppressed people of Palestine. Grant them victory, peace, and the restoration of their rights.
- For Justice: O Allah, destroy the enemies of peace, their facilitators, and those who plan evil. Neutralise the non-state actors who threaten the safety of the innocent and the equal distribution of wealth.
Subhana Rabbika Rabbil ‘Izzati ‘Amma Yasifun, wa Salamun ‘alal Mursalin, wal Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin.
