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Episode 25
A Family with a Goal
In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. All prayers and peace of Allah be upon our master, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) .
Today's episode is about a family with a goal. I wonder, does your family have a goal? I am sorry to begin the episode with such strong words. However, I am going to ask each family watching us today to define a goal for its memebers and to work on acheicveing it. If 10 per cent of the Arab world families put a goal and worked on achieving it, this would be a great accomplishment.
Actions are but by intentions
I would like to ask everybody watching us, whether husbands, wives, couples about to get married, as well as youth, would you be families with goals? Some people may think that these words are not suitable for the last ten nights of Ramadan. I would like to tell them, though, that in Islam, there is a concept called neyah (intention). It also menas: goal. Therefore, todayI am talking about the core of Islam; every deed should be preceded by neyah.
I wonder, what is the neyah of spouses who have been married for decades now? The Prophet (SAWA) told us that actions are but by intentions. Everyone gets but what he intended. Whoever emigrated for the sake of Allah and His Prophet, so his emigration would be for the sake of Allah and His Prophet [he will be rewarded for it]. Whoever emigrated for the sake of worldly benefits or a woman to marry, so his emigration would be for what he emigrated for." Marriage is a great thing in our religion. However, there is a great difference between a goaless couple, and a couple married to achieve a pre-set goal.
I am realistic, so I would ask only 10 per cent of our viewres to set themselves a goal. To explain it, let me give you some examples:
1. Imagine that you see a group of workers constructing a building. You go and ask them about how this building would look like and they answer you, "We do not know exactly! We are exerting effort, and surely this would produce a wonderful thing!"
You know what… this is exactly what you are doing to your family [if you do not have a pre-set goal] !!
2. Imagine that a group of people boarded a plane. One of them went to the pilot and asked him about their distenation. "We will see where the wind would take us to"!! The pilot answered him!!
Now, imagine a child asking his father this very question: where are we [as a family] going?!
Due to the fact that by the time the family relations becomes lukewarm unlike the days of betrothal and first days of marriage. Therefore, you need to agree with your wife/husband on the goal you want to achieve within the next five years. This goal would serve you as the magnet, around which the whole family would gather.
The Family of 'Imran and the goal of Jerusalem
They had a family goal, that is Jerusalem. Therefore such a family would never go astray. The wife of 'Imran, who is the grandmother of Isa (AS) (Jesus) was called Hannah. Her name is not mentioned in the Qur’an, for names are not important as actions are. However, the Qur'an focused on her description as 'Imran's wife. This is good news for every wife, who participates in setting and achieving the goal of her family.
'Imran's Family Tree:
It is a highborn family, who is deep-rooted in history. The parents are the offspring of Dawud (AS) (David) and Solaiman (AS) (Solomon). The father is called 'Imran, the mother is called Hannah. They had girl who was married to prophet Zakariya (AS) (Zechariah). He was yet to be a prophet when he got married. Many years passed on without them having any children.
'Imran's wife had a wish related to the family's goal. She wished to have a male child. However, she gave birth to female and called her Maryam (AS) (Mary), who later on gave birth to Isa (AS). Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "An offspring of one another…" (TMQ, 3:34). Grandchildren were as full of good as their grandparents were.
Here, I would like to send a message to the families of noble origin, especially the youth members:
1. Do not damage your family's good reputation through corruption, abandonment of worship, or unlawful relationships. Preserve it, though, so the good would extend to your grandchildren.
2. As for youth, when you approach marriage, you should consider the family of the one you are to marry. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) even told us to choose our spouises carefully.
Here comes the gravity of the problem of boyfriends and girlfriends. When they think of getting married, they do not consider the compatability of their families. They forget that marriage is a union between two families, as seen in 'Imran’s family. They are mentioned in the Qur’an. There is a whole sura in the Qur’an named after them.
This family was not rich. Rather, it was a simple one. Nevertheless, families are not wight by their wealth, but by their values. For example, the family of Yasser that consists of Yasser, Sumaiyah, and Ammar was a poor family, yet they were promised paradise by the Prophet (SAWA).
The value of 'Imran's family to Allah (SWT)
At the beginning of surat Al-'Imran, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Surely Allah has elected Adam and Noah and the house of Ibrahim and the house of 'Imran over the worlds." (TMQ, 3:33). The ayah mentions two persons and two families.
One may ask, why the ayah did not mention the family of Adam and the family of Noah like it mentioned the family of 'Imran and the family of Ibrahim?! this is because of latter preserved their commitment and their relegion is well as their parents have done. The family of Ibrahima are Ishaq (AS) (Isaac), Ya'qub (AS) (Jacob), and Isma’il (AS) (Ishmael). The family of 'Imran are: Maryam, Zakariya, Yahya (AS) (John) ,and Isa. On other hand, Noah (AS) is montioned individualy because of his son's sin, as well as Adam.
Do you understand now the value of the family and preserving its values and reputation?
Reasons of the revelation of this surah and its name
This surah was revealed during the Battle of Badr, before, and after the Battle of Uhud. During the Battle of Uhud, Allah (SWT) revealed what can be translated as, "Surely Allah has elected Adam and Noah…" what is the relation between this ayah and the timing of its revelation? The reason is that the goals of some of the companions have changed when they saw the booty.
This surah came to remind them of those who kept their goals ahead and never altered it.
Other parts of surat Al-'Imran were revealed during the period in which the Prophet (SAWA) was receiving many delegations from allover the peninsula, first of which was Najran's. They were Christians. They discussed with the Prophet (SAWA), who received them in the mosque, the issue of Isa (AS). The revelation came down telling them about a family whom they love, as a way to create a common ground between them and Muslims. Therefore, the ayah that can be translated as, "O population of the Book, (Or: Family of the Book, i.e., the Jews and Christians) come to a level word between us and you, that we worship none except Allah, …" (TMQ, 3:64) was revealed to them to tell them that we all worship but One Lord.
This family was a role model. Is yours a role model as well? Is your family a role model of the Muslims living in Europe? Is it a role model in your neighborhood? You can do it. It just needs to set your goal, no matter how simple it is. Start with the neighborhood. You can even establish a small project for the poor families. Help those who left schools to precede their education. Teach your neighbors the Qur'an recitation. Do it with your wife/husband and you will see how Allah (SWT) would bless you.
It is worth mentioning that 'Imran's family is mentioned twice in the noble Qur’an. Once in surat Al-'Imran and the other in surat Maryam.
The Objective of Imran's Wife
Imran's wife lived in Palestine, which was occupied by the Romans after Dawud (AS) and Solaiman (AS). The Romans came with their paganism and discriminated against all those who did not believe in their creed. The people were forced to join their creed and those who refused were thrown in a yard where they were left to be eaten by lions and tigers. This place still exists as it is in Rome, and yet, we, Muslims are accused of forcing people to join Islam! Allah (SWT) says, what can be translated as, "There is no compulsion in the religion" (TMQ, 2:256). I will quote one of the orientalists who once said, "I wish Europe had known these words, which would have saved them all the wars led in the name of religion." Today, we are required to refute these accusations although Islam never called for forcing people into the religion; rather, it was the Romans who took this course of action both before and after Christianity.
Imran's wife saw the situation as it was, and how people were forced to change their creed and the extreme injustice Palestine was suffering at the time. Moreover, the Romans levied very high taxes and harshly discriminated against them. As for the majority of believers, they did nothing. What, on the other hand, did Imran's wife do?
Imran's wife had only one daughter who was married to Zakariya (AS). Zakariya, however, was growing old, as described by the ayah, which can be translated as, "He said, “Lord! Surely the bone (s) within me have become feeble, and my head is turned white with hoary (hair) (Literally: is aflame with hoary “hair”)" (TMQ, 19:4). Therefore, Imran's wife was an old lady herself. Nevertheless, she decided that she needed to have another child; a new generation to be born out of her womb and reform the situation. She discussed the issue with Imran, who was one of the respectable scholars of Jerusalem, and was an old man himself. He reminded his wife that their own daughter has grown old and has difficulty herself in bearing children. Nevertheless, Imran's wife's point of view was that there must be an extension of them in this world to carry on the message.
The evidence that Imran's wife was thinking in this manner is that Zakariya himself was also following the same line of thought. Zakariya once said, what is mentioned in the Qur'an and can be translated as, "And surely I fear my patronized (relatives) beyond me, (i.e., after I am gone) and my wife is barren. So bestow upon me, from very close to You, a constant patron (Some take it to mean a nephew or kinsman). Who will inherit of me and inherit (also) of the house of Yaaqûb; (Jacob) and make him, Lord, well satisfied" (TMQ, 19:5-6). Hence, Zakariya had the same worries. What Zakariya meant here by "inheritance" is the inheritance of the message of Allah and not money.
Nonetheless, Imrans' wife was the first to stir the issue with her intentions. Where are you from Imran's wife? Is your role in life limited to food, drink and child-bearing only? Where are those who seek to raise their sons to be like Salahuldin (Saladin)? Where are those who seek to raise their daughters to be like Maryam?
The Female's Role in the Family and Society
The surah is named after the whole family: Al-Imran. However, the role of the woman is very evident, as can be induced from the ayah which can be translated as, "As the wife of Imran said, “Lord! Surely I have vowed to you what is in my belly in dedication; so (graciously) accept (it) from me"" (TMQ, 3:35). Imran was not mentioned in the story but his wife was what the story focused on. This implies that the woman is the one who initiates change and reform.
I would like at this point to address our women: If you cherish Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), you must raise your children to support and honor Islam and Muslims. You have to always keep in mind that the surah was named after the whole family because they all insisted on achieving their goal and joined their efforts. This is a message to all of the family members: You must live for your mission and never give up.
Imran's wife performed dua'a (supplication) to Allah to grant her a child, and miraculously, her dua'a was answered. She became pregnant. Although she was an old woman she became pregnant. Allah is the One who grants, and He (SWT) has in his grasp all matters. Notice that this all started with her intention. Moreover, Allah says, what can be translated as, "As the wife of Imran said, “Lord! Surely I have vowed to you what is in my belly in dedication; so (graciously) accept (it) from me"" (TMQ, 3:35). Usually people make vows for worldly matters, but rarely do we see people making vows for matters related to religion. Imran's wife vowed that she will raise her child such that he will spend his whole life serving Allah. Keep in mind that she did not ask for a child for her own pleasure but for the mission.
A Small Action Could Be Greatened With an Intention
Another issue also worried Imran's wife, and that was acceptance. She worried that Allah did not accept her vow, and she was a woman living for a mission. Allah (SWT) is aware of the honesty of intentions, and if the intention is an honest one, Allah will accept it and bless it. There are tiny actions that could be greatened with an intention, and there are great actions that could be diminished with an intention. There are many great actions taken, but are diminished because there was no accompanying intention. On the other hand, there are many small deeds that Allah greatens and blesses because of the accompanying intention. For example, a person could start by trying to reform and call to Islam two individuals, but does so with a sincere intention. In ten years, Allah could turn his audience into millions, just like what happened with myself and others.
Try for yourself. Fill your heart with enthusiasm towards your nation and religion, call people to the path of Allah, and observe how Allah will grant you success. This is similar to the case of Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham). Allah had ordered him with what can be translated as, "And announce to mankind the Pilgrimage; they shall come up (hurriedly) to you on foot and upon every slender (conveyance)" (TMQ, 22:27). Ibrahim (AS) did not understand how could his voice reach anyone in the empty desert, so Allah taught him that all he had to do was call out and announce, and He, Allah (SWT), would be in charge of carrying his call to people. Ibrahim, therefore, summoned his intention and announced that Allah ordered that they should perform hajj. As a result, Allah assisted Ibrahim and granted him success, and until our day, we perform hajj. As for Imran's wife's pure intention, Allah will return Isa (AS) at the end of times to set up truth and justice.
Utmost Freedom Lies Within Sincerity to Allah
Imran's wife was sincere in her intention that her child would be raised to serve Allah, and she did not mix it with any other worldly need to have a child. Allah says what can be translated as, "As the wife of Imran said, “Lord! Surely I have vowed to you what is in my belly in dedication; so (graciously) accept (it) from me. Surely You, (Ever) You, are The Ever-Hearing, The Ever-Knowing”" (TMQ, 3:35). Utmost freedom accompanies things that are intended sincerely for Allah alone. When you are after fame or a certain position, for example, you become a prisoner of what you are after, and you lose your freedom. On the other hand, when you become a sincere worshipper of Allah, you experience utmost freedom. Freedom is that you are under the control of no worldly matter, but under the control of Allah.
This is what Imran's wife intended. She intended that she would raise her child to be under control of no one but Allah. Imagine how much you would gain as a mother if you intend to do the same thing. Everything you do in terms of raising and educating your children, spending on them, and exercising patience with them, would be added to your balance of good deeds.
When Imran's wife vowed that she will raise her child to serve Allah, and asked Allah to accept her vow, she got the answer, as mentioned in the Qur'an and can be translated as, "Then, her Lord graciously accepted her with fair acceptance" (TMQ, 3:37). As the months of pregnancy passed, she kept asking Allah acceptance, and thinking she would deliver a boy who would raise the word of truth and justice. However, she delivered a girl. Allah says what can be translated as, "So, as soon as she brought her forth, (i.e. gave birth to her) she said, “Lord! Surely I have brought her forth, a female.” And Allah knows best what she brought forth, and the male is not as the female" (TMQ, 3:36).
What Imran's wife had in mind for her child was not suitable for a girl. This is a message from Allah to us: men are not the only ones capable of supporting and honoring their cause. Here is Maryam who would become one day an indicator of Allah's name "The Creator" when she gives birth to Isa (AS) who will strongly influence the rest of humanity. This is what led Rome to embrace Christianity 300 years after Isa's death. All these blessings and expansions initiated from the grandmother's sincere intention.
Even though Imran's wife delivered a girl, she kept her word and raised her daughter the way she intended. The ayah says what can be translated as, "… “And surely I have named her Maryam (Mary). And surely I take refuge with You for her and her offspring from the outcast Ash- shaytan” (The all vicious, i.e., the Devil)" (TMQ, 3:36). The name "Maryam" means the worshipper or the servant of worshippers. Imran's wife insisted on achieving her goal, even if it would be of her daughter's offspring. Right after she gave birth to her baby, she asked Allah that he would protect her and her offspring of Satan.
Sincerity in Dua'a Results in its Answering
Although it was impossible for Imran's wife to have a child because of her old age, she was granted the child. She asked Allah to protect her child and her offspring from Satan, and Allah answered her. She wanted her child to reform the people, and Isa came to reform the Earth, and his influence will be felt until the Day of Judgment. Do we have among our women those who have the passion, strength and persistence to raise her children and achieve her objective?
Keep in Touch with Allah
It is obvious that Imran's wife had a good relationship with Allah (SWT). There are two ways to communicate with Allah:
1- Dua'a
2- Confidential talk. You can speak to Allah confidentially any time.
3- You can ask Allah whether He is satisfied with you, or you can ask him never to leave you to yourself. You can complain to him and tell him your worries. This is what Imran's wife did. Note how she spoke to Allah in the following ayahs as if it was a regular habit, "As the wife of Imran said, “Lord! Surely I have vowed to you what is in my belly in dedication; so (graciously) accept (it) from me. Surely You, (Ever) You, are The Ever-Hearing, The Ever-Knowing.” So, as soon as she brought her forth, (i.e. gave birth to her) she said, “Lord! Surely I have brought her forth, a female.” And Allah knows best what she brought forth, and the male is not as the female. “And surely I have named her Maryam. And surely I take refuge with You for her and her offspring from the outcast Ash- shaytan” (The all vicious, i.e., the Devil)" (TMQ, 3:35-36).
Allah answered her by what can be translated as, "Then, her Lord graciously accepted her with fair acceptance, and caused her to grow a fair growth, and He made Zakariya her sponsor" (TMQ, 3:37). Can you have this sort of relationship with Allah? When you do, you will experience a lovely comforting feeling in your heart; you will feel the grandeur of Allah's names "The Ever-Wise" and "The Ever-Affectionate". Isa and Maryam are the product of a mother's sincere intention, of a mother's dedication to Allah, of a mother's dua'a to Allah, and of a family's objective.
Dua'a will Definitely be Answered
Imran's wife was upset when she delivered a girl because she thought that her dua'a was not accepted. However, her dua'a had been accepted and Isa came from her offspring. It is not necessary that the dua'a be answered at once. This is another lesson to be learnt. The dua'a will definitely be answered, but Allah has his own rules in this world, and there is a timing for everything. It was not time for Isa yet, and it was not time for change yet. But renewal was underway, and the dua'a was not wasted, but postponed. She gave birth to Isa's mother. Renewal and reform need time. It might be the case that the generation present at the time was not the one that deserved victory; it could have been a weak and lazy generation. It could have been an active generation, but it was not time for change yet.
Are we a generation of revival? Are we working on reforming the Earth? Is there anyone among us who has a sincere intention as Imran's wife? Is there any parent among us who has an intention similar to Imran's wife's? Allah once said to Musa (AS) (Moses), what can be translated as, "… make your homes a Qiblah, (A direction for prayer, i.e., make your houses places of worship)" (TMQ, 10:87). This could be an objective for a family: it could meet for worshipping Allah, for production, for revival, etc. Is your family as such?
A Mother's Intention Honors a Nation
I hope that after this episode, women will set an objective and sincere intention, ask Allah His support and performs dua'a, and become persistent towards their objective. It is possible that what you set as on objective would one day become a revival project that would revive the nation. A mother's intention could revive a nation!
Translated by: The English Convoy – Dar al-Tarjama
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TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
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