English - Chapter 17 - Al-Isra

Glorified (is) He Who moved with His Abd by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram to Al-Masjid-al-Aqsah (The Distant Mosque), the precincts whereof We have blessed in order that We might show him of Our Signs. Verily He: He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer

And We gave Musa Al-Kitab and made it Guidance for Bani Israiel (saying) that: “Accept not, besides Me, (any one as) wakil —

o offspring of those whom We embarked (on the Ark) alongwith Nuh. Verily, he was a grateful Abd.[See commentary alongside 17/4-8 and ' Nabi and Nubuwwah' in the article 'AL-KITAB (THE BOOK, THE SCRIPTURE)' in Prolegomenon for understanding 'Bani Israiel

And We assessed for Bani Israiel in Al-Kitab that indeed, you would do mischief on the earth twice and you will indulge in tyranny--extremely arrogant

So when the assessed time came for the first of those two, We raised against you Our subjects, given to terrible warfare. They entered the very innermost parts of your homes. And the promise got fulfilled

Then We brought back for you a return (in victory) over them, and We helped you with wealth and children, and made you more in number in man-power

(And We made you realise) — if you acted righteously in perfection, you did good for your ownselves; and if you did evil, then (it goes) against it. Then when the next assessed time approached, (We directed your enemies) that they may make your faces sorrowful and that they enter the mosque as they had entered it on the first occasion, and that they may destroy to utter destruction whatever they overpowered

It could be that your Nourisher-Sustainer bestows mercy unto you; but if you returned (to sinful life) We returned (for awarding punishment). And We have appointed Hell a prison for the disbelievers

Verily, this Al-Qur’an guides to that which is more lasting and gives glad-tidings to the Believers who do deeds of righteousness, that for them is a great reward

And that — those who do not believe in the Hereafter — We have prepared for them a painful torment

And man invokes (Allah) for evil (in the same manner and style as) his invocation for good. And human being is ever hasty

And We have appointed the night and the day as two (of Our) signs. And the sign of the night We have made dark, and the sign of the day We have made brightening, that you may seek bounty from your Nourisher-Sustainer; and that you may know the number of the years and the reckoning. And We have provided details to all things — complete details

And to all humans — We have attached to him his recording for his deeds in his neck; and We shall eject out for him on the Day of Resurrection the record. He shall find it totally revealing

(It will be said to him): “Read your record. It became sufficient for your ownself today, (acting as) a reckoner against yourself

That who adopted the guidance, then certainly what is true is that he adopts guidance in his own interest; and that who went astray, then surely what (is the fact is that) he strays at her cost (i.e., against his own Nafs). And does not bear burden, a bearer of burdens, the burden of another one. And We did not become those who impose punishment until We raise a Messenger

And when We intended that We destroy a township We ordered its ‘upper-class’ (to return to the Book of Allah) but they indulged in Fisq therein, thus the order of torment became justified against it. Then We destroyed it in complete destruction

And how many generations have We destroyed after Nuh! And it became sufficient for your Nourisher-Sustainer to be All-Knower and All-Beholder of the sins of His Ibad

Whosoever had been desiring an immediate gain, We hastened for him therein what We think proper — for whosoever We intend. Afterwards We appointed for him Hell. He will approach it disgraced, rejected

And whoever desired the Hereafter and strove hard for it in the striving (needed for) it while he is a Believer, then these are the people; their striving became appreciated one (and rewarded one)

To all (the above mentioned two groups) We bestow — those as well as these — out of the bounty of your Nourisher-Sustainer. And the bounty of your Nourisher-Sustainer was not restricted (for any particular group)

Ponder, how We preferred and elevated some of them over some others, and verily, the Hereafter is greater in ranks and greater in preference in elevation

Do not adopt alongwith Allah, another ilah (god or deity) lest you stay disgraced, forsaken

And your Nourisher-Sustainer has given His (decision) that: ‘Do not pay obedience except to Him Alone; and with the parents — highly tender (behaviour). If one of them or both of them attain old age in your presence, then utter not to them a word of even mild disgust, and do not behave with those two even in mild disrespect and utter for those two a statement adorned with respect and honour

And lower unto those two a wing of humility out of mercy and say: ‘My Nourisher-Sustainer! Bestow mercy on those two the way they nourished me (when I was) one, tender in age.”

Your Nourisher-Sustainer knows better what is in your innerselves. If you become righteous, then surely, He is Oft-Forgiving to those who turn (to Him) again and again (in repentance and then obedience)

And give to the close-relation what is his right, and to that who is indigent and the victim of travel and squander not (your wealth) extravagantly

Verily, the spendthrift and extravagant ones are brothers of satans and Satan is ungrateful to his Nourisher-Sustainer

And if you avoid them seehead of state mercy (i.e., provisions) from your Nourisher-Sustainer — for which you do hope, then speak unto them a gentle word

And keep not your hand tied to your neck (becoming a miser), and nor stretch it forth to (its) ultimate capacity, lest you become stuck-up — blamed one, full of sorrow

Surely, your Nourisher-Sustainer enlarges the provision (beyond needs) for whom He thinks proper and straitens (according to needs for whom He thinks proper). Verily, He is All-Aware and All-Watcher regarding His Ibad

And kill not your born (children) for fear of economic burden. We will provide sustenance to them and (also) to you. Surely, the killing of them (i.e., infanticide) is a monstrous error

And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a Fahisha (vulgar, obscene, immoral) and became evil as a way

And do not kill any Nafs (person) that Allah has forbidden/protected, except under a just cause. And whoever is killed as a victim of transgression, then surely, We have given his heir the authority [to demand Qisas (providing the same punishment to one who commits crime), or to accept Diya (blood money), or to forgive)]. But he must not exceed limits in the matter of the murder. (i.e., he should not ask for punishment for any one but only the killer). Verily, he is insured [under protection and help (of the Divine law]

And come not near the orphan’s property except with (an intention) that is better until he attains (the age of) his maturity. And fulfil the agreement (or contract). Verily, the agreement has remained subject to questioning and accountability

And give full measure when you measured, and weigh (the items to the people) with a balance that maintains balance. This is advantageous and better for the ultimate result

And do not commit that for which (there is) no knowledge with you. Verily, the hearing, the sight, and the heart — all of those are made ‘subject to questioning and accountability’ about that (commitment)

And do not walk on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you would never rend and penetrate the earth, and you would never attain the stature like the mountains in height

All the bad aspects of these have been made hateful in the sight of your Nourisher-Sustainer

Has then your Nourisher-Sustainer preferred you with sons and He has taken from among the angels (some as) daughters (as if angels are female)? Verily, you indeed utter an awful statement

And surely, indeed, We have scattered (throughout the Text) in this Al-Quran (Our Ordainments, Laws, Promises, Warnings, Parables, Examples, Glad-tidings and various incidents etc.) so that the (disbelieving) people may take heed. And it increases them not except in aversion

Say: “If there had been, along with Him, aaliha (gods, deities), as they assert, then they, certainly, would have sought to the Owner of the Throne a way (to share authority and create disruption in the universe)

Glory to Him and He became Exalted against that what they utter — Most High, Most Great

The seven (many) heavens and the earth and all that is therein glorify praises for Him (remaining in action all the time, being governed by laws framed by Him Alone); and (there is) not a thing but glorifies with His Praise (and submits to the Laws framed by Him). But you people do not understand their glorification. Truly, He is Ever-Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving

And as you recited Al-Quran, We placed between you and those who Believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible barrier

And We have put over their hearts coverings lest they may understand it; and in their ears deafness. And when you made mention of your Nourisher-Sustainer in Al-Quran, that one (Book alone), (some) people turned away on their backs (in extreme aversion)

We know better of what they listen to when they listen to you, and when they (are in) secret discussion, when the transgressors say: “You people do not follow but a male-adult under effect of magic.”

See, what examples they have put forward regarding you. So they have gone astray, so they find no capacity (to adopt the) Way

And they said: “Whether when we became bones and destroyed fragments, whether certainly we be indeed, as those resurrected to life, in a new creation

Say: “Become, you people, stones or iron

or some created thing out of that which gives a feeling of ‘hard’ and ‘great’ (to your mind) in your chests.” Then soon will they say: “Who shall bring us back (to life)?” Say: “He Who created you for the first time!” Then they will nod their heads at you and will say: “When (will that (be)?” Say: “Perhaps, that, it becomes very close

The Day He calls you, then you will respond with His Praise (forgetting all arrogance and disobedience) and you will think you did not stay (in the world) but very little

And say to My Ibad that they may utter which is better (and tender). Surely, the Satan sows disagreements and dissensions amongst them. Certainly, the Satan is an evident enemy to mankind

Your Nourisher-Sustainer knows you better; if He thinks proper He will bestow mercy on you, or if He thinks proper He will submit you to punishment. And We have not sent you as a wakil over them

And your Nourisher-Sustainer knows more about that who is in the heavens and the earth. And surely, indeed We have preferred some Prophets over some others. And we gave Zabur to Daud

Say: “Call those whom you boasted as ‘authorities’ besides Him. So (you will feel) they have neither power to remove adversity from you nor to shift (it from you).”

Those whom people call upon (as deities, partners in Allah’s Dominion or as intercessors) seek and desire Al-Wasilah (means of access) to their Nourisher-Sustainer as to who of them becomes nearer (to Him) and they hope for His mercy and they fear His punishment. Verily, the punishment coming from your Nourisher-Sustainer is something against which preventive steps must be taken

And there is not a habitation but We are Destroyer unto it before the Day of Resurrection or Bringer of punishment unto it — a punishment very severe. This stands (written) in straight lines in Al-Kitab

And nothing stopped Us that We may send (Messengers) with signs except that the earlier people denied them. And We sent to Samud (people) the she-camel as one which made matters evident, but they did her wrong. And We do not send (Our Messengers) with the signs but as a warning (too evident to be missed)

And when We gave a statement for you: ‘Verily, your Nourisher-Sustainer has encompassed mankind (keeping them in His Surveillance and Grip).’ And We made not the vision which We brought to your view except as a test and trial for mankind and likewise the accursed tree in Al-Quran. And We create fear in them but it increases them not except (in) extreme rebellion

And (bring to mind) when We said to the angels: 'prostrate (to Me) for Adam.' So they prostrated except Iblis. He said: “Shall I prostrate for (one) whom you created from clay?”

(Iblis further) said: “Have You pondered in Yourself about this whom You have honoured above me. If You give me respite till the Day of Resurrection, surely, I will seize and misguide his offspring except a very small portion (who may strive hard to stick to Your Way)

(Allah) said: “Get out (from My Grace). So whosoever of them follows you, so surely, Hell will be the recompense for you, a recompense ever continuing

And Istafziz (entice and befool) whom you could from amongst them with your voice, and make assault on them with your cavalry and your infantry and become a sharer in (their) wealth and children and make (attractive and false) promises to them.” And Satan will bring them no promise except deceit

“Verily, My Ibad: there is (granted) no authority to you against them. And it became sufficient — your Nourisher-Sustainer to be a Wakil

Your Nourisher-Sustainer is He Who sails the ship for you through the sea, in order that you may seek of His Bounty. Truly, He is continuously Merciful towards you

And when adversity touched you at the sea, vanished (from you all those) whom you invoke (for help) except He (i.e., Allah) Alone. So when He brought you safely on the land, you slided back. And man is (ever) ungrateful

Have you then become secure — that He may cause a portion of the dry land sink down along with you (swallowing you up) or He may send against you a violent sand-storm? Then you shall find no wakil for yourself

Have you become secure — that He may send you back in this (sea) a second time and send against you a hurricane of wind and then drown you, because you disbelieved? Then you will not find for you, against Us, an avenger for that

And surely, indeed We have honoured Bani-Adam (descendents of Adam), and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them as sustenance the palatable and lawful items, and have given them a higher rank over a vast majority out of those whom we created, in preference

(And bring to mind) the Day We call all human beings with their Imam (‘one which guides and leads’. This is one of the attributes for Allah’s Book — i.e., Al-Kitab) so whosoever is given his record (of personal deeds) through his right side, then such people will read their record and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least

And whosoever remained blind (i.e., he did not use his mind to acquire knowledge of Allah’s Book and then adopt it in life) in this (world), so he (will be) blind in the Hereafter and more astray regarding the path

And if they could, they would surely tempt you away from that (Imam or Al-Kitab) which We revealed unto you, with the intention that you may (then) fabricate against Us something other than it; and then they would certainly have taken you a friend

And had We not made you firm (in your stand about Imam or Al-Kitab which you had to propagate) you would nearly have inclined to them a little

In that case, We would have surely made you taste increasing (punishment) in life and increasing (punishment) at death. In such a situation you do not find for yourself any helper against Us

And if they could, they would have surely frightened you (so much) from the place that they may drive you out from there. But in that case they would not stay (therein) after you, except for a little while

(Appreciate the) Sunnah (the legacy and practices) of those whom We surely sent before you, out of Our Messengers. And you will not find any amendments or alterations regarding Our Sunnah

Establish As-Salat at the decline of the sun,and (again) till darkness of the night (appears); and (also establish) Al-Quran of Al-Fajr (‘the day-break’). [This recommendation covers the offering of Salat-ul-Fajr as well as early morning study of the Quran]. Verily Quran-al-Fajr [‘Early morning recitation’ (in Salat-ul-Fajr) or early morning study of the Quran for understanding its Message] became one used as a witness (i.e., it is retained in memory and then becomes a witness to every act, deed, thought and concept and guides them all the time)

And in some part of the night also Tahajjud (wake up) with it (for the sake of reciting it in Prayer and mahead of state its study to understand it), as a super-erogatory service for you. It could be that your Nourisher-Sustainer raises you to Maqaman Mahmuda [an exalted position (here and in the Hereafter]

And say: “My Nourisher-Sustainer! Enter me as one who has entered in truth and take me out as one who has come out in truth, and grant me from You an assisting power.”

And declare: “Al-Haqq (‘The Truth’, ‘The Original’) has come, and Batil (fabricated material) has vanished. Verily, Batil has become one that stands vanished.”

And We deliver from Al-Quran that which is a healing and a mercy for the Believers. And it does not increase the transgressors but in loss

And when We bestowed (Our grace) on a human being he slided away and turned to his side. And when evil inflicted him he became one who has lost hope

Say: “Each (human) acts according to his leanings. So your Nourisher-Sustainer knows better that one — he (who) is more guided to the Path.”

And they ask you concerning Ar-Ruh (‘The Spirit’). Say: “Ar-Ruh is something out of the order and ordainment of my Nourisher-Sustainer. And you have not been given out of knowledge, but very little

And if We thought proper We would surely take away (from your memory) that which We have sent you as inspiration (i.e., the whole or any specific part of Al-Kitab). Then you would not find for yourself against Us a protector — regarding it

except as a mercy from your Nourisher-Sustainer. Verily, His grace unto you is very, very great

Declare: “If mankind and jinn joined together that they may bring (something) similar to this Al-Quran, they shall not (and never) bring similar to that even if some of them are to some (others) as those who provide utmost assistance and help.”

And indeed We have scattered for mankind in this Al-Quran all kinds of similitudes; but the majority of mankind rejected (all), except disbelief

And they said: “We shall never Believe for your sake until you cause to gush forth for us out of the earth, a spring

Or there may be for you a garden of date-palms and grapes, and you cause to gush forth rivers in their midst abundantly

Or you cause the heaven to fall upon us in pieces as you boasted, or you come with Allah and the angels (before us) face to face

Or there may be for you a house of gold, or you ascend up into the sky, and (even then) we shall never put faith in your ascension until you make descend over us a book that we may read.” Say: “Glorified be my Nourisher-Sustainer! What am I except a man (sent as a) Messenger?” [Therefore you should not expect any of such acts being performed by the Messenger, and you should not develop faith in any such incidents which may be fabricated in man-written books about me]

And prevented not mankind that they may Believe when Al-Huda (‘The Guidance’) reached them except that they said: "Has Allah raised (an ordinary) human being as (His) Messenger?”

Say: “If there were on the earth angels walhead of state about in peace and tranquility, We should certainly have sent down unto them from the heaven an angel as a Messenger.”

Say: “It became sufficient for Allah to be a Witness between me and between you. Verily, He is, regarding His Ibad, All-Knower, All-Seer

And that whom Allah guides so he is he who is guided; and that whom He allows to go astray — so you will never find for them ‘auliya’, besides Him; and We shall gather them on the Day of Resurrection (prone) on their faces, blind, dumb and deaf, their abode (will be) hell; whenever it abated, We increased to them (fierceness of) the flaming Fire

That is their recompense because they denied Our signs and said: “Will, when we became bones and fragments, shall we really be Resurrected people in a new creation?”

Have they not then seen that Allah Who created the heavens and the earth is All-Capable that He may create the like of them? And He has decreed for them an appointed term, whereof there is no doubt. But the transgressors rejected (everything) except disbelief

Say: “If you are: you own the treasures of the mercy of my Nourisher-Sustainer, then surely you would have held (them) back (from freely spending) for fear of exhaustion." And the human being has become miserly

And truly, indeed We gave to Musa nine signs — evidently manifest. So ask Bani Israiel, when he came to them, then Firaun said to him: “Surely I, indeed I think you, O Musa (as) one under effect of magic

(Musa) said: “Surely, indeed you knew (very well): (none) has revealed these (signs) except the Nourisher-Sustainer of the heavens and the earth as ‘eye-openers’. And surely, I, indeed, I think you, O Firaun, as one shattered and destroyed

So he resolved that he may extern them from the land, so We drowned him and all who were with him. [For collectively understanding the nine different signs of warnings. Please see Verses 7/130-133, 27/12 and]

And after him, We said to Bani Israiel: “Dwell in the land, then when the promise for the latter days has come, We brought you collected in one group

And We have delivered it in original and it has descended in original. And We have not sent you except as a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner

And (it is a) Quran which We (as an Author or Source) have divided (into Surahs and statements), in order that you might recite it to mankind in stages. And We have sent it as a descent (from the Nourisher--Sustainer. Please see Verse)

Say: “You may Believe in it or you may not Believe (in it): verily, those people who were bestowed Al-Ilm (‘The Knowledge’) before this (Re-revelation), when it is reproduced to them, they fall down, in the direction of their chins, prostrating

And they say: “Glory be to Our Nourisher-Sustainer, while the promise of our Nourisher-Sustainer became, indeed, fulfilled

And they fall down in direction of (their) chins weeping and it (i.e., the re-revelation of the original Al-Kitab ) increases them in humility and devotion

Say: “Invoke Allah, or invoke Rahman, through whichever (Name) you invoke — so all the excellent attributes are restricted for Him (Alone)." And don’t be loud in your Salat (Prayer) and do not be low with (it in voice), but adopt an approach between these (two extremes)

And say: “Specific Praise is restricted to Allah Who has not begotten a son, and (one) does not become to Him a partner in (His) Dominion; and (one) does not become to Him a helper because of (His non-existent) weakness, and magnify Him in magnificence and majesty