Al-Isra (الإسراء)

17. Al-Isra (الإسراء)

Meaning: The Night Journey

Total Ayahs: 111

Place of Revelation: Mecca

Summary

Surah Al-Isra begins with the account of the Prophet's miraculous Night Journey (Isra) from Makkah to Jerusalem and his Ascension (Mi'raj). It establishes core Islamic beliefs, ethical principles, and social reforms. The Surah contains comprehensive guidance on worship, family relations, social conduct, and the consequences of arrogance. It responds to Quraysh's objections while providing comfort to the Prophet (PBUH) and the early Muslim community.

Core Message

True success comes through submission to Allah and moral righteousness. The Quran provides complete guidance for all aspects of life, and divine justice is inevitable.

Benefits

The Prophet (PBUH) frequently recited this Surah, especially verses about prayer and morality. Scholars note its recitation strengthens faith in the unseen and provides protection. Verses 23-39 (known as 'The Israelite Code') contain foundational Islamic ethics.

Famous Verses

17:1 "سُبْحَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِۦ لَيْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ..." - 'Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram...'
17:23-24 - The comprehensive command about kindness to parents
17:32 "وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلزِّنَىٰٓ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَـٰحِشَةًۭ وَسَآءَ سَبِيلًۭا" - 'And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse...'
17:82 "وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌۭ وَرَحْمَةٌۭ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ..." - 'And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers...'

Moral Lesson

Miracles confirm prophethood. Parental rights are sacred. Modesty and moral purity are foundations of society. The Quran is both healing and guidance.

Divine Attributes

As-Sami (The All-Hearing), Al-Basir (The All-Seeing), Ar-Ra'uf (The Kind), Ash-Shafi (The Healer)

Keywords

Isra Night Journey Ethics Morality Parents Social Reform