Al ‘Imran is the 3rd sura of the Qur’an, which means ‘The Family of ‘Imran’, and belongs to the Medinan period. It takes its name from verses 33 and 35, which refer to Prophets Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham [peace be upon them]) and Al ‘Imran. It contains 200 verses, 3480 words, 14,525 letters and 20 segments. It is the 89th sura in chronological order, revealed after Sura al-Anfal (The Spoils of War). ‘Imran is identified as the father of Prophet Musa and Harun (peace be upon both of them), or the father of Maryam (Mary [peace be upon her])—the Mother of Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus Christ [peace be upon him]). Sura Al ‘Imran begins with three Mysterious Letters of the Qur’an. It deals with various subjects, including the Oneness of God, Maryam’s birth and her early life, including the provisions supplied in the chamber without worldly means. This is one of the Qur’anic statements that establish the proof of miracles for pious and saintly people other than the prophets and messengers (peace be upon them). The sura further relates the details of the birth of ‘Isa (peace be upon him) and his miracles. It also narrates the birth of Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) and his father, Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him). This sura devotes a considerable portion to the Battle of Badr, the first battle of Islamic history, and the Battle of Uhud, the second major battle. This sura also mentions other matters of religious significance regarding moral issues of cowardice, hypocrisy, and attachment to worldly gains. It also narrates the story of a Christian delegation from Najran, who visited the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) at Medina to debate with him on the status of Prophet ‘Isa. After losing the debate, the Christian Delegation returned to Najran disappointed and defeated. This sura then goes on to challenge the Christian perception of Prophet ‘Isa (peace be upon him) with many sound arguments and elaborates the importance of faith in the Oneness of Allah Almighty. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) also describes this sura as one of the two radiant ones (al-Baqara and Al ‘Imran). al-Bukhari and Muslim report that the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: ‘Whosoever recites these two radiant ones, al-Baqara and Al ‘Imran, will come on the Day of Resurrection as if they were two clouds, or like bright rays of the sun, or like flocks of birds. They will argue on behalf of their devotee reciters, interceding for their forgiveness.