The Fourth Juz - Continuation of Surat-Aali Imran

Surat-Aali Imran continues in the fourth juz and an in depth analysis of the Battle of Uhud is given.

Before and after the discussion on the battle, Allah reminds the believers not to have an identity crisis. He reminds us not to take other than the believers as the most intimate of friends and not to follow them in their ways of life or else we will end up being losers. Allah reminds us that it is only by being strongly united and close to our fellow brothers and sisters will we be able to achieve success. A way to practice this in our times is to look around at our friends. Who are our friends and how do they influence us? We should seek to be in the company of those who will benefit us in being better family people, more honest, more productive, and all this has to do with being a better Muslim.

Another profound verse that slips into the surah is about the concept of rushing to forgiveness from Allah. (3:133-135)Allah promises paradise to people with different attributes and says He loves them. Amongst those mentioned are the following: "Those who when they commit an indecency or wrong their own souls, they remember Allah and seek forgiveness and then do not persist in repeating their sins." This is an unbelievably optimistic ayah that should awaken our hearts and fill it with hope and joy. Think for a moment. Regardless of what sins you have committed and shameful acts you have done, if you just remember Allah, in His Infinite Mercy and ability to forgive, and then ask him to forgive you, not only does He grant you forgiveness, but He begins to love you! What a Lord we have.

During the discussion of the Battle of Uhud, which was the second major battle the Muslims participated in, Allah tells the believers why they lost. (3:152) He says clearly that He will grant victory to the Muslims as long as they do not dispute and disobey the commands of Allah and His messenger. By falling for the temptations of this world (by seeking the war booty), the Companions lost the battle. It is clear that disobedience to Allah will lead to immense loss, in this life and the next. Think about your trip to the doctor. If the doctor knows why you are sick and prescribes a certain medicine, but you decide not to take the medicine, then indeed you will not get better in the time you should have. Likewise, we should know we have the prescription to victory and success between our hands in this Quran, the question is when will we take our dosage to heal our ailments and make us victorious?

Allah continues and mentions the virtues and pleasures of martyrdom, and this is supposed to change the way a believer sees this life. A new paradigm is opened as to the true meaning of bliss and satisfaction. When hearing the ayah (3:157) state "If you die or are killed for the sake of Allah, then the forgiveness and mercy you will receive are far greater than everything that the people could gather in this life." Stop and think about this concept for a moment. Think about everything that the people of this world can gather in terms of wealth, palaces, foods, women, and all types of pleasure. We can hardly even perceive all the possible pleasures of this world. So think about what Allah means when he says that the forgiveness and mercy is far greater and worth more. That means jannah is ridiculously loaded with pleasures that we cannot even perceive, including the ultimate pleasure of seeing Allah. This understanding of struggling for the sake of Allah in every way imaginable should change our perception about our goals in life and make us productive people in doing the best of deeds to please Allah.

After completing the discussion on the reality of martyrdom, Allah mentions a few interesting ayaat that makes one stop and reflect as to his own fears in life that cause him not to struggle to his utmost. The notion and feeling that the people have gathered against Muslims in large numbers so the Muslims should be scared is highlighted. This concept has existed since the dawn of time. But Allah clarifies, "Indeed that is only Shaytan who frightens you of his supporters. So fear him not, but fear Me if you truly have imaan." Allah is reminding us that the media, the corrupt governments, all the talk shows, and magazines, and state of the union addresses are all tools of Shaytan to make you fear the friends of Shaytan. In reality, they cannot do anything to you, but it is only a perception. So...who cares what they say and do, just do your part and you will be taken care of by Allah. Furthermore, if you truly have strong imaan, you would fear Allah more and not fear His creation.

The surah concludes with verses reminding the believers the virtues of pondering over the purpose of life, which should to the conclusion that Allah did not create the universe in vain, He did not create us to sleep, eat, and reproduce, but He created us for a greater cause...Have you thought about your purpose in life and lived for a greater cause...

May Allah accept our fasting and praying during this blessed month.