Surah ‘Isra’, Chapter 17
Surah ‘Isra’ or Surah Bani-’Israel (The Children of Israel), No. 17
(Revealed in Mecca)
111 verses in 12 sections
The Content of Surah ‘Isra’
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful
Surah ‘Isra’ contains 111 verses, and it is widely known to be a Meccan Surah. However, some are of the opinion that verses 26, 32, 33, 57, and 58 of it were originally revealed in Medina.
This Surah has been named as ‘Subhan’ for its first word; it has also been named Surah ‘Isra’ for the sake of referring to the adventure of ascension of the Prophet (S), and has also been named ‘Surah Bani ‘Isra’il’ for recounting of the story of Bani-Israel.
As in the case of other ‘Meccan Suras’, this Surah deals with such issues as ‘monotheism’ ‘resurrection’ beneficial pieces of advice, and struggle against all sorts of paganism, injustice and deviation, traditions and rules, whether individual and social in historical perspective, the story of Adam and ’Iblis, the Prophet of Islam (S) and his position in Mecca.
The main point in question in this Holy Surah is the ‘Ascension of the Messenger (S)’.
The Surah starts with ‘Glorification of Allah’ and ends up with Praising and worshipping Him.
The Virtues of the Recitation of the Surah
There are numerous rewards mentioned in various Islamic quotations for those who recite or read this Surah among which one may name the quotation from Imam Sadiq (as) who said:
“Whoever reads Surah Bani Israel on each night preceding Fridays will unequivocally grasp the presence of Hadrat-i-Qa’im (as), before his death and will be included among his companions.”
We have reiterated over and again that such rewards and gains are not to be attained merely just by reading; on the contrary, they will be brought about when the recitation is coupled with and backed up by meditation, reflection and, consequently, by the obtaining of clues for practical purposes.
- An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an vol. 8
- Introduction
- Acknowledgment
- References
- A Presentation to Muslims
- Surah Ar-Ra‘d, Chapter 13
- Section 1: Signs of Allah in Nature
- Section 2: Allah, the Almighty Creator of the Universe
- Section 3: The Faithful and the Unfaithful Compared
- Section 4: Remembrance of Allah Sets Hearts at Rest
- Section 5: Messengers of Allah Were Mocked At
- Section 6: The Two Witnesses of the Truth
- Surah ‘Ibrahim, Chapter 14
- Section 1: Qur’an Revealed to Lead Mankind to Light
- Section 2: Moses’ Exhortation
- Section 3: The Disbelievers Punished
- Section 4: Disbelievers Shall Be Disappointed – Truth Shall Be Established
- Section 5: The Ingratitude of Men to Allah’s Bounties
- Section 6: Abraham’s Prayer
- Section 7: The Respite and the End
- The Highly Adventurous Life of ‘Ibrahim, the Iconoclastic Prophet
- The Birthplace and Childhood of ‘Ibrahim
- The Highly Adventurous Life of ‘Ibrahim (a. s.)
- Campaigns Against Various Groups of Idol-worshippers
- Logical Campaign Against the Idol-worshippers
- Dialogue with ‘Azar
- The Prophetic Mission of ‘Ibrahim
- Practical Campaigns Against the Idol-worshippers
- Dialogue with the Oppressive Ruler
- The Exodus of ‘Ibrahim
- The Last Stage of the Prophetic Mission of ‘Ibrahim
- The Highly-esteemed Position of ‘Ibrahim in the Qur’an
- Surah Al-Hijr, Chapter 15
- Section 1: The Qur’an Ever Protected by Allah
- Section 2: Everything in the Universe Takes Place by Allah’s Command
- Section 3: Man’s Creation – Satan’s Arrogance
- Section 4: Reward for the Righteous – Angles Give Abraham the Tidings of a Son
- Section 5: Lot and Shu‘ayb’s people
- Section 6: The People of the Rock
- Surah An-Nahl, Chapter 16
- Section 1: The Existence of Allah Proved by Nature
- Section 2: Allah’s Unity Testified in Nature
- Section 3: God of all is only One
- Section 4: The Disgrace Which the Wicked Shall Have
- Section 5: Every People Had the Guidance through an Apostle from Allah
- Section 6: To Seek Guidance from the People of the Qur’an
- Section 7: Polytheism Prohibited
- Section 8: Qur’an, the Guidance and the Mercy
- Section 9: Guidance from the Bounties of Allah for Man
- Section 10: The Faithful and the Unfaithful Ones Compared
- Section 11: The Hour of Judgment Shall Arrive Suddenly
- Section 12: Apostle Muhammad a Witness Over All Witnesses
- Section 13: To Keep up Covenants and Promises
- Section 14: Qur’an Brought Down by the Holy Spirit
- Section 15: Every Soul Shall Be Paid in Full What It Has Earned
- Section 16: Abraham Praised – His Faith Made an Ideal
- Surah ‘Isra’, Chapter 17
- Section 1: The Apostle Muhammad’s Visit
- Section 2: None Shall Bear the Burden of Others
- Section 3: Goodness and Submission to Parents Ordained
- Section 4: Moral Conduct
- Section 5: Everything in the Heavens and in the Earth Glorifies Allah
- Section 6: Gentleness in Dealing Enjoined
- Section 7: Satan’s Pride against Man
- Section 8: Every People Will Be Summoned with Their Own Imam
- Section 9: Times of Prayer and the Midnight Prayer
- Section 10: Qur’an Inimitable
- Section 11: No Cause for Anyone to Disbelieve Any Messenger of Allah
- Section 12: Those Gifted with Knowledge – The Ministry of Moses