Who is Al Imran?
- The name Āl ʿImrān means “the family (or lineage
- ) of Imrān.
- Surah Al-Imran is the 3rd surah of the Qur’ān, has 200 verses, and was revealed in Madinah in stages (addressing events including the battles of Badr and Uhud).
- The surah addresses both Muslims and the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), clarifying beliefs, inviting dialogue, and reinforcing core principles of faith.
The Wife of Imran & His Daughter Maryam
- The Qur’ān does not explicitly name the wife of Imrān. She is referred to simply as the wife of Imrān.
- In Islamic tradition and later exegesis, she is commonly identified as Hannah (in Arabic, Ḥannah) — a pious woman who longed for a child and dedicated her future offspring to the service of Allah.
- In Surah Al-Imran, verse 35, she prays: “My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service]…”
- She expected a son and intended him for sacred service, but Allah blessed her with a daughter, Maryam (Mary).
- Imrān (her husband) is said to have passed away before Maryam’s birth (around a month before) in some narrations.
- Maryam (Mary), daughter of Imrān is one of the most honored women in the Qur’ān:
- She is the only woman named explicitly in the Qur’ān.
- She is called “daughter of Imrān” in the Qur’ān (e.g. 3:33) and also “sister of Aaron” (in some verses), which is understood in light of Arabic idiomatic expression and lineage, not literal siblinghood.
- The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have said: “The best of the women of her time was Maryam, daughter of Imrān …” (Hadith in At-Tirmidhi)
Why Surah Al Imran Is Important
- “The Two Bright Ones”: The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said that Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Al-Imran will come on the Day of Judgment like two clouds or canopies, interceding for their reciters.
- It addresses deep theological debates, especially with Christians in Najrān, inviting respectful dialogue and clarifying misunderstandings about Jesus and Mary.
- It offers moral and spiritual guidance during trials: covering battles, internal discord, tests of faith, and the importance of patience (sabr).
- It reinforces Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah), proper worship, reliance on revelation, and obedience to Allah in all affairs.
- It reminds believers of the high status of the family of Imrān, showing that piety and submission grant honor, not mere lineage.
Life Lessons & Reflections
- Sincerity in intention: Hannah’s vow and her offering (even before knowing the gender) teach us that sincere intentions matter more than outcomes.
- Trust and acceptance: She asked for a child, and though she expected a son, she accepted the gift of a daughter with full submission.
- Honor in modesty and devotion: Maryam’s life was one of purity, worship, and steadfastness — showing that greatness comes through closeness to Allah, not worldly status.
- Facing trials with dignity: Maryam endured accusations and hardship; instead of defending herself, she submitted to Allah’s command and let divine wisdom shine.
- Unity in dialogue: The surah exemplifies how Muslims should engage the People of the Book — respectfully, firmly, and with clarity.
- Patience in adversity: The context of the battles, internal strife, and criticism shows us that true faith is tested under pressure.
If these stories stirred your heart and you want to go deeper — to memorize, reflect, and fully grasp the meaning of Surah Al-Imran and other parts of the Qur’ān — our Qur’ān Memorization & Tafsir Course at IQRA Network is designed exactly for you:
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➡️ See the Qur’ān memorization course details
In this course, we don’t just teach you to recite, but to understand, internalize, and live the teachings of the Qur’ān — including gems like Surah Al-Imran.
Let this surah intercede for you on the Day of Resurrection. May Allah grant you steadfastness and insight.
