Background Information of Surah Al-Isra
Context and Revelation: Surah Al-Isra, also known as Surah Bani Isra’il, consists of 111 verses and was revealed in Mecca. It marks the beginning of a series focusing on the spiritual histories of individual prophets rather than entire nations.
Key Themes and Messages
The Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj):
Prophetic Journey: Describes Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous night journey from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Farthest Mosque in Jerusalem, followed by his ascension (Mi’raj) into the heavens, where he was shown great signs by Allah.
Divine Secrets and Universal Signs:
Revelation of Mysteries: The journey symbolizes the honor bestowed upon true servants of Allah, who are allowed to witness the universe’s great secrets, demonstrating the signs clearly to guide humanity.
Ethical and Moral Conduct:
Personal Responsibility: Stresses that doing good is essentially doing oneself a favor, as Allah’s rewards are generous in this life and even greater in the hereafter.
Social Obligations: Emphasizes kindness towards parents, relatives, the needy, and travelers. Advocates that even kind words are considered charity.
Prohibitions and Warnings:
Sanctity of Life: Commands against killing children out of poverty fear, approaching adultery, and unlawfully taking life.
Protection of the Vulnerable: Includes directives against exploiting orphans’ wealth and instructions to give full measure in trade.
Behavioral Conduct: Advises against walking with insolence and reminds that none can rival Allah in might.
Role of Satan and Human Nobility:
Fall of Satan: Attributes Satan’s fall to pride, envy, and hostility, serving as a warning against such traits.
Human Dignity: Highlights human beings as Allah’s most honored creation, endowed with reason and thus bearing significant responsibility.
The Quran’s Role:
Source of Healing and Guidance: The Quran is presented as a cure and a mercy for the believers, providing guidance and serving as a sign of Allah’s grace.
Importance of Learning and Recitation: Encourages the learning and recitation of the Quran, and constant praise of Allah.
Conclusion
Enduring Truth and Fleeting Falsehood: Asserts that truth will remain, while falsehood will perish. Calls for continual seeking of Allah’s favor and guidance, emphasizing the Quran’s role in spiritual enlightenment and the ultimate accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Topical Analysis of Rukus
Ruku 1: Verses 1-10
Allah talks about the night journey.
Allah warns the Israelites about the mischief they have done and will do, and invites them to the right path.
Allah is talking about the news given by the Qur’an.
Ruku 2: Verses 11-22
God talks about the mistake people make while praying.
He talks about the wisdom of night and day.
He explains how the account will be given on the Day of Judgment.
He explains how the countries were driven to destruction.
Allah is talking about His servants who want the blessings of this world and about those who want the Hereafter.
Ruku 3: Verses 23-30
God speaks of obedience to parents.
He talks about those who correct themselves after a mistake.
Allah explains how to help relatives and people in need.
God is talking about wastage.
Ruku 4: Verses 31-40
Allah talks about seven different attitudes and behaviors that He has forbidden to people.
He talks about the pagans who say that the angels are the daughters of Allah.
Ruku 5: Verses 41-52
Allah tells what would happen if there were other gods besides Him.
Allah talks about the things done to the unbelievers, when the Qur’an is recited and He reveals their secret words.
Allah speaks of those who do not believe in resurrection after death and their arguments.
Ruku 6: Verses 53-60
Allah warns people against Satan and talks about His knowledge on His creations.
He is talking about the gods of the pagans.
Allah explains the reason why He did not send miracles to the pagans.
Ruku 7: Verses 61-70
Allah reveals the dialogue between Him and Satan.
Allah speaks of the blessings He has bestowed upon mankind and calls out to those who are ungrateful.
Ruku 8: Verses 71-77
Allah explains the situation of his righteous servants and disbelievers on the Day of Judgment.
Allah warns the Prophet (pbuh) by mentioning the tricks played by the pagans against him and informs him of future events.
Ruku 9: Verses 78-84
Allah commands prayer (salaat) and tells the Prophet (pbuh) the prayers he should pray.
He talks about the influence of the Qur’an on believers and deniers and the nature of man.
Ruku 10: Verses 85-93
Allah answers the question “What is the Spirit” which was asked to His Prophet (pbuh).
Allah challenges those who do not believe in the truthfulness of the Qur’an to write their own Qur’an.
Allah is speaking about the conditions that the unbelievers demand in order to believe.
Ruku 11: Verses 94-100
Allah talks about those who are not convinced of a human prophet (and expect an angel.)
He talks about those who find it unreasonable to be resurrected after death, and talks about their situation on the Day of Judgment.
Ruku 12: Verses 101-111
Allah explains the number of miracles that were revealed to Moses (pbuh) and the dialogue between Pharaoh and Moses (pbuh).
Allah explains how the Qur’an was revealed and the wisdom in it.
The effect of the Qur’an on scholars is explained.
Finally, Allah tells his servants by what name they should call Him and teaches the Prophet (pbuh) how to pray.
