Al Imran 100-Conclusion

Surah Imran discussed the prohibition of usury in Islam. Riba is an issue that Muslim communities often do not like to talk about. However, it is extremely important to discuss it as it is very prevalent today. We have witnessed the damage it has caused in today's economy. People are spending money that they do not have and then are not able to come out of debt. As Muslims, Allah has prohibited us from usury and protected us from the difficult situation it can cause a person to find themselves. As Muslims we need to avoid spending money that we do not have.

Verses 113-115 remind us that the People of the Book share many of the same principles. Therefore as Muslims in America we have to join hands with people of other faiths in enjoining what is right and fighting what is evil. We cannot divide ourselves based on having different faiths. Choosing to be a part of something or to distance from something should be based on working toward the betterment of humanity. We can join together in common causes such as fighting Domestic Violence, feeding the needy, raising awareness of Autism, providing health care for those in need, and standing up for human rights and justice for all people.

Verses 102-105 cover the topic of the importance of unity of the Muslims. All of us as a community work to connect to God and believe that if we have division in ourselves it weakens our community. Allah brought Muslims of Arabia from different backgrounds together even though Arabia was known as a land of war before Islam. Today, Muslims must look back to that example and learn from the early Muslims and how the Quran served as a tool for unifying people. We should be the example for the rest of the world, inviting people to peace, to what is right, and to fighting injustice against any people. We must not only be the example of good but we must be proactive in calling people to good. Sadly we still see fighting and loss of life amongst Muslims while the Quran is clearly calling us to respect each other and unite in good works. Brotherhood is a blessing from Allah; having people build a connection to each other based on faith and belief in God, this is a unique and powerful relationship.

Month of Ramadan should teach us to control our anger. Prophet Muhammed said a person should respond to a person whom you have difficulty with by saying "I am fasting. I am fasting", avoid cursing or putting down others. That is the only way we can obtain Allah's pleasure. Verse one 33 encourages us to compete with each other in seeking forgiveness. This is very relevant in this month of Ramadan in which one third of the month is dedicated to seeking forgiveness from Allah swt and drawing nearer to Him. Verse 135 explains we must also make sure to seek forgiveness from people who we may have wronged or hurt in anyway. It is not acceptable for a servant of Allah to mistreat another servant, Allah shows us mercy and kindness and we must practice these characteristics with those around us.

Riba, anger, forgiveness, striving for what is good; these are all tests from Allah. To break away from what Shaytan whispers to us and strive to do what Allah has commanded takes deep conviction from the believer. In verse 186, Allah says that we will be tested in our lives by loss of wealth and life but all of this is just a test. At the same time He takes us on a journey through the universe and the greatness of the galaxy. We are just a tiny part of the great universe, only a tiny speck in the universe yet Allah hears the dua of each of His servants. May Allah help us to do what He has commanded and turn away from what He has forbidden for us.