Al Imran facts for kids

This beautiful page shows the start of the chapter Al Imran. It's written in gold letters with a red heading. This Qur'an was made for Sultan Baibars in 1304.

Al Imran (Arabic: آل عِمْرَانَ, āl ʿimrān; meaning: The Family of Imran) is the third chapter (sūrah) of the Quran. It has 200 verses (āyāt).

This chapter is named after the family of Imran (also known as Joachim). This family includes Imran, his wife Saint Anne, Mary (their daughter), and Jesus (Mary's son).

Most of this chapter was revealed in Medina, a city in Arabia. It talks about important events like the battles of Badr and Uhud. These events happened around the third year after the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijrah). Some verses might have been revealed later, around the tenth year of Hijrah, during a visit from Christians from Najran.

What Al Imran is About

This chapter covers many important topics. It teaches about God's oneness and how He knows everything. It also explains that the Quran is a true guide.

God's Power and Guidance

The chapter reminds us that God is all-powerful and controls everything. It warns those who do not believe and promises rewards for those who are faithful. It also talks about the importance of following God's path.

Stories of Prophets

Al Imran shares stories of many prophets. It tells about the birth of Mary and how she was cared for by Zacharias. It also describes the birth of John the Baptist. A big part of the chapter focuses on Jesus, his miracles, and his followers. It also mentions a discussion between Prophet Muhammad and Christians from Najran.

Lessons for Muslims

The chapter gives advice to Muslims. It warns them against being too friendly with those who do not believe. It also talks about giving to charity and avoiding unfair practices like usury (charging too much interest).

Battles of Badr and Uhud

Al Imran mentions two important battles: Badr and Uhud. It reminds Muslims that God helped them win the Battle of Badr by sending angels. It also talks about the challenges faced during the Battle of Uhud and how Muslims should learn from their mistakes. The chapter encourages Muslims to be patient and keep trying, even when things are difficult.

Faith and Perseverance

The chapter teaches that true faith means being patient and never giving up. It reminds Muslims that their success does not depend on any one person, but on following God's commands. It also describes the prayers of good people and how God answers them.

The Family of Imran

The chapter is named after the family of Imran, mentioned in verse 33. In Christian traditions, Imran is known as Joachim, the father of Mary.

Connecting Mary's Family

Some people might wonder if the Quran mixes up Mary, the mother of Jesus, with Mary, the sister of Moses. This is because Mary's father in the Quran is called Imran, which is similar to Amram, Moses' father. Also, Mary, mother of Jesus, is sometimes called "sister of Aaron" in the Quran, and Aaron was Moses' brother.

However, Islamic scholars explain that this is not a mistake. Instead, it's a way of connecting important figures through their qualities or roles, not always through direct family lines. It's like calling someone "brother of a hero" to show they are like that hero, even if they are not actual siblings.

What Scholars Say

A famous saying (Hadith) from Prophet Muhammad helps explain this. When a companion asked him about Mary being called "sister of Aaron," the Prophet said that people in the past often named their children after prophets and good people who lived before them.

Ibn Kathir, a well-known Islamic scholar, also explained this. He said that in Arabic, calling someone "brother of Tamim" just means they are from the Tamimi tribe. So, calling Mary "sister of Aaron" means she was like Aaron in her goodness and importance, or that she came from a similar respected lineage. It does not mean they were actual siblings.

Images for kids

• 

  Double-page with the beginning of the chapter Al Imran. Text page written in gold thuluth script outlined in black, with the chapter heading overlayed in red ink. From the Qur'an commissioned by the future sultan Baibars in 1304. British Library

See Also

• Quran