RAMADAN TIPS 2009

(3) Responsibility

Salams

We're keeping it light today - with just a brief summary about the third section of the Quran, and also hope you have all caught up and at this section now! I felt this particular note is very poignant for us especially during Ramadan....

"This longest chapter of the Qur’an ends with reminders about personal responsibility – that everyone is responsible for themselves in matters of faith."

Did you know...

The third juz’ of the Qur’an starts from verse 253 of the second chapter (Al Baqarah:253) and continues to verse 92 of the third chapter (Al Imran:92).

When were the verses of this juz’ revealed?
The verses of this section were largely revealed in the early years after the migration to Madinah, as the Muslim community was setting up its first social and political center.

Select Quotations:
• ”The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is that of a grain of corn: It grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. God gives manifold increase to whom He pleases, and God cares for all and knows all things.” 2:261
• ”Behold! The angels said, ‘Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of

Mary, held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and of the company of those nearest to God.” 3:45

What is the main theme of this juz’?

Within the first few verses of this section is the famous “Verse of the Throne” (Ayat al-Kursi, 2:255). This verse is often memorized by Muslims, is seen adorning Muslim homes in calligraphy, and brings comfort to many. It offers a beautiful and concise description of God’s nature and attributes.

The remainder of Surah Al-Bakarah reminds believers that there is to be no compulsion in matters of religion. Parables are told of people who questioned God’s existence or were arrogant about their own importance on earth. Long passages are devoted to the subject of charity and generosity, calling people to humility and justice. It is here that usury/interest transactions are condemned, and guidelines for business transactions given. This longest chapter of the Qur’an ends with reminders about personal responsibility – that everyone is responsible for themselves in matters of faith.

The third chapter of the Qur’an (Al Imran) then begins. This chapter is named for the family of Imran (the father of Mary, mother of Jesus). The chapter begins with the claim that this Qur’an confirms the messages of previous prophets and messengers of God – it is not a new religion. One is reminded of the strict punishment facing unbelievers in the Hereafter, and the People of the Book (i.e. Jews and Christians) are called upon to recognize the truth – that this revelation is a confirmation of what came before to their own prophets.

In verse 3:33, the story of the family of Imran begins – telling the story of Zakariya, John the Baptist, Mary, and the birth of her son, Jesus Christ