Ramadan Quran Series Day 24

Ramadan Quran Series Day Twenty-four

by Dr. Aslam Abdullah

89. Surah ‘Al ‘Imran (The House of Imran) (3)

Medina

Al-Imran, in the traditionally arranged Quran, is the third Surah but it is the 89th Surah revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Medina. It is one of those Surah that was revealed in phases. It was revealed in Medina and it has 200 Ayah and 20 Ruku. It refers to the struggles of Prophets Moses and Aaron and narrates the story of Mary and Prophet Jesus. The Surah offers a critique of Christian religious thoughts in relation to monotheism and the institution of prophethood. It delves in details on some of the pillars of Islam, such as Monotheism, Salat, Zakat, and Hajj. It warns against usury. It also defines Jihad in its fullest meaning. It asks the community of believers to be on guard always and never show negligence in living the divine guidance. It invites people of the book to agree on a minimum agenda to serve God. It refutes the Christian idea of the divinity of Jesus. It also exhorts the believers to take care of the poor and the neglected in the world and reminds Muslims that they are not a sect but the bearer of a universal message sent to benefit every human being.

90. Al-Ahzab (The Confederates) (33)

Medina

Al-Ahzab is the 90th Surah revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Medina and is the 33rd in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Medina and it has 73 Ayah spread out in nine sections. It refers to some of the social issues that the changing society of Medina was facing after the introduction of Islam. It raises the issue of coverage of women, marriage traditions, children’s adoption and the place of sincerity in establishing a just society. It asks humanity to learn from the character of the Prophet who is a role model for all. It establishes the principle of equality of men and women in the eyes of Allah and reassures the people that in the divine scheme, gender is not used to discriminate any human. Men and women are both created by Allah and they are equally blessed by him

91. Al-Mumtahinah (The Examined One) (60)

Medina

Al-Mumtahinah is the 60th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was the 91st Surah revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Medina and has 13 Ayah and 2 Ruku. It was revealed after the treaty of peace signed between Muslims and the non-believers of Makkah at the site of Hudaybiyah. It reminds Muslims that the faith given to them by Prophet Muhammad is from the creator of the universe and it should not be contaminated or mixed with the messages that claim to be divine, yet have elements that are included to secure the interest of power elites. In matters of faith, guidance comes only from God. However, it advises believers to maintain healthy and normal relations with those who do not subscribe to their ideas.

92. Anl-Nisa’ (Women) (4)

Medina

An-Nisa is the 92nd Surah revealed upon the Prophet and it occurs as the fourth Surah in the Quran. It was revealed in Medina and it has 176 Ayah spread in 24 Ruku.  It informs people of the process that enabled Muslims to develop an Islamic society in Medina, explains the theology in comparative terms to Jews, Christians and polytheists and inspires the believers to share their faith with others.  It establishes rules for making family ties stronger and defines roles for men and women in society and husband and wife in a family. It defines the rules of inheritance. It challenges the practice of the past of treating women like property and asserts they are human and have equal rights including rights in the ownership of property. It asks believers to struggle to establish justice for all. It exhorts them to respect human life. It warns against the designs of hypocrites and those who want to disturb social peace.

It also defines rules for making ablution before prayers, shortening prayers during travels. It gives glad tidings to believers and assures them that their reward is with the Lord of the universe.