Introduction to Tafsir of Surah al-Isra

Name of Surah al-Isra 

This surah is named al-Isra because the story of the Night Journey ‘Isra’’ of Prophet Muhammadﷺ from the Sacred mosque in Mecca to al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is mentioned therein. Allah says, interpretation of meaning:

(Glory is to Him who caused His slave to travel by night from the sacred mosque to al-Aqsa mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him some of Our proofs. Indeed, He is the all-Hearing, the all-Seeing.)[Q17:1]

It is also called surah of the Children of Israel because the story of their wandering two times on earth is mentioned in this surah.

Allah says, interpretation of meaning:

(We informed the Children of Israel in the scripture that, ‘You would indeed make mischief on the earth twice, and you would indeed be tyrannically arrogant.’) [Q 17:4]

Surah al-Isra is also called ‘Subhãn/Glory’, which means that Allah is far above all imperfection. 

Virtues of Surah al-Isra

• Abdul-Allah bin Mas’ûd, may Allah be pleased with him, said about surah Children of Israel, al-Kahf, Maryam, Taha, and al-Anbiya’, i.e. Q 17-18-19-20-21, ‘They are among the surahs that were revealed early in Mecca, and they are among the first surahs I have memorized.” 

• ‘Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said, ‘The Prophetﷺ used not to sleep until he recites Surah az-Zumur and the Children of Israel.’  

Relationship with Surah an-Nahl

Surah an-Nahl comes before Surah al-Isra according to the arrangement of the Mus-haf, the written copy of the Quran. 

• At the end of Surah al-Nahl, Allah says, (The Sabbath was only prescribed for those who differed about it. Verily, your Lord will judge among them on the Day of Judgment about what they used to differ.) [Q 16: 124]. In surah al-Isra’ Allah, Exalted is He, clarified the law of the people of the Sabbath, and their issue. He also mentioned all that He prescribed for them in the Torah. Abdul-Allah bin Abbãs, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘All the rules of the Torah are found in fifteen ayah in surah the Children of Israel.’ 

• Allah, Exalted is He, commanded His Prophetﷺ at the end of surah an-Nahl to be patient with the abuse of the disbelievers, who accused him of lying, and being a magician and poet. In surah al-Isra’, Allah consoled him, and showed his great rank and position with His Lord, Allah, by the Night Journey. Moreover, Allah has begun surah al-Isra’ by mentioning the Messengerﷺ and Al-Aqsa mosque, whose story of destruction has been mentioned in the surah, to honor them. 

• Allah has stated in surah an-Nahl that He has revealed the Quran, and that it is not the speech of human beings. In surah al-Isra, He has mentioned the main goals of the Quran. 

• Allah has mentioned rules for benefiting from earthly creatures in surah an-Nahl. In surah al-Isra, He has mentioned social rules, such as being dutiful to the parents, giving the relatives, the poor, and the wayfarers their rights without stinginess nor extravagance, prohibition of killing innocent souls, and consuming the wealth of the orphans, commanding to justly and fully give weight and measure when selling, and condemning imitation not based on sound knowledge. 

A- Isra is a Meccy Surah

Surah al-Isra was revealed in Mecca. Some narrations state that there are some ayat in surah al-Isra that were revealed in Madinah. However, the majority of the scholars of Tafsir say that all the ayat of surah al-Isra were revealed in Mecca. 

Number of its Ayat 

According to counting of the scholars of al-Madinah, Mecca, as-Sham, and al-Basra, surah al-Isra’ has hundred and ten ayat. It has hundred and eleven ayat according to the counting of scholars of Kufa.  

Theme of Surah al-Isra 

The main theme of Surah al-Isra is establishing principles of Islamic creed just as all surahs revealed in Mecca do.

Surah al-Isra informs about a great miracle that was given the final Prophet and Messenger Muhammadﷺ, i.e. the Night Journey from the Sacred mosque in Mecca to al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. This journey is a magnificent proof of the ability of Allah, Exalted is He, on which He honored His Prophetﷺ. Surah al-Isra also speaks about the book Allah revealed to Moses, i.e. the Torah, to be the guidance for Children of Israel. It also mentions what Allah has informed about the corruption that the Children of Israel would do on the earth. Allah says, interpretation of meaning:

(Glory is to Him who caused His slave to travel by night from the Sacred mosque to al-Aqsa mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him some of Our proofs. Indeed, He is the all-Hearing, the all-Seeing.

We gave Moses the Book and made it guidance for the Children of Israel, informing them, ‘Do not make other than Me as a worshipped guardian.’

O descendants of those whom We carried with Noah! Indeed, he was a grateful slave.

We informed the Children of Israel in the scripture that, ‘You would indeed make mischief on the earth twice, and you would indeed be tyrannically arrogant.’) [Q 17: 1-4]

Then the surah mentions that Allah revealed the Quran to the Messengerﷺ to guide people to the right path, give good news to those who do righteous deeds, and warn those who refuse to follow the path of guidance. It also states that every human being is responsible for his deeds. He will be called to account for his deeds on the Day of Judgment.

The surah then declares one of the rules of Allah. The rule states that the result of extravagance and disobedience is destruction, that the abode of whoever only seeks the reward of the worldly life is hellfire, and that the abode of whoever seeks the reward of the hereafter and does righteous deeds for the sake of Allah in this world will be Paradise. 

Allah makes clear that happiness in the hereafter is attained by believing in Allah alone, sincerely seeking it, and exerting one’s best efforts to attain it. Then Allah mentions some enjoinments that whoever complies with will attain His pleasure, Exalted is He. For example, Allah says, interpretation of meaning:

(Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be dutiful to the parents. If one or both of them become old, being under your care, do not say the slightest bad word to them, nor scold them, and speak kindly to them.)[Q17:23]

(Do not kill a soul whom Allah has forbidden to be killed except for a lawful cause. Whomever is unjustly killed, We have given authority to his guardian to demand retaliation. He must not transgress the lawful limit in carrying out the retaliation. Indeed, he will be victorious.)[Q17:33]

Then the surah praises the Quran, affirms that Allah is One, and has no partner, and mentions that everything praises Allah, Exalted is He. Allah says, interpretation of meaning:

(Indeed, We have diversely clarified things in this Quran for people that they may be admonished, but it increases them only aversion.) [Q 17:41]

(The seven heavens, the earth, and all that is in them glorify Him. There is not a thing but glorifies Him, but you do not understand their glorification. Indeed, He is ever All-Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.)  [Q 17: 44]

After that, the surah mentions some allegations of the disbelievers, and refutes them. Moreover, it commands the believers to say the best speech.

Allah says, interpretation of meaning:

(They say, ‘When we become bones and crumbled remains, will we be resurrected as a new creation?’)[Q 17:49]

(Tell My slaves that they should say that which is best. Indeed, Satan stirs enmity among them. Verily, Satan is ever an open enemy to man.) [Q 17:53]

Then the surah mentions the story of Adam  and Satan. After that, it refers to some of the blessings that Allah grants His slaves on land and at sea. It also points out to some aspects, denoting the honor Allah bestows on human beings, and portrays some scenes of the Day of the Judgment, indicating how Allah is just. Allah says, interpretation of meaning:

(Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam, subjected what is on the land and at the sea to carry them, provided them with tasty sustenance, and favored them greatly over many of those We have created.)[Q17:70] 

The surah mentions after that some of the blessings Allah granted His Prophet Muhammadﷺ as he made him firm, encountering the cunning of his enemies. Allah commanded him to always pray and recite the Quran because it would increase his firmness. Allah says, interpretation of meaning:

Indeed, they were about to entice you– O Messenger - away from what We have revealed to you to make you fabricate something else against Us. Then they would have made you their beloved friend. [Q17:73] 

Finally, the surah mentions proofs, denoting the Oneness of Allah, Exalted is  He, narrates some of the story of Moses, and affirms that Allah, Exalted  is He, truthfully has revealed the Quran so that people will recite it deliberately.

As the surah begins with praising and glorifying Allah, it is concluded with praising, thanking, and exalting Him. Allah says, interpretation of meaning,

Say, ‘Praise is due to Allah, who has neither a child, nor a partner in His kingdom, nor a supporting ally out of humility. And praise Him greatly.’ [Q:17:111]

After presenting a summary of the most important topics of surah al-Isra, the following points are noted:

• Like all Meccy surahs, surah al-Isra greatly focuses on purifying the creed of the Oneness of Allah from whatever deviation that may affect it. 

• It gives a comprehensive discussion about the personality of the Messengerﷺ. It mentions his Night Journey from the Sacred mosque in Mecca to al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, the nature and the characteristics of his message, the attitudes of the disbelievers toward his message, the obstinate demands that they asked him, how Allah made His messenger firm, and the good news that Allah gave himﷺ. 

• Surah al-Isra focuses on speaking about the Quran. It refers to the fact that it is guidance, and inimitable.

• Those who do not believe in the Quran cannot understand it. It is healing for all diseases, physical and spiritual ones. This is besides the admonitions are repeated therein, using different manners. The Quran was revealed gradually so people could understand and recite it deliberately.

• The surah gives good attention to discussing Sharî’a obligations related to individual and community behaviors. 

• The surah clarifies the un-changeable rules of Allah regarding being guided and going astray, reward and punishment, giving victory and forsaking, and bestowing mercy and annihilating.

English Translation of Surah al-Isra

Tafsir of Surah al-Isra: Ayah 110-111

Invoking Allah by Means of His Beautiful Names

Praise is due to Allah, who has the most beautiful names and attributes. It is permissible to invoke Allah by means of any of these names. Messenger Muhammad said, ‘Allah has ninety-nine names. Whoever knows them well will enter Paradise.’

(Say, ‘Invoke Allah, or invoke the Giver of Mercy. By whichever name, you invoke Him, to Him belong the most beautiful names.’ Neither make your recitation loud in the prayer, nor too low, and seek a moderate way between them.

Say, ‘Praise is due to Allah, who has neither a child, nor a partner in His kingdom, nor a supporting ally out of humility. And praise Him greatly.’ 

 [Quran Surah al-Isra: 110-111]

Relationship with the Previous Part

Allah, Exalted is He, confirmed that He revealed the Quran to His Messenger Muhammad, who invited people to believe in the Oneness of Allah. The disbelievers accused Messenger Muhammad of worshipping more than one god as he used to invoke by saying, ‘O Allah! and O the Giver of mercy!’ They thought that these names belonged to more than one god. Thus, Allah mentions that He is One even if He, Exalted is He, has more than one name. 

Cause of Revelation

Abdul-Allah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that (Neither make your recitation loud in the prayer, nor too low, and seek a moderate way between them.) was revealed to Messenger Muhammad in Mecca. He used to recite the Quran loudly when praying secretly with his companions. If it happened that the disbelievers heard him, they would curse the Quran, the One who revealed it, and the one who conveyed it. Thus, Allah, said to Messenger Muhammad, (Neither make your recitation loud in the prayer…), so as the disbelievers would curse the Quran, (nor too low…), so as your companions could not hear your recitation, and (and seek a moderate way between them.). 

Tafsir

(Say, ‘Invoke Allah, or invoke the Giver of Mercy. By whichever name, you invoke Him, to Him belong the most beautiful names.’ Neither make your recitation loud in the prayer, nor too low, and seek a moderate way between them.) [110]

O Messenger! Say to the disbelievers, who objected to invoking Allah by means of His name ‘ar-Rahman – the Giver of mercy,’ that whether you say ‘O Allah! or O ar-Rahman’, both are names of Allah, Exalted is He. He has the most beautiful names. Thus, invoke Him by means of any one of His beautiful names. . 

(Neither make your recitation loud in the prayer, nor too low, and seek a moderate way between them.)

O Messenger! Neither recite the Quran load in the prayer, so that the disbelievers would curse the Quran, the One who revealed it, and the one who conveys it, nor recite the Quran too low in the prayer so that your companions cannot hear your recitation. Rather, you should recite the Quran with a moderate voice, not too loud nor too low, which is the best manner of recitation.  

(Say, ‘Praise is due to Allah, who has neither a child, nor a partner in His kingdom, nor a supporting ally out of humility. And praise Him greatly.’) [111]

O Messenger! Say, ‘Perfect praise is due to Allah. He has no son, as He is the richest and self-sufficient. He owns whatever thing in the heavens and the earth. Allah has no partner in His kingdom. Allah has no supporting ally out of humility; rather, He is the Omnipotent and nothing can overcome Him, Exalted is He.’

Indeed, Allah deserves the greatest praise and glorification. Qatãda said, ‘I have been told that Messenger Muhammad used to teach this ayah to his family, the old and the young ones, (Say, ‘Praise is due to Allah, who has neither a child, nor a partner in His kingdom, nor a supporting ally out of humility. And praise Him greatly.)’ 

Learned Lessons

• It is permissible to invoke Allah by means of any of His beautiful names, among which are Allah and ar-Rahman ‘the Giver of mercy. 

• Recitation of the Quran in the prayer should be in a moderate voice, neither loud, nor too low.

• Allah, Exalted is He, has neither a son, nor a partner in His kingdom, nor a supporting ally out of humility that may befall Him, Exalted is He.

• Allah deserves perfect praise. 

Tafsir of Surah Al-Isra: Ayah 105-109

English Translation of Surah al-Isra

Tafsir of Surah Al-Isra: Ayah 105-109

The Quran & the Truth

Humanity needs a divine code, guiding them to what brings them happiness and wards off misery in the worldly life and the Hereafter. Therefore, Allah, Exalted is He, revealed the Quran, upholding the truth, and containing the truth. 

(Upholding the truth, We have revealed it, and containing the truth, it has been revealed. We have not sent you, but as a giver of good news and a warner.

It is a clear Quran which We have revealed so that you may deliberately recite it to men, and We have revealed it in stages. 

Say, ‘Believe or do not believe in it. Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces prostrating.’

They say, ‘Glory be to our Lord! Indeed, our Lord’s promise must be fulfilled.’  

They fall down on their faces weeping, and it increases their humbleness.)

[Quran Surah al-Isra:105-109] 

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part mentioned that the Quran is inimitable, and that the disbelievers asked Messenger Muhammad to bring them miracles so that they might believe in Islam. If their request was met and then they disbelieved, they would be punished and destroyed. Then the ayat returns to speak about the greatness and sublimity of the Quran. 

Tafsir  

(Upholding the truth, We have revealed it, and containing the truth, it has been revealed. We have not sent you, but as a giver of good news and a warner.) [105]

(Upholding the truth, We have revealed it.) Allah revealed the Quran to Messenger Muhammad in order to support, uphold, establish, and sanction the truth.

(… and containing the truth, it has been revealed.) The Quran contains the truth in every matter, creed, worship, etc. 

Allah revealed the Quran containing proofs of His Oneness, laws and legislation, regulating people’s life, commandments to implement justice and practice virtue ethics, and prohibitions of injustice and vice ethics. In sum, the Quran contains all man needs to know to attain happiness in this world and the Hereafter. Moreover, Allah revealed the Quran and took upon Himself to protect it from distortion, alteration, increase, and decrease. 

(We have not sent you, but as a giver of good news, and a warner.)

This is praise for Messenger Muhammad to whom the Quran was revealed.

O Messenger! We have sent you only as a giver of good news to the good doers and a warner to the evil doers. We have not sent you to force people to belief in Islam. 

Verily, only Allah is able to guide people to follow the path of guidance. 

(It is a clear Quran which We have revealed so that you may deliberately recite it to men, and We have revealed it in stages.) [106]

O Messenger! We have revealed the Quran to you. It is distinctively clear.  It precisely states commands, prohibitions, rules, and laws. We have revealed it in stages so that you might deliberately recite it to men. 

Reciting the Quran deliberately facilitates understanding and implementing its rules as well as its memorization. The companions of Messenger Muhammad followed this method in learning and memorizing the Quran. For them, it was not only a book they should recite, it was also a road map they should follow to achieve success in this world and the Hereafter. 

Abu Abdur-Rahman as-Sulamy said, ‘Those who used to teach us the Quran told us that they used to learn the Quran from Messenger Muhammad. When they learned ten ayat, they would not learn other ayat until they implemented the teachings of the learned ayat. Thus they learned the Quran and implemented its teachings at the same time.’ 

(We have revealed it in stages.)

Allah revealed the Quran to Messenger Muhammad over a period of twenty-three years in accordance with His wisdom, and events that took place. It was revealed in such a manner to facilitate its understanding and memorization for the Muslims.  If they were asked to implement the entire rules and teachings of the Quran at once, it would be difficult for them. 

Then Allah threatened the disbelievers, showing their insignificance. 

(Say, ‘Believe or do not believe in it. Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces prostrating.’) [107]

O Messenger! Tell the disbelievers, who refused to believe in Islam, described the Quran as tales of the ancient, and asked for miracles, ‘Do as you like. Believe or disbelieve in the Quran. Your belief will not increase its sublimity, and your disbelief will not decrease its significance. The scholars among the Jews and Christians, who have knowledge of the former divine Scriptures and can distinguish the truth from falsehood, fall  down on their faces, prostrating when the Quran is recited to them.’ 

Those scholars fall down on their faces, prostrating when listening to the recitation of the Quran in order to thank Allah, Who have fulfilled His promise by sending Messenger Muhammad and revealing the Quran as He promised in the former Scriptures. 

 (…when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces prostrating.)

 The conduct of the scholars among the Jews and Christians indicates that their belief was very strong that the effect of listening to the recitation of the Quran immediately appeared through their prostration. They humbly fell down on their faces, prostrating as soon as they listened to the recitation of the Quran. 

 Falling down on the face is particularly referred to because the face is the first part of the body touches the earth when prostrating, and because it shows humility and submission. 

(They say, ‘Glory be to our Lord! Indeed, our Lord’s promise must be fulfilled.’) [108]

When listening to the recitation of the Quran, the scholars among the Jews and Christians say, ‘Glory be to Allah, our Lord. Indeed, His promise must be fulfilled.’ 

They glorified Allah, as He fulfilled His promise in the Torah and the Gospel that He would send Messenger Muhammad and reveal the Quran, which happened. Indeed, sending Messenger Muhammad as a messenger to invite people to believe in the Oneness of Allah and revealing the Quran, which contains what brings happiness to man in this world and the Hereafter is a great blessing that Allah must be thanked for. 

(They fall down on their faces weeping, and it increases their humbleness.) [109]

Praising the scholars among the Jews and Christians is repeated in this ayah, (They fall down on their faces weeping, and it increases their humbleness.) That is because the reason for their falling down on their faces prostrating in this ayah is different from that of ayah [107]

The first prostration was to glorify and thank Allah as He fulfilled His promise by sending Messenger Muhammad and revealing the Quran. As for the second prostration, it was because they were greatly affected by the admonitions and lessons of the Quran. 

 (They fall down on their faces weeping, and it increases their humbleness.)

The scholars among the Jews and Christians prostrated themselves when listening the Quran, and wept out of submission and humbleness to Allah. 

The scholars deduced from ayah [107 &109] that weeping out of fear of Allah indicates true belief, and purity of the soul. Messenger Muhammad said, ‘Two eyes shall never be touched by the hellfire. They are an eye that cried out of fear of Allah, and an eye that spends the night guarding the borders for the sake of Allah.’ 

Learned Lessons

• Allah, Exalted is He, revealed the Quran, upholding and containing the truth.

• The Quran was revealed in stages over a period of twenty-three years in order to facilitate its recitation, understanding, memorization and implementing its rules and teachings. Otherwise, it might be difficult for people to comprehend and implement its teachings.

• Allah, Exalted is He, threatened the disbelievers, who disbelieved in the Quran. He mentioned that the scholars among the Jews and Christians believed in the Quran. They would fall down on their faces prostrating when listening to the recitation of the Quran in order to glorify and thank Allah, who fulfilled His promise by sending Messenger Muhammad and revealing the Quran. In addition, they showed their submission and humbleness to Allah by their prostration. 

• Crying for fear of Allah indicates strong faith, and fear of Allah.

Tafsir of Surah al-Isra: Ayah 101-104

English Translation of Surah al-Isra 

Tafsir of Surah al-Isra Ayah 70-72

Honoring the Children of Adam

Allah has honored the children of Adam tangibly and intangibly. He saves them from the dangers of seas and lands, preserves their honor, protects their rights, and subjugates all that is on the earth and heavens for them. Indeed, no created being enjoys the honor Allah has bestowed on the children of Adam.

(Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam, provided them with transport on the land and the sea, given them tasty sustenance, and favored them greatly over many of those We have created.

Mention the Day when We shall call every group with their leader. Then whoever will be given his record in his right hand - those will read their records, and will not be wronged in the least. 

Whoever has been blind in this world will be blind in the Hereafter, and greatly far from the right path.)

[Quran Surah al-Isra: 70-72] 

Relationship with Previous Part

After Allah mentioned some of His bounties on the children of Adam, He, Exalted is He, has mentioned that He has honored and favored them over many of His creatures. Then Allah, Exalted is He, has mentioned how their conditions will be in the Hereafter. 

Tafsir

(Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam, provided them with transport on the land and the sea, given them tasty sustenance, and favored them greatly over many of those We have created.) [70]

Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam. We have subjugated all that in the universe for them. We have subjugated animals to carry them on the land, and ships to carry them on the sea. Moreover, We have given them tasty sustenance, and favored them greatly over many created beings.

(Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam…)

Some aspects of the honoring of Allah to the children of Adam include the following:

- Allah has created man in the best form. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, (Indeed, We have created man in the best form) [Q 95:4]

- Allah has distinguished man with intellect, utterance, and various faculties, which enable him to be responsible for fulfilling Allah’s obligations on him.

- Allah has subjugated many of His creatures for serving man. 

(…provided them with transport on the land and the sea…)

Allah, the Omnipotence, has provided man with means of transportation on earth, e.g. animals, trains, and cars. He also has given them means of transportation to travel on the sea, such as ships.

 (…given them tasty sustenance…)

Allah, out of His bounty, has given man various kinds of tasty sustenance without which he cannot live.

(…and favored them greatly over many of those We have created.)

Allah has favored human beings greatly over many other creatures.

Some scholars believe that there is a difference between honoring and favoring, and among them is Imam Fakhar ad-Dayn ar-Razy. He said, ‘In the beginning of the ayah, Allah says, (Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam.), and at the end of the ayah, Allah says, (…and favored them greatly over many of those We have created.). There must be a difference between honoring and favoring; otherwise, there will be repetition. The most plausible interpretation is that Allah has favored man over all animals with natural dispositions, e.g. intellect, utterance, stature, etc. Then Allah has enabled man by means of the intellect and understanding to acquire sound belief and morals.’ 

After clarifying people’s conditions in this world, the ayat mention their circumstances in the Hereafter.

(Mention the Day when We shall call every group with their leader. Then whoever will be given his record in his right hand - those will read their records, and will not be wronged in the least.)[71]

O Messenger! Mention to the people about the Day of Judgment. On that day, We will call every group with their leader, whom they used to follow in the worldly life. The righteous believers will be given the records of their deeds in their right hands. They will read them happily, when they find out what has been written therein. They will be rewarded for their righteous deeds and will not be wronged in the least. 

In the Arabic version, ‘fateela,’ translated as ‘in the least’ is used to refer to the fact that the reward of the righteous believers will never be decreased even a small part equals to the very thin fiber, called ‘fateel’ found in the side of a date seed. 

Then the ayat mention the evil end of the evil doers. 

(Whoever has been blind in this world will be blind in the Hereafter, and greatly far from the right path.) [72]

Blindness in this ayah refers to heedlessness of the heart, not blindness of the eyes. In another ayah, Allah says, interpretation of meaning: 

(Have they not travelled on earth so that they would have reasons that understand, or ears that attentively hear? Indeed, the eyes do not become blind, but the hearts within the breasts become blind.)[Q 22: 46] 

Whoever has a heedless heart in the worldly life, favoring disbelief in Allah over believing in Him will be extremely heedless in the Hereafter and greatly far from knowing the right path. That is because he had the opportunity to reform his way and obey Allah in the worldly life, but he insisted on disbelief and following the path of misguidance. As for the Hereafter, he cannot reform what he missed in the worldly life. 

In other words, the person, who deliberately refuses to observe proofs, denoting the Oneness of Allah in the worldly life, will be blind in the Hereafter and will not know the right path, leading to salvation. 

Learned Lessons 

• Allah has honored the children of Adam and favored them over many of His creatures. He has honored them with creating them in the best form, distinguishing them with intellect and understanding, giving them means of transportation on the land and the sea, and providing them with tasty sustenance. 

• On the Day of Judgment, every person will receive and read the record of his deeds wherein all his committed deeds and uttered statements in the worldly life are written. 

• Those who receive the record of their deeds in their right hands will be happy and will be immensely rewarded. 

• Real blindness in the worldly life is not blindness of the eyes; rather, it is heedlessness of the hearts so that they cannot observe evidence denoting the Oneness of Allah.  

• The disobedient will fail to recognize the right path on the Day of Judgment, just as they failed to follow it in the worldly life.

Tafsir of Surah al-Isra: Ayah 66-69

English Translation of Surah al-Isra

Tafsir Surah al-Isra: Ayah 73-77

The Disbelievers’ Attempts to Tempt & Expel Messenger Muhammad from Mecca

The disbelievers thought that they could convince Messenger Muhammad to abandon the message Allah revealed to him, change the revelation of Allah, fabricate things that Allah did not reveal, and sanction their worship of the idols by using tricks and plots. When they failed to achieve their goals, they threatened the Prophetﷺ with expulsion from Mecca. In the end, they failed, and success and victory were the share of the Messenger of Allah and his followers. 

(Indeed, they were about to tempt you away from what We revealed to you to make you fabricate something else against Us. Then they would have made you their beloved friend.

Had We not made you firm, indeed, you were about to incline to them a little bit.

In that case, We would have surely made you suffer double torment in this world, and double torment in the Hereafter. Then you would find no helper against Us.

Indeed, they were about to harass you to drive you out of the land. Had they done so, they would have not remained after you, but a little while.

Such was Our way with the Messengers We sent before you. You will find no change in Our way.) 

[Quran Surah al-Isra:73- 77] 

Relationship with the Previous Part

In the previous part, Allah enumerated some of His bounties on people. Then He mentioned how their conditions and ranks would be in the Hereafter, referring to those who would attain His pleasure and the losers.

Then, Allah has warned the believers of being deceived by the temptations and deceptive speech of the misguided people.  Allah has also mentioned how He supported, helped, and protected Messenger Muhammad from the plots and evil plans of the disbelievers. He saved His Messenger from the dangers and evils of his enemies and granted him victory. 

Tafsir

(Indeed, they were about to tempt you away from what We revealed to you to make you fabricate something else against Us. Then they would have made you their beloved friend.) [73]

O Messenger! The disbelievers thought, due to their corrupt understanding and baseless claims, that they would be able to convince, deceive, and tempt you away from the Quran that Allah revealed to you. Thus, you might fabricate something against Allah. If you were deceived by their corrupt attempts and tricks and accepted their evil suggestions, they would make you their beloved friend.

After mentioning the statements of the scholars regarding the cause of revelation of this ayah, Imam ibn Jarîr at-Tabarî said, ‘The correct opinion on this matter is that Allah mentioned that the disbelievers were about to tempt the Messengerﷺ away from the revelation of Allah. Thus, he might follow another one, which would be fabrication against Allah. It is possible that this refers to asking the Messenger to touch their gods. It might also refer to what ibn Abbas narrated about the request of the tribe of Thaqyf, and it might refer to another thing. Nothing in the Quran nor in the authentic narration of Messenger Muhammad that supports any of these opinions. Thus, the correct course is to believe in the apparent meaning of the ayah until authentic evidence, clarifying the matter is found.’ 

Allah mentions in the Quran that Messenger Muhammad rejected the suggestions of the disbelievers. Allah says, interpretation of meaning,

When Our clear ayat are recited to them, those who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Bring Quran other than this or change it.’ Say, ‘It is not for me to change it of my own accord. I follow only what is revealed to me. I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the torment of a terribly great day.’ [Q10:15]  

Then Allah has mentioned some aspects of His bounties on Messenger Muhammad. 

(Had We not made you firm, indeed, you were about to incline to them a little bit.)[74]

O Messenger! Had We not made you firm and protected you from accepting the disbelievers’ suggestions, you were about to incline to them a little bit since their deceit and trickery were strong and artful.  

This ayah clearly states that Messenger Muhammad is innocent of inclining to the disbelievers let alone accepting their deceptive suggestions. 

Allah made Messenger Muhammad firm and protected him from the temptations of the disbelievers. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘The Messengerﷺ was infallible. However, the Quran informs his followers not to incline to the disbelievers regarding any rule of Islam.’  

Qatãda, may Allah have mercy on him, said, ‘(Had We not made you firm, indeed, you were about to incline to them a little bit). When it was revealed, the Prophetﷺ said, ‘O Allah! Do not make me rely on my own self even as much as a blink of an eye.’’ 

Then the ayat present the expected punishment if Messenger Muhammad had inclined to the disbelievers. 

(In that case, We would have surely made you suffer double torment in this world, and double torment in the Hereafter. Then you would find no helper against Us.) [75]

O noble Messenger! If you had inclined to the disbelievers a little bit and accepted their suggestions, We would have made you suffer double torment in this world and double torment in the Hereafter. Then you would find no supporter nor helper, who would help you against Us, and save you from the torment.

The torment would be doubled because the gravity of a mistake is commensurate with the great rank of its perpetrator. Likewise, its insignificance is commensurate with the insignificant rank of its perpetrator. 

Messenger Muhammad is the greatest man. Therefore, Allah threatened him with double torment if he should incline to the disbelievers even a little bit. 

Then the ayat mention another plot of the disbelievers. They attempted to expel the Messengerﷺ from his town, Mecca, so that they would be able to worship their false gods without any condemnation.

(Indeed, they were about to harass you to drive you out of the land. Had they done so, they would have not remained after you, but a little while.)[76]

O Messenger! The disbelievers were about to harass you by their enmity and cunning in order to drive you out of Mecca. Had they done so, they would not have remained after you left it, but a little while, then they would have been destroyed. 

Allah commanded Messenger Muhammad to migrate from Mecca to al-Madinah. Then He granted him and his companions victory in the battle of Badr, noting that there were only two years between his migration and the Badr battle. 

(Such was Our way with the Messengers We sent before you. You will find no change in Our way.) [77]

Such was the way of Allah with those who disbelieved and drove the messengers of Allah out of their towns. O Messenger! You will find no change in Our way. 

Allah has not left any nation that drove out its messenger from his town, but punished it. This is the way of Allah and it will not change.  

In another ayah, Allah mentions that He will make His messengers victorious. Allah, says, interpretation of meaning,

(Indeed, Our word has already been given to Our slaves, the Messengers. Indeed, they would be victorious, and Our soldiers would be prevailing.) [Q 37:171-173] 

Learned Lessons

• Messenger Muhammad suffered from various kinds of abuse and harassment of the disbelievers of Mecca. The most dangerous of which were attempts to convince him to change the revelation that Allah revealed to him, and to expel him from his hometown, Mecca.

• Allah made Messenger Muhammad firm. The disbelievers failed to convince him to fabricate lies about Allah.

• Messenger Muhammad left Mecca when Allah commanded him to migrate to al-Madinah.

• Messenger Muhammad was infallible. Allah protected him from the plots and cunning of the disbelievers, and he never inclined to the disbelievers.

• The unchangeable way of Allah with the people who expel their messenger from his town is that He destroys them.

Tafsir of Surah al-Isra Ayah 70-72

English Translation of Surah al-Isra

Miracles that Allah Gave Messenger Moses

This article mentions an English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Isra, ayah 101 to ayah 104.

 It speaks about the miracles that Allah, Exalted be He, gave His Prophet and Messenger Moses. 

Arguments and conflicts between Messenger Moses and Pharaoh were extremely strong. Pharaoh wanted to preserve his kingdom and dominance in Egypt. He feared that Moses might compete with him in order to take over dominance in Egypt. On the other hand, Messenger Moses wanted to prove the truthfulness of his prophet-hood. Thus, Allah gave him miracles to support him. 

(Indeed, We gave Moses nine clear miracles. Ask the Children of Israel when he came to them. Then Pharaoh said to him, ‘O Moses! I think you are indeed bewitched.’ 

He said, ‘Indeed, you know that no one has produced these miracles but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as clear proofs. O Pharaoh! I think you are indeed doomed.’ 

Then he wanted to drive them out of the land. Thus, We drowned him and all those with him.

Thereafter, We said to the Children of Israel, ‘Dwell in the land. When the appointed time of the Hereafter comes, We shall bring you all together.’) [Quran Surah al-Isra: 101-104]

Relationship with the Previous Part

It should be noted that the disbelievers asked Messenger Muhammad to bring them great miracles. Thus, Allah told him that He granted the Children of Israel great miracles like the miracles that they asked for, or even greater. If Allah knew that granting miracles to Messenger Muhammad would be beneficial, He would have done so, just as He granted miracles to Messenger Moses. However, Allah did not give Messenger Muhammad miracles because He knew that no benefit would be attained by granting these miracles. 

Extraordinary miracles are not the main cause of belief in Allah. Rather, having responsive hearts that are willing to accept the truth is the undeniable important cause of belief. Allah mentions the story of Messenger Moses with Pharaoh. Allah said that He granted Messenger Moses great miracles testifying to his truthfulness. However, Pharaoh insisted on disbelief in Allah and rejecting the truth. 

Tafsir 

(Indeed, We gave Moses nine clear miracles. Ask the Children of Israel when he came to them. Then Pharaoh said to him, ‘O Moses! I think you are indeed bewitched.’) [101] 

(Indeed, We gave Moses nine clear miracles.)

O Messenger! Do not think that denying and hateful hearts may believe in Allah. The proof is that We granted Messenger Moses nine clear miracles, proving his truthfulness. However, these miracles increased Pharaoh and his followers nothing but stubbornness and disbelief. So be patient with the negative reaction of your people, and their disbelief, just as the messengers before you were patient. 

Mentioning nine clear proofs in the ayah, in particular, does not negate that Allah gave Messenger Moses other miracles. 

Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Ikrima, ash-Sha’by, and Qatãda said that the nine miracles referred to in the ayah are Moses’ hand turned white, his rod turned into a snake, the famine that befell Pharaoh and his people, shortage of crops, the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood. 

(Ask the Children of Israel when he came to them.)

O Messenger! Ask your contemporaries among the Children of Israel like Abdul-Allah bin Salam in order to be certain that these miracles are mentioned in the Torah.

Allah gave Moses many miracles because multiplicity of proofs makes them have a strong impact and more convincing. 

(Then Pharaoh said to him, ‘O Moses! I think you are indeed bewitched.’) 

When Messenger Moses asked Pharaoh to let the Children of Israel leave Egypt with him after he showed him the clear proofs testifying to his truthfulness, Pharaoh said, ‘O Moses! I think that you are indeed bewitched. Therefore, you say and claim unsound things.’

Pharaoh’s reaction represents the typical reaction of the tyrant throughout history. When they see that truth surrounds them, and their corruption is exposed, they accuse the advocates of the truth of every kind of defect. 

(He said, ‘Indeed, you know that no one has produced these miracles but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as clear proofs. O Pharaoh! I think you are indeed doomed.’) [102] 

Messenger Moses said to Pharaoh, ‘Indeed, you know that no one has produced these miracles but Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Allah has produced them as clear evidence so that people may be guided to the right path.’

This reply implies censure to Pharaoh as he disregarded the truth though he certainly knew that Moses was neither bewitched nor a magician and that Allah gave him the miracles.

(O Pharaoh! I think you are indeed doomed.)

This is another reprimand to Pharaoh. Messenger Moses said, ‘O Pharaoh! I believe that you are doomed as you insist on disbelieving in the Oneness of Allah, and rejecting the miracles, confirming my truthfulness.’

Then ayat narrate what Pharaoh wanted to do with Messenger Moses and the Children of Israel after being confronted with such decisive evidence.

(Then he wanted to drive them out of the land. Thus, We drowned him and all those with him. [103]

Thereafter, We said to the Children of Israel, ‘Dwell in the land. When the appointed time of the Hereafter comes, We shall bring you all together.’) [104]

Pharaoh wanted to drive Messenger Moses and the Children of Israel out of Egypt or destroy them. However, the result was contrary to his intention. 

(Thus, We drowned him and all those with him.)

Allah made Pharaoh and his soldiers drown in the sea.

(Thereafter, We said to the Children of Israel, ‘Dwell in the land.)

Allah told the Children of Israel through Messenger Moses that they could dwell in Egypt. 

The ayah gives good news to the oppressed believers at all times. It states that the rule of Allah is to destroy the oppressors and make the patient and oppressed believers take over their land and wealth. 

Ibn Kathir said, ‘The ayah gave good news to the Messenger Muhammad that he would take over Mecca though surah al-Isra was revealed before his migration to al-Madinah. Indeed, Allah made Messenger Muhammad take over Mecca later. The disbelievers tried to drive Messenger Muhammad out of Mecca. (Indeed, they were about to harass you to drive you out of the land. Had they done so, they would have not stayed after you, but a little while. Such was Our way with the Messengers We sent before you. You will find no change in Our way.) [Q 17:76- 77] Therefore, Allah made Messenger Muhammad take over Mecca, and triumph over the disbelievers, just as He made the Children of Israel take over Egypt and inherit the wealth of Pharaoh and his people.’ 

(When the appointed time of the Hereafter comes, We shall bring you all together.)

When the time that Allah appointed for the occurrence of the Day of Judgment comes, Allah will bring people back to life, and gather them all for reckoning.

Learned Lessons Surah Al-Isra Ayah 101-104 

• Allah granted Messenger Moses miracles, testifying to his truthfulness.

• Pharaoh insisted on disbelief. He tried to use his power and authority to expel Messenger Moses and the Children of Israel from Egypt. However, Allah drowned him and his soldiers in the sea. 

• It is obligatory to seek protection from Allah when confronting the tyrant. 

• Allah will bring people to life and gather them all on the Day of Judgment for reckoning.

Introduction to Tafsir of Surah al-Isra

Tafsir of Surah al-Isra: Ayah 110-111

Moses in Islam

Allah is All-Powerful

Understand and Learn English Translation andTafsir of Surah al-Isra Ayah 99-100

Allah confirms in the Quran that resurrection will take place on the Day of Judgment by pointing out to things that man can see. For example, the creation of the heavens and the earth with their magnificence is clear evidence that nothing is impossible for Allah, who created them. 

(Have they not seen that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth, is able to create the like of them? He has appointed a term for them, about which there is no doubt. Yet the wrongdoers refuse to accept nothing but disbelief.

Say, ‘If you possessed the treasures of my Lord’s mercy, you would hold them back for fear of spending. Man is ever stingy.’) 

Relationship with the Previous Part

After refuting suspicions of the deniers of prophethood, the ayat return to refute to suspicions of the deniers of resurrection on the Day of Judgment. They claim that it is impossible that man becomes alive after dying and becoming crumbled remains. Allah has proved that such a claim is false by referring to the fact that the One Who is able to create the heavens and the earth with magnificent creation is able to bring back the dead alive. 

Tafsir 

(Have they not seen that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth, is able to create the like of them? He has appointed a term for them, about which there is no doubt. Yet the wrongdoers refuse to accept nothing but disbelief.) [99]

(Have they not seen that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth, is able to create the like of them?)

Can the disbelievers not see the truth that those who are endowed with sound intellect can easily discern? 

Do the disbelievers not know that Allah, who has created the heavens and the earth, is able to create a greater creation, and bring them back to life after death for reckoning on the Day of Judgment?

Indeed, He is Omnipotent and nothing is impossible for Him, Exalted is He. The disbelievers’ ignorance of such a clear fact is evidence of their defective minds. 

After establishing clear evidence for the occurrence of resurrection, and that people will become alive after death, then Allah mentions that resurrection will take place at an appointed time according to His wisdom and will.

(He has appointed a term for them, about which there is no doubt.)

Allah has appointed a specific time for resurrection on the Day of Judgment. People will be brought out of their graves for reckoning and recompense on that day.

  

(Yet the wrongdoers refuse to accept nothing but disbelief.)

This shows the disbelievers’ insistence on rejecting and denying the truth though they know it.

The deniers of resurrection accept nothing but disbelief in Allah, which is the typical characteristic of the ignorant. 

Then Allah commanded Messenger Muhammad to encounter the disbelievers, informing them about their inborn stinginess after they asked him for corrupt suggestions.

(Say, ‘If you possessed the treasures of my Lord’s mercy, you would hold them back for fear of spending. Man is ever stingy.’) [100]

O Messenger! Tell the disbelievers, who have rejected your message and asked you impossible things, ‘O people! If you possessed the treasures of sustenance of Allah, you would be stingy and not spend them for fear of becoming poor though the treasures of Allah never run out. But stinginess is your inherent disposition.’

(Man is ever stingy.)

Man is extremely stingy by nature. He is tightfisted with people and even with his own self for fear of poverty even if he owns all the treasures of the heavens and the earth. 

Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Isra Ayah 99-100

• Though evidence, denoting the Oneness of Allah and His omnipotence, is clear, e.g. creation of the heavens and the earth, the disbelievers insist on disbelief.

• The Day of Judgment will certainly occur. 

• Even if man owns all treasures of the heavens and the earth, he will not spend them for fear of poverty, as stinginess is his innate characteristic. 

• It may be said that there are generous people. How can this be reconciled with the fact that man is stingy by nature? 1) Stinginess is an inherent characteristic of man since he normally needs things, so he loves things that avail and protect him from being in need. He may be generous for reasons that force him to be generous. 2) When man gives to people, he may do so in order to be thanked, he may be obliged to give, and he may give to be rewarded by Allah. In fact, he gives to attain compensation. 

English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant)

Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Ad-Duha