Al-Isrāʾ (Arabic: الإسراء; meaning: The Night Journey), also known as Banī Isrāʾīl (Arabic: بني إسرائيل; meaning: The Children of Israel) is the 17th chapter (sūrah) of the Quran, with 111 verses (āyāt).click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againThe word Isra’ refers to the “night journey” of the prophet Muhammad. This surah is part of a series al-Musabbihat surahs because it begins with the glorification of God.This surah takes its name from the first verse which, in Islamic tradition, tells the event of the Isra, the transportation of Muhammad during the night from the Great Mosque of Mecca to what is referred to as “the farthest Mosque”.” The exact location is specified in the Qurran in Arabic words أَسۡرَىٰ بِعَبۡدِهِۦ لَيۡلٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡأَقۡصَا but this is commonly taken to Noble Sanctuary (Temple Mount) in Jerusalem. Some scholars disagree about this (see Isra and Mi’raj) lively . While the city of Jerusalem (or al Quds , Al-Aqsa mosque) is mentioned by name anywhere in the Qur’an,[citation needed] The first verse refers to Mohammed being taken from the ‘Masjid ul-harram’ to the ‘Masjid al-Aqsa’: Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We (God) did bless,- so that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things).
Surah al-Qasas [The Story] takes it name from being mentioned in [28:25], ‘Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, “Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us.” So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, “Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people.” This Surah has 88 Ayat.click the button above to listen to the recitation of this Quranic verse againThe basic theme of this Surah is the prophethood. Some aspects of the life of Prophet Moses -peace be upon him- are mentioned to show the similarity between him and Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon all the prophets of Allah. There are also answers here to the questions and doubts that were raised by some non-believers.Sections: Story of Moses and Pharaoh is related. Pharaoh was persecuting the Israelites. Allah wished to show his favor to the oppressed people. Birth of Moses and then his growing up in Pharaoh’s own palace. Moses’ encounter with an Egyptian and his escape to Madyan. Moses’ marriage in Madyan. Moses receives Prophethood and especial signs from Allah. His appearance before Pharaoh. Pharaoh’s denial and then Allah’s punishment for him and his armies. The Prophet relating these stories by inspiration from Allah and for a purpose. Allah’s guidance is continuos. The message of Islam is tawhid. The story of Qarun: his character and his end. Allah’s promise for the Believers.
Surah an-Nur [The Light] takes its name after the Ayat, اللَّـهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth….” [24:35]. The word Nur [light] is mentioned 7 times in this Surah, mentioned more times than in any other Surah of the Qur’an. The Surah has 64 Ayat.click the button above to listen to the recitation of this (partial) Quranic verse againThis Surah contains many rules for the development of a society based on righteousness and morality. It talks about male-female relations, rules of proper dress for Muslim women, rules for the punishment of adultery and punishment of those who accuse others of adultery or fornication.Sections: Punishment of adultery. Rules of testimony in the case of adultery. The false rumors against Sayyidah ‘Aisha – may Allah be pleased with her. Beware of those who slander pious chaste women. Rules about entering others homes, proper dress, help those who are single to get married. The light of Allah and the struggle between light and darkness. Everything in the heaven and earth glorifies Allah. Believers must obey Allah and His messenger. Allah’s promise to the Believers to establish them in the land. Rules of privacy for men and women, at home and outside. Special respect of the Prophet and Believers’ duties towards him.
The name of the surah, at-Taubah is derived from ت و ب and it occurs 87 times in the Quran. Interestingly, this surah has the highest usage of the words derived from ت و ب compared to all other surahs – it is used 17 times. In Ayat 118, occurs the case of the three companions whom Allah turned to and accepted their tawbah to Him – those who had abstained from joining the Jihad at the Battle of Tabuk.click the button above to listen to the recitation of this Quranic verse againThis is the only Sūrah of the Qur’ān to which ‘In the Name of God, Most Gracious Most Merciful’ is not prefixed. Though the commentators have given different reasons for this, the correct one that which has been given by Imām Razi: namely this is because the Prophet himself did not dictate it at the beginning of the Sūrah. Therefore the Companions did not prefix it and their successors followed them. This is a further proof of the fact that utmost care has been taken to keep the Qur’ān intact so that it should remain in its complete and original form.The basic subjects of the Surah are: The non-believers who broke their treaties, Muslims have no obligation to honor treaties with them. Muslims must protect themselves from hypocrisy, weak faith and negligence. Battle of Tabuk and its lessons.
The Surah is named after the story of the men awaiting on the “Elevations” between Paradise and Hell. It comprises of 206 Ayat.click the button above to listen to the recitation of this Quranic verse againThe basic theme of this Surah is Risalah, i.e. Allah’s message as it was sent through many messengers. Several Prophets and parts of their stories are mentioned to emphasize Prophets’ mission and their struggle with their people. The Surah tells us that Allah’s Prophets suffered for the cause of truth. Their enemies tried to harm them, but then Allah helped his prophets and defeated their enemies. The Surah emphasizes that the true message must be presented under all circumstances. After the Prophets it is the duty of the Believers to convey the message of Allah to all people.Al-A’raf – The Elevations. Allah mentions Paradise and Hellfire and then speaks of the ‘elevations’ between them reserved for some amongst humanity. These people not knowing what will happen to them. The people of Hell-fire will be refused water as it will be prohibited for the disbelievers in the after-life.
Al-Baqara, alternatively transliterated Al-Baqarah (Arabic: البقرة, ’al-baqarah; lit. “The Heifer” or “The Cow”), is the second and longest chapter (surah) of the Quran. It consists of 286 verses (āyāt)click the button above to listen to the recitation of these Quranic verses againThe surah encompasses a variety of topics and contains several commands for Muslims such as enjoining fasting on the believer during the month of Ramadan; forbidding interest or usury (riba); and several famous verses such as The Throne Verse, Al-Baqara 256, and the final two or three verses. The surah addresses a wide variety of topics, including substantial amounts of law, and retells stories of Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses). A major theme is guidance: urging the pagans (Al-Mushrikeen) and the Jews of Medina to embrace Islam, and warning them and the hypocrites (Munafiqun) of the fate God had visited in the past on those who failed to heed his call.Sections: The Book of Guidance for those who want to be righteous. The difference between the believers and the non-believers. The hypocrites: their sickness, mischief and self-deception. Mankind, worship Allah alone. Make no partners in Allah’s divinity. The challenge of the Qur’an. This Book will guide many but many will remain in error. The character of those who shall remain in error. The story of the creation of Adam. Allah’s plan and promise to send His guidance from time to time through His prophets. Address to Bani Israel to accept this message. Allah’s covenant must be fulfilled. Warnings to those who stray from the covenant of God. How some from among the Children of Israel turned away from God’s teachings. God’s blessings on the Children of Israel and their transgressions. The real recipients of Divine salvation. The hesitation of Bani Israel in sacrificing the cow. Some perversions of those who were supposed to follow the law of God. Basic principles of God’s Covenant with the Children of Israel. Some of them were arrogant to follow the teachings of their prophets, some rejected the prophets or tried to kill them, some worshipped the calf, disobeyed God’s commands and became too greedy for the life of this world. Opposition and enmity towards the Prophets, following devils and magic. Reminders to the Believers to follow these examples. Stay firm on your principles. Some among the People of the Book will try to mislead you with false claims and assertions. The true guidance of Allah is here. Read the Book of Allah and follow it. The great example of Prophet Ibrahim. He and his son built the Ka’bah and prayed for a Prophet to come. Prophet Ibrahim –peace be upon him- submitted to Allah and this is the message that he and his sons gave to their progeny. The change of Qiblah and the response of the hypocrites and fools. Those who have knowledge know that this is the true Qiblah of all the Prophets. Follow this direction wherever you are. This is the universal Qiblah for all. Believers will be tried but they should be firm and steadfast and must face the trials with patience and prayers. Allah’s signs and His bounties are everywhere. The polytheists and idolaters are misplacing their loyalties. Believers should eat good and permissible food and should never follow the steps of the devil. The true piety and righteousness. Some rules related to the punishment of murderers. The rules of bequests. Fasting and Ramadan: the objective of fasting and some rules. Rules of Hajj, fighting those who expelled Muslims from their homes. No fighting during Hajj, rather seek God’s bounty when you return from Hajj. Appreciate God’s bounties. All human beings were originally one community. Divisions came later. Be generous and defend your self and your faith. Some important questions answered: War in the sacred months, wine and gambling, charity, orphans’ money, divorced women and their situation. The laws of divorce Continuation of the laws of divorce. Rules on the remarriage of the divorced women or the widowers. Further rules of divorce Fighting in the cause of God: Israelites Under the leadership of Prophet David the victory came over the forces of Goliath. Emphasis on charity. To Allah belong everything. His Throne extends to heaven and earth. No compulsion in religion. Allah brings out people from darkness unto light. Allah’s power over life and death, some examples: Prophet Ibrahim’s dialogue with Namrood, a man in the valley of dead (probably Prophet Ezekiel’s vision of Jerusalem), Prophet Ibrahim asks Allah how will He raise the dead to life. Allah’s answer to Prophet Ibrahim. Allah blesses charity: some examples of how Allah blesses charity Emphasis on charity: spend good things, give openly and secretly to the poor and needy. Prohibition of usuary (riba) and its bad effects on individuals and society Some rules on loan transactions Conclusion and prayer: Everything in the heaven and earth belong to Allah, the prayer of the believers.
