الإسراء
Al-Isra
The Night Journey
1 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 001
سُبۡحَٰنَ ٱلَّذِيٓ أَسۡرَىٰ بِعَبۡدِهِۦ لَيۡلٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡأَقۡصَا ٱلَّذِي بَٰرَكۡنَا حَوۡلَهُۥ لِنُرِيَهُۥ مِنۡ ءَايَٰتِنَآۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡبَصِيرُ
Glory be to the One Who took His slave [Muhammad] by night from the Sacred Mosque [in Makkah] to the Aqsā Mosque [in Jerusalem] whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.
2 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 002
وَءَاتَيۡنَا مُوسَى ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَجَعَلۡنَٰهُ هُدٗى لِّبَنِيٓ إِسۡرَـٰٓءِيلَ أَلَّا تَتَّخِذُواْ مِن دُونِي وَكِيلٗا
We gave Moses the Scripture and made it a guide for the Children of Israel, “Do not take besides Me anyone as a Disposer of Affairs[1].
[1] i.e., rely upon none except Allah, for He alone is the Disposer of Affairs of the whole universe.
3 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 003
ذُرِّيَّةَ مَنۡ حَمَلۡنَا مَعَ نُوحٍۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ عَبۡدٗا شَكُورٗا
O descendants of those whom We carried [on board] with Noah[2]. He was indeed a grateful slave.”
[2] The Children of Israel are given the reference of Prophet Noah (عليه السلام); to follow him for being dutiful and thankful to Allah.
4 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 004
وَقَضَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰ بَنِيٓ إِسۡرَـٰٓءِيلَ فِي ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ لَتُفۡسِدُنَّ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَّتَيۡنِ وَلَتَعۡلُنَّ عُلُوّٗا كَبِيرٗا
We declared to the Children of Israel in the Scripture, “You will surely spread corruption on earth twice, and you will surely become exceedingly arrogant[3].
[3] Allah foretold them out of infinite knowledge about future events.
5 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 005
فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ أُولَىٰهُمَا بَعَثۡنَا عَلَيۡكُمۡ عِبَادٗا لَّنَآ أُوْلِي بَأۡسٖ شَدِيدٖ فَجَاسُواْ خِلَٰلَ ٱلدِّيَارِۚ وَكَانَ وَعۡدٗا مَّفۡعُولٗا
When the first of the two warnings came to pass, We sent against you some of Our slaves of great might, and they ravaged through the land[4]; this warning was bound to be fulfilled[5].
[4] killing them and plundering.
[5] i.e., the punishment they were promised for their first transgressions.
6 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 006
ثُمَّ رَدَدۡنَا لَكُمُ ٱلۡكَرَّةَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَأَمۡدَدۡنَٰكُم بِأَمۡوَٰلٖ وَبَنِينَ وَجَعَلۡنَٰكُمۡ أَكۡثَرَ نَفِيرًا
Then We gave you the upper hand over them and strengthened you with wealth and children, and made you greater in number.
7 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 007
إِنۡ أَحۡسَنتُمۡ أَحۡسَنتُمۡ لِأَنفُسِكُمۡۖ وَإِنۡ أَسَأۡتُمۡ فَلَهَاۚ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ لِيَسُـُٔواْ وُجُوهَكُمۡ وَلِيَدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدَ كَمَا دَخَلُوهُ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٖ وَلِيُتَبِّرُواْ مَا عَلَوۡاْ تَتۡبِيرًا
If you do good, it is for your own good, but if you do evil, it is to your own loss. Then when the second warning came to pass, your enemies would disgrace and suppress you[6], and enter the Temple [of Jerusalem][7] as they entered it the first time, and utterly destroy whatever fell into their power[8].
[6] By killing, taking hostage, submission and humiliation.
[7] Bayt al-Maqdis.
[8] It would be a total wreckage.
8 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 008
عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمۡ أَن يَرۡحَمَكُمۡۚ وَإِنۡ عُدتُّمۡ عُدۡنَاۚ وَجَعَلۡنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ حَصِيرًا
Your Lord may bestow mercy upon you, but if you return [to sin], We will return [to punishment][9]. And We have made Hell a prison for the disbelievers.”
[9] After this great affliction, Allah would give them back their lost sovereignty, but if they revert back to their old rebellious ways then the way of Allah is never changing.
9 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 009
إِنَّ هَٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ يَهۡدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقۡوَمُ وَيُبَشِّرُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَٰتِ أَنَّ لَهُمۡ أَجۡرٗا كَبِيرٗا
Indeed, this Qur’an guides to what is most upright and gives glad tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.
10 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 010
وَأَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ أَعۡتَدۡنَا لَهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمٗا
And that those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We have prepared for them a painful punishment.
11 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 011
وَيَدۡعُ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ بِٱلشَّرِّ دُعَآءَهُۥ بِٱلۡخَيۡرِۖ وَكَانَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ عَجُولٗا
Man prays for evil as he prays for good, for man is ever hasty[10].
[10] i.e., becomes impatient and acts without forethought.
12 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 012
وَجَعَلۡنَا ٱلَّيۡلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ ءَايَتَيۡنِۖ فَمَحَوۡنَآ ءَايَةَ ٱلَّيۡلِ وَجَعَلۡنَآ ءَايَةَ ٱلنَّهَارِ مُبۡصِرَةٗ لِّتَبۡتَغُواْ فَضۡلٗا مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ وَلِتَعۡلَمُواْ عَدَدَ ٱلسِّنِينَ وَٱلۡحِسَابَۚ وَكُلَّ شَيۡءٖ فَصَّلۡنَٰهُ تَفۡصِيلٗا
We have made the day and night as two signs. We darkened the night and made the day bright, so that you may seek your Lord’s bounty and know the number of years and calculation [of time]. And We have expounded everything in detail.
13 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 013
وَكُلَّ إِنسَٰنٍ أَلۡزَمۡنَٰهُ طَـٰٓئِرَهُۥ فِي عُنُقِهِۦۖ وَنُخۡرِجُ لَهُۥ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ كِتَٰبٗا يَلۡقَىٰهُ مَنشُورًا
We have bound every man’s deeds to his neck[11]. On the Day of Resurrection, We will bring forth for him a record which he will find spread open.
[11] i.e., after showing guidance for him, he is responsible for his own destiny.
14 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 014
ٱقۡرَأۡ كِتَٰبَكَ كَفَىٰ بِنَفۡسِكَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ عَلَيۡكَ حَسِيبٗا
[It will be said,] “Read your record; this Day you are sufficient to take account of yourself[12].”
[12] Everyone will be dealt with justly.
15 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 015
مَّنِ ٱهۡتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهۡتَدِي لِنَفۡسِهِۦۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيۡهَاۚ وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٞ وِزۡرَ أُخۡرَىٰۗ وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّىٰ نَبۡعَثَ رَسُولٗا
Whoever accepts guidance, it is only for his own good; and whoever goes astray, it is only for his own loss. No bearer of burden will bear the burden of another, nor do We punish until We have sent a messenger[13].
[13] The disbelievers will have no excuse whatsoever.
16 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 016
وَإِذَآ أَرَدۡنَآ أَن نُّهۡلِكَ قَرۡيَةً أَمَرۡنَا مُتۡرَفِيهَا فَفَسَقُواْ فِيهَا فَحَقَّ عَلَيۡهَا ٱلۡقَوۡلُ فَدَمَّرۡنَٰهَا تَدۡمِيرٗا
Whenever We decide to destroy a town, We command its affluent ones [to obey Allah] but they defiantly disobey, so the punishment becomes inevitable, and We destroy it completely.
17 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 017
وَكَمۡ أَهۡلَكۡنَا مِنَ ٱلۡقُرُونِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ نُوحٖۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِۦ خَبِيرَۢا بَصِيرٗا
How many generations We have destroyed since the time of Noah[14]! Your Lord is sufficient as All-Aware and All-Seeing of the sins of His slaves[15].
[14] Warning them of the consequences of the previously destroyed nations.
[15] The address here shifts to Muhammad (ﷺ) to assure him that Allah will bring them to account.
18 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 018
مَّن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ٱلۡعَاجِلَةَ عَجَّلۡنَا لَهُۥ فِيهَا مَا نَشَآءُ لِمَن نُّرِيدُ ثُمَّ جَعَلۡنَا لَهُۥ جَهَنَّمَ يَصۡلَىٰهَا مَذۡمُومٗا مَّدۡحُورٗا
Whoever desires this fleeting life[16], We hasten therein whatever We will to whoever We please. Then We prepare for him Hell, which he will enter, despised and rejected.
[16] i.e., worldly pleasures.
19 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 019
وَمَنۡ أَرَادَ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةَ وَسَعَىٰ لَهَا سَعۡيَهَا وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنٞ فَأُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ كَانَ سَعۡيُهُم مَّشۡكُورٗا
But whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he should, being a believer – it is those whose efforts will be appreciated[17].
[17] Allah will accept their good deeds, multiply their reward, and overlook their sins.
20 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 020
كُلّٗا نُّمِدُّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ وَهَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ مِنۡ عَطَآءِ رَبِّكَۚ وَمَا كَانَ عَطَآءُ رَبِّكَ مَحۡظُورًا
We give both – the latter and the former – from the bounty of your Lord, and Your Lord’s bounty is not restricted[18].
[18] Allah gives provision for all in the life of this world without exception.
21 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 021
ٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ فَضَّلۡنَا بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖۚ وَلَلۡأٓخِرَةُ أَكۡبَرُ دَرَجَٰتٖ وَأَكۡبَرُ تَفۡضِيلٗا
See how We have favored some over others [in this world], but the Hereafter has higher ranks and greater degrees of excellence for some over others[19].
[19] In beauty, wealth, power, knowledge, etc; as a test for them, to see how they react.
22 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 022
لَّا تَجۡعَلۡ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ فَتَقۡعُدَ مَذۡمُومٗا مَّخۡذُولٗا
Do not set up with Allah any other god, or else you will be despised and forsaken[20].
[20] Having none to thank them for it, nor support them in the least.
23 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 023
۞وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَٰنًاۚ إِمَّا يَبۡلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلۡكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوۡ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفّٖ وَلَا تَنۡهَرۡهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوۡلٗا كَرِيمٗا
Your Lord has ordained that you worship none but Him, and show kindness to parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, do not say to them a word of annoyance[21] nor scold them, rather speak to them noble words,
[21] ’uff: an expression of irritation and disapproval.
24 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 024
وَٱخۡفِضۡ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ ٱلذُّلِّ مِنَ ٱلرَّحۡمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ٱرۡحَمۡهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرٗا
and lower to them the wing of humility[22] out of mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small[23].”
[22] It is a metaphor; i.e., shows the parents the utmost humbleness like a bird lowering its wing as it hugs its young or so.
[23] For they are at their weakest phase of life, similar to what he was in his early childhood.
25 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 025
رَّبُّكُمۡ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا فِي نُفُوسِكُمۡۚ إِن تَكُونُواْ صَٰلِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُۥ كَانَ لِلۡأَوَّـٰبِينَ غَفُورٗا
Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts. If you are righteous, He is All-Forgiving to those who constantly turn to Him.
26 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 026
وَءَاتِ ذَا ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلۡمِسۡكِينَ وَٱبۡنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرۡ تَبۡذِيرًا
Give relatives their due, and the needy and the stranded travelers, and do not spend wastefully.
27 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 027
إِنَّ ٱلۡمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوٓاْ إِخۡوَٰنَ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينِۖ وَكَانَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ لِرَبِّهِۦ كَفُورٗا
Indeed, the wasteful are Satans’ brothers[24], and Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord[25].
[24] Islam is a religion of moderation and good consideration; neither wastefully nor stingily, but moderate.
[25] Disbelievers are the most ungrateful ones as they rebel against Allah's commands instead of showing obedience to Him, for they follow the way of the devil towards Allah.
28 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 028
وَإِمَّا تُعۡرِضَنَّ عَنۡهُمُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ رَحۡمَةٖ مِّن رَّبِّكَ تَرۡجُوهَا فَقُل لَّهُمۡ قَوۡلٗا مَّيۡسُورٗا
But if you must turn away from [those in need] while hoping to receive bounty from your Lord[26], then say to them words of comfort.
[26] i.e., if you have nothing to give them now.
29 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 029
وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ يَدَكَ مَغۡلُولَةً إِلَىٰ عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبۡسُطۡهَا كُلَّ ٱلۡبَسۡطِ فَتَقۡعُدَ مَلُومٗا مَّحۡسُورًا
Do not be too tight-fisted[27], nor too open-handed[28], for you will end up blameworthy and destitute.
[27] i.e., stingy. [28] i.e., extravagant.
30 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 030
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَبۡسُطُ ٱلرِّزۡقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقۡدِرُۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهِۦ خَبِيرَۢا بَصِيرٗا
Your Lord extends provision to whom He wills or restricts it[29]. He is All-Aware and All-Seeing of His slaves.
[29] He gives or withholds wealth according to what is best for the person concerned and what they would do with it if he is provided with it.
31 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 031
وَلَا تَقۡتُلُوٓاْ أَوۡلَٰدَكُمۡ خَشۡيَةَ إِمۡلَٰقٖۖ نَّحۡنُ نَرۡزُقُهُمۡ وَإِيَّاكُمۡۚ إِنَّ قَتۡلَهُمۡ كَانَ خِطۡـٔٗا كَبِيرٗا
Do not kill your children for fear of poverty[30], for We provide for them and for you. Indeed, killing them is a great sin.
[30] Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd (رضي الله عنه) reported: “I said: “O Messenger of Allah, what is the greatest sin?” He said: “That you set up rivals with Allah, when He is the One Who created you!” Then I said: “What is next?” He said: “That you kill your child because he eats with you!” [Al-Bukhāri: 6811].
32 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 032
وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلزِّنَىٰٓۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَٰحِشَةٗ وَسَآءَ سَبِيلٗا
Do not go near adultery[31], for it is indeed a shameful act and an evil way.
[31] i.e., avoid all things that might lead to it.
33 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 033
وَلَا تَقۡتُلُواْ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِي حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّۗ وَمَن قُتِلَ مَظۡلُومٗا فَقَدۡ جَعَلۡنَا لِوَلِيِّهِۦ سُلۡطَٰنٗا فَلَا يُسۡرِف فِّي ٱلۡقَتۡلِۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مَنصُورٗا
Do not kill any soul that Allah has forbidden, except in the course of justice. If anyone is killed wrongfully, We have given his heir authority [of compensation], but he should not exceed the bounds in killing, for he is already supported [by law].
34 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 034
وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ مَالَ ٱلۡيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِي هِيَ أَحۡسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبۡلُغَ أَشُدَّهُۥۚ وَأَوۡفُواْ بِٱلۡعَهۡدِۖ إِنَّ ٱلۡعَهۡدَ كَانَ مَسۡـُٔولٗا
Do not approach the property of an orphan except with good [intent][32], until he reaches maturity; and fulfill the covenant, for you will certainly be questioned about the covenant.
[32] i.e., to improve, increase, or preserve it.
35 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 035
وَأَوۡفُواْ ٱلۡكَيۡلَ إِذَا كِلۡتُمۡ وَزِنُواْ بِٱلۡقِسۡطَاسِ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمِۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيۡرٞ وَأَحۡسَنُ تَأۡوِيلٗا
Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with accurate scales; that is fair and best in the end[33].
[33] Fair dealing is best, for it brings blessing, psychological calm, and reward in the Hereafter.
36 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 036
وَلَا تَقۡفُ مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌۚ إِنَّ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡبَصَرَ وَٱلۡفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ كَانَ عَنۡهُ مَسۡـُٔولٗا
Do not follow[34] that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart, all of them will be called to account.
[34] i.e., do not say or assume.
37 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 037
وَلَا تَمۡشِ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَحًاۖ إِنَّكَ لَن تَخۡرِقَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَلَن تَبۡلُغَ ٱلۡجِبَالَ طُولٗا
Do not walk on the earth arrogantly; you cannot cleave the earth, nor can you reach the mountains in height[35].
[35] Man is indeed a weak and small creature, then why arrogance?!
38 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 038
كُلُّ ذَٰلِكَ كَانَ سَيِّئُهُۥ عِندَ رَبِّكَ مَكۡرُوهٗا
The evil of all these actions is hateful to your Lord.
39 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 039
ذَٰلِكَ مِمَّآ أَوۡحَىٰٓ إِلَيۡكَ رَبُّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡحِكۡمَةِۗ وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ فَتُلۡقَىٰ فِي جَهَنَّمَ مَلُومٗا مَّدۡحُورًا
This is part of the wisdom that your Lord has revealed to you [O Prophet]. Do not set up any other god with Allah, or you will be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected[36].
[36] i.e., self-reproached and blamed by others for this miserable end, as well as shut away from all good.
40 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 040
أَفَأَصۡفَىٰكُمۡ رَبُّكُم بِٱلۡبَنِينَ وَٱتَّخَذَ مِنَ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنَٰثًاۚ إِنَّكُمۡ لَتَقُولُونَ قَوۡلًا عَظِيمٗا
Has your Lord favored you with sons and has taken for Himself angels as daughters[37]? You are indeed making a monstrous claim.
[37] Their feeble argument is debunked and refuted concerning the issue of purity of Faith and Monotheism. Although preferring male over female is a heathen way; yet, how would Allah, the Omnipotent Creator, accept for Himself what they do not accept for themselves? (cf. 37:149-155). They worshiped the angels based on the claim that they were Allah’s daughters. (cf. 43:19-20).
41 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 041
وَلَقَدۡ صَرَّفۡنَا فِي هَٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ لِيَذَّكَّرُواْ وَمَا يَزِيدُهُمۡ إِلَّا نُفُورٗا
We have explained things in various ways in this Qur’an, so that they may take heed, but it only increases them in aversion[38].
[38] “We send down the Qur’an as a healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” See below 17:82.
42 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 042
قُل لَّوۡ كَانَ مَعَهُۥٓ ءَالِهَةٞ كَمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذٗا لَّٱبۡتَغَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ذِي ٱلۡعَرۡشِ سَبِيلٗا
Say, “If there were other gods besides Him – as they claim – they would have surely sought a way to the Lord of the Throne[39].”
[39] To please Him or take over His Throne.
43 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 043
سُبۡحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ عُلُوّٗا كَبِيرٗا
Glorified and Highly Exalted is He far above what they claim!
44 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 044
تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتُ ٱلسَّبۡعُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّۚ وَإِن مِّن شَيۡءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِهِۦ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَفۡقَهُونَ تَسۡبِيحَهُمۡۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورٗا
The seven heavens and the earth, and all those in them glorify Him. There is not a single thing that does not glorify Him with His praise, but you do not understand their glorification. Indeed, He is Most Forbearing, All-Forgiving.
45 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 045
وَإِذَا قَرَأۡتَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ جَعَلۡنَا بَيۡنَكَ وَبَيۡنَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ حِجَابٗا مَّسۡتُورٗا
When you recite the Qur’an, We place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter an invisible barrier[40].
[40] Preventing guidance from them, for their aversion.
46 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 046
وَجَعَلۡنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمۡ أَكِنَّةً أَن يَفۡقَهُوهُ وَفِيٓ ءَاذَانِهِمۡ وَقۡرٗاۚ وَإِذَا ذَكَرۡتَ رَبَّكَ فِي ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ وَحۡدَهُۥ وَلَّوۡاْ عَلَىٰٓ أَدۡبَٰرِهِمۡ نُفُورٗا
We have placed covers on their hearts so that they do not understand it, and deafness in their ears[41]. When you mention your Lord alone in the Qur’an, they turn their backs in aversion.
[41] This is in return for their hatred toward the truth and the ingrained disease of doubt in their hearts.
47 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 047
نَّحۡنُ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا يَسۡتَمِعُونَ بِهِۦٓ إِذۡ يَسۡتَمِعُونَ إِلَيۡكَ وَإِذۡ هُمۡ نَجۡوَىٰٓ إِذۡ يَقُولُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ إِن تَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا رَجُلٗا مَّسۡحُورًا
We are well aware of what they wish to hear when they listen to you, and what they say when they converse in private, when the wrongdoers say, “You are not following but a bewitched man.”
48 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 048
ٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ ضَرَبُواْ لَكَ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ فَضَلُّواْ فَلَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ سَبِيلٗا
See how they call you names[42]! Thus they have gone astray and cannot find a way.
[42] i.e., a poet, a madman, bewitched, etc.
49 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 049
وَقَالُوٓاْ أَءِذَا كُنَّا عِظَٰمٗا وَرُفَٰتًا أَءِنَّا لَمَبۡعُوثُونَ خَلۡقٗا جَدِيدٗا
They say, “What! When we are turned into bones and dust, will we really be resurrected as a new creation?”
50 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 050
۞قُلۡ كُونُواْ حِجَارَةً أَوۡ حَدِيدًا
Say, “Be you stones or iron[43],
[43] i.e., even if you could be stones or iron in hardness or in power.
51 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 051
أَوۡ خَلۡقٗا مِّمَّا يَكۡبُرُ فِي صُدُورِكُمۡۚ فَسَيَقُولُونَ مَن يُعِيدُنَاۖ قُلِ ٱلَّذِي فَطَرَكُمۡ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٖۚ فَسَيُنۡغِضُونَ إِلَيۡكَ رُءُوسَهُمۡ وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هُوَۖ قُلۡ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ قَرِيبٗا
or any other substance you think is harder[44] to bring back to life.” They will then say, “Who will bring us back [to life]?” Say, “The One Who created you the first time.” They will shake their heads[45] at you and say, “When will that be?” Say, “Perhaps it is soon.”
[44] Such as the heavens and the earth.
[45] In ridicule and disbelief.
52 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 052
يَوۡمَ يَدۡعُوكُمۡ فَتَسۡتَجِيبُونَ بِحَمۡدِهِۦ وَتَظُنُّونَ إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗا
On the Day when He calls you, you will respond by praising Him, thinking that you had not stayed [on earth] except for a little while.
53 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 053
وَقُل لِّعِبَادِي يَقُولُواْ ٱلَّتِي هِيَ أَحۡسَنُۚ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَ يَنزَغُ بَيۡنَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَ كَانَ لِلۡإِنسَٰنِ عَدُوّٗا مُّبِينٗا
Tell My slaves that they should say what is best[46], for Satan sows discord among them. Indeed, Satan is a sworn enemy to mankind.
[46] i.e., they should be considerate and kind, well-spoken, and tolerant to win hearts.
54 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 054
رَّبُّكُمۡ أَعۡلَمُ بِكُمۡۖ إِن يَشَأۡ يَرۡحَمۡكُمۡ أَوۡ إِن يَشَأۡ يُعَذِّبۡكُمۡۚ وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَٰكَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَكِيلٗا
Your Lord knows you best: if He wills, He will have mercy on you; or if He wills, He will punish you. We have not sent you [O Prophet] to be in charge of them[47].
[47] The mission of the Prophet (ﷺ) was only delivering the Message; their guidance and holding to account is up to Allah Almighty.
55 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 055
وَرَبُّكَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ وَلَقَدۡ فَضَّلۡنَا بَعۡضَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖۖ وَءَاتَيۡنَا دَاوُۥدَ زَبُورٗا
Your Lord knows best all those in the heavens and on earth[48]. We have surely favored some prophets over others, and We gave David the Psalms[49].
[48] Allah knows all and what they deserve.
[49] Al-Zabūr is revealed to Prophet David (عليه السلام); al-zabūr (pl. zubūr) originally is every book that contains wisdom. See 3:184.
56 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 056
قُلِ ٱدۡعُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمۡتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ فَلَا يَمۡلِكُونَ كَشۡفَ ٱلضُّرِّ عَنكُمۡ وَلَا تَحۡوِيلًا
Say, “Call upon those whom you claimed [to be gods] besides Him; they have no power to remove harm or avert it from you.”
57 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 057
أُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدۡعُونَ يَبۡتَغُونَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمُ ٱلۡوَسِيلَةَ أَيُّهُمۡ أَقۡرَبُ وَيَرۡجُونَ رَحۡمَتَهُۥ وَيَخَافُونَ عَذَابَهُۥٓۚ إِنَّ عَذَابَ رَبِّكَ كَانَ مَحۡذُورٗا
Those whom they call upon seek means of nearness to their Lord, each trying to become closer, hoping for His Mercy and fearing His punishment[50]. Indeed, the punishment of your Lord is fearsome.
[50] Such as angels, prophets, righteous believers, etc.
58 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 058
وَإِن مِّن قَرۡيَةٍ إِلَّا نَحۡنُ مُهۡلِكُوهَا قَبۡلَ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ أَوۡ مُعَذِّبُوهَا عَذَابٗا شَدِيدٗاۚ كَانَ ذَٰلِكَ فِي ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ مَسۡطُورٗا
There is no [disbelieving] town except that We will destroy it before the Day of Resurrection or punish it severely[51]. This is written in the Record[52].
[51] Due to the disbelief and sins of its inhabitants. [52] i.e., the Preserved Tablet.
59 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 059
وَمَا مَنَعَنَآ أَن نُّرۡسِلَ بِٱلۡأٓيَٰتِ إِلَّآ أَن كَذَّبَ بِهَا ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَۚ وَءَاتَيۡنَا ثَمُودَ ٱلنَّاقَةَ مُبۡصِرَةٗ فَظَلَمُواْ بِهَاۚ وَمَا نُرۡسِلُ بِٱلۡأٓيَٰتِ إِلَّا تَخۡوِيفٗا
Nothing prevents Us from sending signs except that the earlier people denied them[53]. We gave Thamūd the she-camel as a clear sign, but they wrongfully rejected her[54]. We do not send signs except as a warning.
[53] So that the pagans of Makkah do do not face the consequences of the earlier nations.
[54] i.e., they committed an injustice by hamstringing the she-camel.
60 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 060
وَإِذۡ قُلۡنَا لَكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ أَحَاطَ بِٱلنَّاسِۚ وَمَا جَعَلۡنَا ٱلرُّءۡيَا ٱلَّتِيٓ أَرَيۡنَٰكَ إِلَّا فِتۡنَةٗ لِّلنَّاسِ وَٱلشَّجَرَةَ ٱلۡمَلۡعُونَةَ فِي ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِۚ وَنُخَوِّفُهُمۡ فَمَا يَزِيدُهُمۡ إِلَّا طُغۡيَٰنٗا كَبِيرٗا
And [remember, O Prophet] when We told you, “Your Lord encompasses all people [with His knowledge and might][55].” We did not make the sight which We showed you[56] except as a test for people, as well as the cursed tree [mentioned] in the Qur’an. We keep threatening them, yet it only increases them to greater transgression.
[55] i.e., Allah will protect you (ﷺ) from their harm.
[56] During the journey of mi‘rāj (ascension) to the heavens.
61 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 061
وَإِذۡ قُلۡنَا لِلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسۡجُدُواْ لِأٓدَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ قَالَ ءَأَسۡجُدُ لِمَنۡ خَلَقۡتَ طِينٗا
And [remember] when We said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam;” they all prostrated except Iblīs, who said, “Should I prostrate to whom You created from clay?”
62 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 062
قَالَ أَرَءَيۡتَكَ هَٰذَا ٱلَّذِي كَرَّمۡتَ عَلَيَّ لَئِنۡ أَخَّرۡتَنِ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ لَأَحۡتَنِكَنَّ ذُرِّيَّتَهُۥٓ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗا
He added, “Do You see this one whom You have honored above me? If you give me respite until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely overpower his offspring, except for a few[57].”
[57] i.e., tempt and lead them astray.
63 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 063
قَالَ ٱذۡهَبۡ فَمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنۡهُمۡ فَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ جَزَآؤُكُمۡ جَزَآءٗ مَّوۡفُورٗا
Allah said, “Be gone[58]! Whoever among them follows you, Hell will be an ample recompense for you all.
[58] This and the next commands were actually a threat.
64 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 064
وَٱسۡتَفۡزِزۡ مَنِ ٱسۡتَطَعۡتَ مِنۡهُم بِصَوۡتِكَ وَأَجۡلِبۡ عَلَيۡهِم بِخَيۡلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكۡهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَمۡوَٰلِ وَٱلۡأَوۡلَٰدِ وَعِدۡهُمۡۚ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا
Entice with your voice whoever of them you can; mobilize against them your cavalry and infantry; manipulate them in their wealth[59] and children[60], and make promises to them.” But Satan does not promise them except delusion[61].
[59] i.e., earning and spending them sinfully.
[60] i.e., having and raising them sinfully and giving them polytheistic names.
[61] i.e., deception and fraudulence.
65 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 065
إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيۡسَ لَكَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ سُلۡطَٰنٞۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلٗا
“You will have no authority over My slaves.” And sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian.
66 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 066
رَّبُّكُمُ ٱلَّذِي يُزۡجِي لَكُمُ ٱلۡفُلۡكَ فِي ٱلۡبَحۡرِ لِتَبۡتَغُواْ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦٓۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ بِكُمۡ رَحِيمٗا
It is your Lord Who makes the ships sail for you through the sea, so that you may seek of His bounty. Indeed, He is ever Merciful to you.
67 - Al-Isra (The Night Journey) - 067
