The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is a divine guide that provides timeless wisdom and guidance for all aspects of life. Among its numerous chapters, Surah Al Imran stands out with its rich content that covers a wide array of subjects, from the Oneness of Allah to the stories of past prophets. The last 10 Ayat (verses) of this Surah (3:190-200) are particularly significant, as they encapsulate essential teachings and lessons that resonate with believers across the world.
These verses emphasize the signs of Allah in the universe, the importance of supplication, the qualities of the righteous, and the rewards awaiting the believers.
The Signs of Allah in the Universe (Verses 190-191)
The last 10 Ayat begin by drawing attention to the natural world as a manifestation of Allah’s creation. Verses 190-191 read:
Verse 190:
“إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ”
Verse 191:
“الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ”
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'” (Quran 3:190-191)
These verses remind believers that the universe is a testament to Allah’s existence and greatness. The vastness of the heavens, the orderly alternation of day and night, and the intricate details of nature all point towards a Creator. The term “those of understanding” refers to individuals who reflect upon these signs, acknowledging Allah’s power and wisdom. This reflection leads to a deeper sense of gratitude and awe, prompting believers to remember Allah in all circumstances—whether standing, sitting, or lying down.
The Importance of Supplication (Verses 192-194)
Following the acknowledgment of Allah’s signs, the verses transition into a heartfelt supplication:
Verse 192:
“رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ مَنْ تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنْصَارٍ”
Verse 193:
“رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي لِلْإِيمَانِ أَنْ آمِنُوا بِرَبِّكُمْ فَآمَنَّا رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ”
Verse 194:
“رَبَّنَا وَآتِنَا مَا وَعَدْتَنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ”
“Our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to the Fire – You have disgraced him, and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers. Our Lord, indeed we have heard a caller calling to faith, [saying], ‘Believe in your Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord, so forgive us our sins and remove from us our misdeeds and cause us to die with the righteous. Our Lord, and grant us what You promised us through Your messengers and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, You do not fail in [Your] promise.” (Quran 3:192-194)
These verses emphasize the power of supplication (du’a) and the importance of turning to Allah for forgiveness and guidance. The supplicants acknowledge their faith, seek forgiveness for their sins, and express their desire to be among the righteous. They also beseech Allah to grant them the promises made through His messengers, highlighting the believers’ trust in Allah’s mercy and justice. This supplication serves as a model for all Muslims, encouraging them to seek Allah’s help in all matters and to remain steadfast in their faith.
The Qualities of the Righteous (Verses 195-197)
The verses then describe the qualities and rewards of the righteous:
Verse 195:
“فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ أَنِّي لَا أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِنْكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَىٰ بَعْضُكُمْ مِنْ بَعْضٍ فَالَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا وَأُخْرِجُوا مِنْ دِيَارِهِمْ وَأُوذُوا فِي سَبِيلِي وَقَاتَلُوا وَقُتِلُوا لَأُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَلَأُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ ثَوَابًا مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حُسْنُ الثَّوَابِ”
Verse 196:
“لَا يَغُرَّنَّكَ تَقَلُّبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ”
Verse 197:
“مَتَاعٌ قَلِيلٌ ثُمَّ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ”
“And their Lord responded to them, ‘Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another. So those who emigrated or were evicted from their homes or were harmed in My cause or fought or were killed – I will surely remove from them their misdeeds, and I will surely admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow as reward from Allah, and Allah has with Him the best reward.’ Be not deceived by the [uninhibited] movement of the disbelievers throughout the land. [It is but] a small enjoyment; then their [final] refuge is Hell, and wretched is the resting place.” (Quran 3:195-197)
These verses affirm that Allah will not let the efforts of the righteous go in vain. Regardless of gender, every believer’s good deeds are acknowledged and rewarded. The verses specifically mention those who faced hardships for the sake of Allah, including those who emigrated, were expelled from their homes, or suffered harm. Such individuals are promised Paradise, where they will find eternal peace and reward.
The verses also caution believers not to be swayed by the apparent success and freedom of disbelievers in this world. Such worldly gains are temporary, and the ultimate outcome for disbelievers is a dire one. This serves as a reminder that true success lies in pleasing Allah and seeking the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.
The Rewards for the Believers (Verses 198-200)
The final verses of Surah Al Imran conclude with a reminder of the rewards for the believers and a call to patience and perseverance:
Verse 198:
“لَٰكِنِ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا نُزُلًا مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ وَمَا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ لِلْأَبْرَارِ”
Verse 199:
“وَإِنَّ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ لَمَنْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ خَاشِعِينَ لِلَّهِ لَا يَشْتَرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ”
Verse 200:
“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا وَصَابِرُوا وَرَابِطُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ”
“But those who feared their Lord will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein, as accommodation from Allah. And that which is with Allah is best for the righteous. And indeed, among the People of the Scripture are those who believe in Allah and what was revealed to you and what was revealed to them, [being] humbly submissive to Allah. They do not exchange the verses of Allah for a small price. Those will have their reward with their Lord. Indeed, Allah is swift in account. O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.” (Quran 3:198-200)
These verses provide a glimpse of the eternal bliss awaiting the righteous in Paradise. Gardens beneath which rivers flow symbolize the abundance and peace that believers will enjoy. The phrase “abiding eternally therein” underscores the everlasting nature of this reward.
Interestingly, the verses also acknowledge the presence of sincere believers among the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians). This acknowledgment highlights the inclusivity of Islam, recognizing the faith of those who sincerely submit to Allah and follow His guidance.
The final verse (3:200) serves as a powerful exhortation to the believers. It calls for perseverance, endurance, and steadfastness in faith. The phrase “remain stationed” refers to maintaining one’s position in the face of challenges, whether physical or spiritual. This call to patience and resilience is crucial, as it reminds believers that the path to success is not always easy, but with fear of Allah and steadfastness, they will attain success.
Conclusion
The last 10 Ayat of Surah Al Imran are a treasure trove of divine wisdom and guidance. They encourage believers to reflect on the signs of Allah in the universe, emphasize the importance of supplication, outline the qualities of the righteous, and describe the rewards for the believers. These verses also offer a reminder to remain patient and steadfast in the face of adversity, trusting in Allah’s justice and mercy.
In a world full of distractions and challenges, these Ayat serve as a beacon of light, guiding believers towards a life of faith, reflection, and gratitude. By internalizing these profound lessons, Muslims can strengthen their connection with Allah and navigate the complexities of life with a sense of purpose and hope.
