BISMILLAH IR-RAHMAN IR- RAHIM

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST BENEFICENT, MOST MERCIFUL

Tonight’s Taraweeh consists of the second half of Tilka r-Rusul to the first three-quarter of Lan tanâlû. The Sûrah covered is the complete Al ‘Imrân (The Family of ‘Imrân). In this Sûrah, references are made to the Battles of Badr and Uhad which the Muslims in Madîna had to engage themselves in, so as to defend Islam against the Makkan unbelievers. These references show that this Sûrah was revealed about 4 A.H.
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Like Al-Baqara, it surveys the religious history of mankind, with special reference to the Ahl Kitâb (i.e. Christians and Jews). After explaining the great deal of corruption in which the Ahl Kitâb had landed themselves, it shows the need and subsequent rebirth of Islam. It mentions the rules whereby this new community is to be governed, and, like the previous Sûrah, it emphasises the need on the part of the Muslims to have a firm faith in Islam, to undertake Jihâd against the enemies of the Muslims, and to pray for guidance. They should feel convinced that, in spite of present difficulties, they should “be patient” because “Allah (SWT) will cause ease to follow difficulty”. Three new points discussed in this Sûrah: (1) Christians are urged to accept Islam since they themselves are in a position to testify to the truth. The Christians here are especially appealed to as the Jews were especially appealed to in the last Sûrah; (2) the lessons of the two battles are set out for the Muslims. The lesson of Badr is: Allah (SWT) helps the people who help His cause. Patience, courage, effort and discipline are rewarded by Allah (SWT). No matter how poorly you are armed and how powerful your enemy may be, Allah (SWT) will give you victory if you remain true Muslims at all times. The lesson of Uhad is: Indiscipline, indecision and selfishness (as shown by certain Muslims in this battle who went after the booty without even being commanded to do so by Rasûl (SAW) are not qualities of a true Muslim and can lead to his downfall. This is shown by the treat losses suffered by the Muslims in this battle. Thoughts of pain or death should not prevent you from striving in the path of Allah (SWT). (3) The responsibilities of Muslims, both in their dealings amongst themselves and with non-Muslims are stressed. Allah (SWT) has revealed the Qur’ân, confirming previous revelations like the Torah, revealed to Mûsâ (A.S) and Injîl, revealed to ‘Isâ (AS). We must accept the truth of this whole Book (the Qur’ân), and not only in parts of the Book, as the Jews and Christians had done. They only
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had a portion of the Qur’ân’s message in their Holy Books – the entire message of Islam was only completed and perfected by the revelation the Qur’ân. Muslims must try to understand the message of the Qur’ân, and not take “as friends or protectors” those who cannot and will not want to accept the Truth of Islam. The story of the family of ‘Imrân, the father of Maryam (AS), is gradually connected to the miraculous birth of ‘Isâ (AS) and his years of prophethood. Accounts of the first story are to be found in the Torah while those relating to ‘Isâ (AS) are to be found in the Injîl. These facts are related to show that Allah (SWT)’s message is eternal and revelation is the continuous process by means of which this message is re-emphasised. Seeing that the Qur’ân is Allah (SWT)’s message, all people are invited to accept its completion in Islam. Controversies are to be avoided. The Muslims are asked to live together in unity and happiness, and are promised safety in the Hereafter provided they abide by the Commands of Allah (SWT).

Night 3 - 1430 Taraweeh Audio Coming Soon