Al-Isra'ʾ (), also known as Banī Isrāʾīl (), is the 17th chapter (

sūrah A ''surah'' (; ; ) is an Arabic word meaning 'chapter' in the Quran. There are 114 ''suwar'' in the Quran, each divided into ayah, verses (). The ''suwar'' are of unequal length; the shortest ''surah'' (al-Kawthar) has only three verses, while ...

) of the

Quran The Quran, also Romanization, romanized Qur'an or Koran, is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a Waḥy, revelation directly from God in Islam, God (''Allah, Allāh''). It is organized in 114 chapters (, ) which ...

, with 111 verses ( āyāt). The word refers to the Night Journey of the Islamic prophet

Muhammad Muhammad (8 June 632 CE) was an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad in Islam, According to Islam, he was a prophet who was divinely inspired to preach and confirm the tawhid, monotheistic teachings of A ...

and about the

Children of Israel Israelites were a Hebrew-speaking ethnoreligious group, consisting of tribes that lived in Canaan during the Iron Age. Modern scholarship describes the Israelites as emerging from indigenous Canaanite populations and other peoples.Mark Smit ...

. This surāh is part of a series

al-Musabbihat Al-Musabbihat () are those suras of the Quran that begin with statements of Allah's glorification: 'Subhana', 'Sabbaha', and 'Yusabbihu'. According to Islamic scholar Muhammad Shafi (1897–1976) the collective name of the series Al-Musabbiha ...

surahs because it begins with the glorification of

God In monotheistic belief systems, God is usually viewed as the supreme being, creator, and principal object of faith. In polytheistic belief systems, a god is "a spirit or being believed to have created, or for controlling some part of the un ...

. Regarding the timing and contextual background of the revelation (''

asbāb al-nuzūl Occasions or circumstances of revelation (in Arabic - ''al-nuzūl'') names the historical context in which Quranic verses were revealed from the perspective of traditional Islam. Though of some use in reconstructing the Qur'an's historicity, ''a ...

''), it is traditionally believed to be a

Meccan surah A Meccan surah is, according to the timing and contextual background of their revelation ('' asbāb al-nuzūl'') within Islamic tradition, a chronologically earlier chapter ('' suwar'', singular ''sūrah'') of the Qur'an. The traditional chronolog ...

, from the second Meccan period (615-619).

Summary

*1 God praised for the night journey *2 The

law of Moses The Law of Moses ( ), also called the Mosaic Law, is the law said to have been revealed to Moses by God. The term primarily refers to the Torah or the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Terminology The Law of Moses or Torah of Moses (Heb ...

a direction to the Israelites *3

Noah Noah (; , also Noach) appears as the last of the Antediluvian Patriarchs (Bible), patriarchs in the traditions of Abrahamic religions. His story appears in the Hebrew Bible (Book of Genesis, chapters 5–9), the Quran and Baháʼí literature, ...

’s gratitude commended to his posterity *4-8 The Islamic invention of the double

sin of Israel Judaism regards the violation of any of the 613 commandments as a sin. Judaism teaches that to sin is a part of life, since there is no perfect human and everyone has an inclination to do evil "from youth", though people are born sinless. Sin has ...

and its punishment *9-10 The Quran a direction to both the

faithful Faithful may refer to: Film and television * ''Faithful'' (1910 film), an American comedy short directed by D. W. Griffith * ''Faithful'' (1936 film), a British musical drama directed by Paul L. Stein * ''Faithful'' (1996 film), an American cr ...

and the unbelievers *11 Men inconsiderate in their

prayers File:Prayers-collage.png, 300px, alt=Collage of various religionists praying – Clickable Image, Collage of various religionists praying ''(Clickable image – use cursor to identify.)'' rect 0 0 1000 1000 Shinto festivalgoer praying in front ...

*12 The night and day are signs to men *13 Every man’s

fate Destiny, sometimes also called fate (), is a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predeterminism, predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual. Fate Although often used interchangeably, the words wiktionary ...

bound about his neck *14-15 God will give every man the record of his life at the judgment day *16 No nation left without an apostle *17-18 The cities destroyed which rejected their apostles *19-21 Rewards and punishments of the faithful and unbelieving *22 Degrees of honour belong to the life to come *23-24 Men should worship only one God *24-26 Kindness to be shown to parents, the poor, and the stranger *27 Extravagance forbidden *28 Those unable to contribute for the support of the poor may help them by speaking kindly to them *32 Stinginess and foolish extravagance forbidden *33-35 Infanticide, fornication, and murder forbidden *35 The murdered man to be avenged *36 The substance of the orphan to be sacredly preserved *37 Men should lead lives of honesty and humility *41 God not to be dishonoured by idol-worship *42 Angels not daughters of God *43 Various warnings for the Quraish *44-45 A plurality of gods would lead to rebellion in heaven *46 All things praise God *47-49 The

Quraish The Quraysh () are an Arab tribe who controlled Mecca before the rise of Islam. Their members were divided into ten main clans, most notably including the Banu Hashim, into which Islam's founding prophet Muhammad was born. By the seventh centu ...

are judicially blinded to the Quran *50 Muhammad called a madman *51-53 The Quraish reject the doctrine of the resurrection *54 The dead when raised will fancy they have been dead but a little while *55-56 Idolaters and unbelievers to be mildly treated *57 Some prophets peculiarly favoured *58-59 The false gods need divine protection *60 Every city to be destroyed before the judgment-day *61 Muhammad not allowed to work miracles because of the unbelief of former tribes *62

The night-journey The Israʾ and Miʿraj (, ') are the names given to the narrations that the prophet Muhammad ascended to the sky during a night journey, saw Allah and the afterlife, and returned. It is believed that expressions without a subject in verses 1-18 of ...

and the

Zakkum tree In Islamic tradition, the Zaqqum is a cursed tree that is rooted in the center of Hell. It is first referred to in the Quran on five occasions (17:60; 37:62-68; 44:43; 56:52), the latter three referring to it by name. There, it is described as pro ...

causes of contention *63-64

Iblís Iblis (), alternatively known as Eblīs, also known as Shaitan, is the leader of the devils () in Islam. According to the Quran, Iblis was thrown out of heaven after refusing to prostrate himself before Adam. He is often compared to the Chris ...

disobeys God, and is cursed in consequence *65-66 He receives permission to delude humans and share with them their money and offspring *67 He shall have no power over God’s servants *68 God protects the merchant while on the sea *69 Idolaters forget their idols in times of danger 69 ۞ 71 They are ungrateful *72 The special privileges of mankind *73-74 In the judgment all shall be fairly judged *75-77 Muhammad almost seduced from Islam *78-79 The unbelievers almost persuade Muhammad to leave them *80-82 Exhortation to prayer *83-84 The truth of the Quran to be proclaimed *85 Man’s perversity seen both in prosperity and adversity *86 The spirit created of God *87-89 Revelation (inspiration) a peculiar favour from God to Muhammad *90 Men and genii could not produce a book like the Quran *91-95 Muhammad excuses his inability to work miracles *96-98 Men appointed messengers for men and angels for angels *99-100 The dreadful fate of the idolaters at the resurrection *101 God is able to raise the dead *102 Man covetous even in respect to God’s mercy *103-104 The nine signs of Moses fail to convince Pharaoh *105 Pharaoh destroyed *106 The children of Israel succeed Pharaoh in his possession of the land of Egypt *107 Why the Quran was revealed in stages *108 ۩ 109 Some Jews and Christians believe on the Quran *110 God and the Merciful the same *111 God hath neither son nor partner

Exegesis

1 The transportation of Muhammad to "the farthest Mosque".

This surah takes its name from the first verse which, in

Islamic tradition The term Islamic tradition may refer to: * Islamic Traditionalist theology, Islamic scholarly movement, originating in the late 8th century CE *''Ahl al-Hadith'', "The adherents of the tradition" * Traditional Islamic schools and branches * Islami ...

, tells the event of the Isra, the transportation of

during the night from the

Great Mosque of Mecca Masjid al-Haram (), also known as the Sacred Mosque or the Great Mosque of Mecca, is considered to be the most significant mosque in Islam. It encloses the vicinity of the Kaaba in Mecca, in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia. It is among the ...

to what is referred to as "the farthest Mosque"." The exact location is specified in the Quran in Arabic words أَسۡرَىٰ بِعَبۡدِهِۦ لَيۡلٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡأَقۡصَا but this is commonly taken to Noble Sanctuary (

Temple Mount The Temple Mount (), also known as the Noble Sanctuary (Arabic: الحرم الشريف, 'Haram al-Sharif'), and sometimes as Jerusalem's holy esplanade, is a hill in the Old City of Jerusalem, Old City of Jerusalem that has been venerated as a ...

) in

Jerusalem Jerusalem is a city in the Southern Levant, on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea, Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is one of the List of oldest continuously inhabited cities, oldest cities in the world, and ...

. Some scholars disagree about this (see

Isra and Mi'raj The Israʾ and Miʿraj (, ') are the names given to the narrations that the prophet Muhammad ascended to the sky during a night journey, saw Allah and the afterlife, and returned. It is believed that expressions without a subject in verses 1-18 of ...

) lively . While the city of Jerusalem (or al Quds) is not mentioned by name anywhere in the Qur'an, the first verse refers to Mohammed being taken from the ' Masjid ul-harram' to the 'Masjid al-Aqsa': Within Islam, it is generally agreed upon that the 'Farthest Mosque' refers to

Masjid al-Aqsa The Al-Aqsa Mosque building, also known as the Qibli Mosque/Chapel, is the congregational prayer hall at the southern end of the greater Al-Aqsa compound. Al-Aqsa Mosque or Aqsa Mosque may also refer to: * The Al-Aqsa mosque compound, also known ...

(i.e. the Temple Mount) in

and the 'Sacred Mosque' refers to

Masjid al-Haram Masjid al-Haram (), also known as the Sacred Mosque or the Great Mosque of Mecca, is considered to be the most significant mosque in Islam. It encloses the vicinity of the Kaaba in Mecca, in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia. It is among the ...

. The surah also refers to the other prophets, for example,

Musa Musa may refer to: Places *Mūša, a river in Lithuania and Latvia * Musa, Azerbaijan, a village in Yardymli Rayon * Musa, Iran, a village in Ilam province, Iran * Musa, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran * Musa Kalayeh, Gilan province, Iran * Abu M ...

(

Moses In Abrahamic religions, Moses was the Hebrews, Hebrew prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery in the The Exodus, Exodus from ancient Egypt, Egypt. He is considered the most important Prophets in Judaism, prophet in Judaism and Samaritani ...

). This Meccan surah was revealed in the last year before the Hegira, Hijra. Like all the Meccan surah, it stresses the Tawhid, oneness of Allah, the authority of the prophets. However, the primary theme of the surah is salah (daily prayers), whose number is said to have been fixed at five during the Miraj which it alludes to. In addition, the surah forbids adultery, calls for respect for father and mother, and calls for patience and control in the face of the persecutions the Muslim community was facing at the time.

8 Hell

Verse 17:8 refers to Hell in Islam, hell and states that those who reject the faith will be punished: However, it also states that Allah is merciful and could forgive. It also refers to the hereafter and states that there is a punishment for not believing in it (Verse 7:10):

13-15 Day of Judgement

Verses 17:13 to 17:15 tells that fate is in people's hands and tells that what they do will be rewarded or punished for on the Day of Judgement in Islam, Day of Judgement.

26 Verse of Dhul Qurba

The verse relates to the controversies of the land of Fadak in modern-day Saudi Arabia.

64 Satan’s influence on humankind

This verse explains different methods Satan uses to corrupt souls—while making it clear that his power is only over those who choose to follow him. Satan influences humankind in how they earn and spend money, and in how they even conceive—their children. Some scholars also suggest it may imply that Satan has a share in corrupting human offspring, spiritually or morally. Thus, “participation” means spiritual or moral corruption. This can occur when children are fed with wealth earned through haram (unlawful) means—such as stolen goods or resources unjustly taken from others, including exploited people or nations.

70 Angels & jinn - the other two main creations beside Humans (one with freewill and the former without)

۞ Verse 17:70 tells that mankind has been given a position "above many of those whom we created" angels and jinns.

71 Day of Judgement

Verse 17:71 contains a reference to Yawm al-Qiyamah, the Day of Judgement: In Kitab al-Kafi, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq was questioned on the interpretation of 17:71 ("On that day, We will call forth every people with their Imam...") to which he responded it is the Imam that is with them and he is the Mahdi, al-Qa'im of the people of that time.

81: Muhammad destroys the Arabian idols

In the day of conquesting Makkah, Muhammad made his way towards the Kaaba which is seen as a symbol of the Oneness of Allah. It was filled with Religion in pre-Islamic Arabia, idols, numbering 360. He proceeded to knock them down using his bow while reciting the verse from the Quran, Qur'an:

"And say: 'The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished away; surely falsehood is ever certain to vanish." (Qur'an 17:81)

This act was significant as it symbolized the removal of polytheistic practices and the reclaiming of the Kaaba for the worship of Allah alone, in line with the teachings of Islam. This event is considered a major milestone in the establishment of the Islam, Islamic faith and the spread of monotheism. Muhammad began the usual circumambulation on his ride, and after completing the circumambulation, he called for 'Uthman ibn Talha, the key holder of the Kaaba, and took the key from him. He entered the Kaaba and observed images of the prophets Abraham in Islam, Abraham and Ishmael in Islam, Ishmael, throwing divination arrows. He strongly denounced these practices of the Quraysh and ordered that all idols, images and effigies be destroyed.

104 Children of Israel

Verse 17:104 'And We said thereafter unto the

, “Dwell in the land. And when the promise of the Hereafter in Islam, Hereafter comes to pass, We shall bring you as a mixed assembly.”' Al-Tabari (d.923) suggested this referred to the Israelites' settlement in the Palestine region or Canaan. Al-Zamakhshari (d. 1144) suggested this referred to Egypt devoid of Pharaoh in Islam, Pharaoh. Al-Qurtubi (d. 1272) suggested both.

References

External links

Quran 17
– Clear Quran translation
Q17:104
50+ translations, at ''islamawakened.com''. {{Authority control Al-Isra, Islam and Judaism Chapters in the Quran, Isra Satan in religious literature, Isra