Friday sermon: the family of Imran set an example of piety and devotion

The family of Imran were chosen by Allah to carry forward His religion because they were righteous and pious people, the sermon will tell worshippers on Friday.

The family of Imran is well known among Muslims and Christians.

Imran was the father of Mary, mother of Jesus. An entire chapter of the Quran is ­dedicated to Imran and his family.

Imran – one of the major scholars of his time – and his wife were devout and honourable people, and Allah rewarded them with a child.

Although Imran died while his wife was still pregnant with Mary (Maryam), she prayed their child would be dedicated to worship.

“My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service],” she said.

Allah honoured her by ­giving her something greater than what she asked: to be the mother of the greatest ­woman who ever lived. As a child, Maryam received a message from Allah through the archangel Jibril who told her she had been chosen by God.

"The angels said: 'O Maryam, Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you over the women of all the worlds','" the Quran says.

Throughout Maryam’s life, her mother would pray to Allah to watch over her.

Maryam was raised in a devout home and protected. Allah rewarded her for her steadfast faith by bestowing Jesus (Issa) upon her. The sermon will tell worshippers to take their lead from the family of Imran, who were blessed for being truthful and for loving Allah.

Parents will be told to raise their children to be pious and fear God so they might be steadfast in their faith.

Children must be taught to respect and honour their parents and be valuable members of society.

Worshippers will be told to pray to Allah that He might look after their children and protect them from harm.