Al-Isra

The Night Journey

Verses

111

Revelation Period

Makkan

View all verses

Background Info

When & Where: Revealed in Mecca, specifically around the time of the Prophet's miraculous Night Journey (Isra) to Jerusalem and Ascension (Mi'raj), likely about a year before the Hijrah (late Meccan).
The Situation: This followed a period of intense hardship (Year of Sorrow, rejection at Ta'if). The Isra and Mi'raj was a divine honour and consolation for the Prophet. Meccan opposition remained strong, questioning his authority and message.
The Need: To affirm the significance of the Night Journey, link the Prophet Muhammad's mission to previous prophets (especially Moses and the sanctuary in Jerusalem), and lay down fundamental moral and ethical principles for the nascent community.
Purpose of the Chapter: Begins by glorifying God who took His servant on the Night Journey. It then draws crucial lessons from the history of the Children of Israel (their triumphs and failures). It establishes key commandments: worship God alone, honour parents, care for the needy, avoid wastefulness, killing, adultery, usurping orphan's property, and arrogance. It affirms the Quran's guidance and challenges disbelief.
In short: Revealed in late Mecca after the Night Journey, Surah Al-Isra validates that miracle, draws lessons from the Children of Israel, and outlines core ethical commandments vital for believers.

Core Message

Affirming Allah's absolute power and glory through the Prophet's Night Journey, establishing core tenets of faith (Tawhid, Prophethood, Resurrection), outlining fundamental universal ethical commandments (especially towards parents and social justice), and warning against arrogance, disbelief, and corruption using the history of Bani Israel as a key example.

Summary

Surah Al-Isra commences by glorifying Allah ("SubhanAllah") and recounting the miraculous Night Journey (Isra') of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Jerusalem . This event establishes the sanctity of both locations and underscores the Prophet's status. The Surah then immediately transitions to the history of the Children of Israel (Bani Israel), detailing how they were given the Scripture (Torah) through Musa (AS) as guidance, but repeatedly fell into corruption and faced consequences, serving as a potent warning against disobedience and arrogance , .

A central part of the Surah (around verses lays down fundamental ethical and moral principles often considered universally applicable commandments. These include the prohibition of Shirk (associating partners with Allah), emphasizing supreme kindness and respect towards parents, fulfilling the rights of relatives, the needy, and travelers, avoiding extravagance and miserliness, forbidding the killing of children out of fear of poverty, shunning adultery, prohibiting unlawful killing, protecting the property of orphans, fulfilling covenants, ensuring honesty in trade and measure, avoiding arrogance, and speaking with knowledge rather than speculation.

The Surah consistently reinforces the truth and divine origin of the Quran, describing it as guidance and healing for believers but increasing the loss of wrongdoers . It addresses the disbelief and demands for miracles from the Makkans , highlighting human stubbornness. Themes of individual accountability ("Every man's fate We have fastened on his own neck," , the reality of the Day of Judgment, and the consequences of choosing guidance or misguidance are emphasized. The narrative of Iblis's refusal to prostrate to Adam (AS) due to arrogance serves as another stark warning .

Reason for the Name

Al-Isra (The Night Journey): Named after the miraculous Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, mentioned in the opening verse .
Bani Israel (The Children of Israel): It is also known by this name because a significant portion (verses and discusses the history, commandments, and warnings given to the Children of Israel, presenting lessons for all humanity.

Unique Features

Begins with "Subhan" (Glory be), one of the Musabbihat surahs that start with glorification of Allah.
Named after and details the significant event of the Isra' (Night Journey).
Explicitly links Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) and Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).
Contains a powerful set of core ethical commandments .
Provides a concentrated historical lesson and warning through the narrative of Bani Israel.

Themes

Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): The absolute prohibition of Shirk and affirmation of Allah's unique power and glory , .
The Night Journey (Isra'): Affirming the miracle, the Prophet's status, and the connection between Makkah and Jerusalem .
Prophethood: Validating the mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and drawing lessons from Prophet Musa (AS) , .
The Quran: Its divine origin, role as guidance, healing, and a decisive criterion , , .
Moral & Ethical Commandments: A comprehensive code including kindness to parents, social justice, sanctity of life, honesty, humility, and fulfilling trusts .
Accountability & Resurrection: Emphasis on individual responsibility for actions and the certainty of judgment , , .
History as Lessons: Using the example of Bani Israel to warn against cycles of sin, arrogance, and divine retribution , .
Arrogance vs. Humility: Condemnation of arrogance (Iblis, Pharaoh, Makkans, warnings to Bani Israel) and command for humility , towards parents).
Divine Decree & Free Will: Allah provides guidance, but humans choose their path and are responsible .

Key Verses

: "Glory be to the One Who took His servant ˹Muhammad˺ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs..." - Significance: Establishes the foundational miracle of Isra', links the two holy sites, and highlights Allah's power.
: "For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully. And be humble with them out of mercy, and pray, “My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.”" - Significance: A cornerstone of Islamic ethics, emphasizing Tawhid and the immense importance and rights of parents.
: "Do not pursue what you have no knowledge of. Surely the hearing, sight, and heart—all of these will be questioned." - Significance: Principle of intellectual honesty, accountability for assumptions, gossip, and bearing false witness.
: "Indeed, We have honoured the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good things as sustenance, and favoured them far above many of Our creatures." - Significance: Affirms the inherent dignity granted by Allah to all human beings.
: "We send down the Quran as healing and mercy for the believers, but it only increases the wrongdoers in loss." - Significance: Highlights the dual nature of the Quran's impact – guidance and solace for believers, and a proof against disbelievers.

Stories

The Night Journey (Isra') of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) .
The history and warnings concerning Bani Israel (receiving Scripture, corruption, punishment) , .
Reference to Prophet Nuh (AS) and gratitude .
The arrogance of Iblis in refusing to prostrate to Adam (AS) and his vow to mislead humanity .
The confrontation between Prophet Musa (AS) and Pharaoh, including the nine signs .

Personalities

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Referred to as "His servant" ('Abd) who undertook the Isra' ; recipient of the Quran.
Musa (AS) (Moses): Given the Scripture (Torah) for Bani Israel ; confronted Pharaoh with clear signs .
Bani Israel (Children of Israel): Central group whose history serves as a primary example and warning , .
Adam (AS): The first human, whom Allah honored and commanded angels (except Iblis) to prostrate to , .
Iblis (Satan): Represents disobedience stemming from arrogance; warned humanity about his enmity .
Nuh (AS) (Noah): Mentioned as a grateful servant, reminding people of their lineage from those saved with him .
Pharaoh: Example of tyranny and disbelief who rejected Musa's (AS) signs .

Practical Guidance

Family: Prioritize kindness, respect, and humility towards parents, especially in their old age .
Social Responsibility: Fulfill the rights of relatives, the poor, and travelers; avoid wasteful spending . Protect orphans' property .
Personal Ethics: Uphold honesty in all dealings, especially weights and measures . Fulfill promises and covenants . Avoid arrogance and boastful walking .
Integrity: Do not speak or act without knowledge; verify information and avoid gossip/slander .
Sanctity of Life: Do not kill children for fear of poverty or kill any soul unjustly . Avoid adultery .
Spirituality: Recognize the Quran as a source of healing and guidance . Remember Allah's absolute power and oneness (Tawhid) in all aspects of life. Glorify Allah ("SubhanAllah," "Allahu Akbar") , .
Learning from History: Reflect on the mistakes of past communities (like Bani Israel) to avoid similar pitfalls (corruption, division, forgetting God).

Points of Reflection

The Surah gives very specific commands regarding parents . How can I practically improve my relationship and behaviour towards my parents based on this divine instruction?
Considering the warnings to Bani Israel about causing corruption twice , what lessons can contemporary communities draw regarding unity, justice, and adherence to divine guidance to avoid decline?
Verse ("Do not pursue what you have no knowledge of") is crucial in today's world of misinformation. How can I actively implement this principle in my daily life, especially online?

Connection to Chapters

Connection to Previous Chapter (16 - An-Nahl, The Bee): Surah An-Nahl details Allah's numerous blessings in creation, calling for gratitude and warning against polytheism. Surah Al-Isra builds upon this foundation by highlighting Allah's power through the Isra', providing specific commandments that structure a grateful and God-conscious life, and using the history of Bani Israel to show the consequences of ingratitude and disobedience towards Allah's commands and blessings.
Connection to Next Chapter (18 - Al-Kahf, The Cave): Surah Al-Isra focuses heavily on commandments, warnings, and the history of Bani Israel. Surah Al-Kahf complements this by presenting profound narrative parables (The People of the Cave, the Man with Two Gardens, Musa and Khidr, Dhul-Qarnayn) that explore deeper themes of faith vs. materialism, trials, knowledge, and power, offering wisdom and solace, particularly relevant given the trials mentioned or alluded to in Al-Isra. Al-Isra lays down rules; Al-Kahf explores navigating life's tests through faith stories.