Chapter 3 of the Holy Qur'an

  General information:

Number of verses:  200

Running time:  Approximately 2 hours

Arabic recitation by:  Sheikh Sa'ad Al-Ghamdi

Translation of the meaning read by:  El-Haj Mauri Saalakhan

(Arabic and English alternate section by section)

Available formats: 

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  About the chapter:

This chapter addresses theological as well as the military challenges to the Islamic message.  For the theological challenges, the chapter clearly states the Islamic view on the creed and practices of Jews and Christians, many of whom were in direct contact with Prophet Muhammad peace upon him, and invites Jews and Christians to open and serious examination of their beliefs and Islam.  In the process, the Qur'an states the meaning of Islam and the duties of the Muslims and their allegiances.  As for the military challenges, this chapter recounts the events and lessons of the battle of Uhud in which the Muslims suffered a military setback at the hands of the tribe of Quraish. 

  Snippets from the translation:

Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran over all people: offspring one of another and Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing. Behold! The wife of 'Imran said: "Oh my Lord, I have dedicated to you that which is in womb, solely for you worship and the service of your house, so accept this from me. Indeed you are the Hearer and Knower of all things. So when she delivered her she said: "Oh my Lord! Surely I have delivered a female rather than a male, who could be dedicated to you in service" and Allah knows best what she has delivered "and the male which is my wish is not as the female who is Your choice my Lord. I have named her Mary, the worshipper, and indeed I seek your protection of her and her offspring from Satan, the rejected." So her Lord accepted her with gracious acceptance and caused her to grow a rapid and goodly growth in purity, faith, and worship and made Zachariah her guardian and caretaker. Whenever Zachariah would enter into the chamber where she was, he would that she had unusual food. He said: "Oh Mary! Where did this come from?" She answered: "It is from Allah. Indeed Allah courteously and abundantly gives to whom He wills without measure or limitation."  [chapter 3:  33-37]