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Al-Isra – Al-Hajj

17. Surah al-Isra'(ٱلْإِسْرَاء)

The night, journey

Surah 50 according to the order of revelation.  This is a Makki Surah revealed after the events of Isra’ and Mi’raj, which took place about a year and half before the Hijrah.  The Surah has 111 verses and 12 sections.

This Surah concentrates on some important moral and spiritual principles.  It emphasizes that human beings always need divine guidance.  Without the guidance of Allah, humans end up in evil, sin and misery.  Human beings must have good relations with each other and live in a society built on the principles of faith, justice and morality.  The Surah talks about the evils of pride and arrogance and urges human beings to reflect on Allah’s signs and be humble before Him in prayers.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Isra’ journey of the Prophet to Jerusalem and the history of that area.
  2. Human beings are hasty.  Reward and punishment all have their time.
  3. Moral and spiritual principles are emphasized – Worship of Allah and respect of parents.
  4. Moral principles – children’s rights, decency, right of life, orphans’ property, honesty in dealings, humbleness.
  5. Tawhid is the basic message of the Qur’an.
  6. Gentleness is enjoined.
  7. Satan’s pride against man and his pledge to mislead human beings.
  8. Every one will be brought on the Day of Judgement with his/her own deeds.
  9. Emphasis on prayers, and on the reading of the Qur’an.
  10. The Qur’an is inimitable.
  11. Non-believers have lame arguments against accepting the Prophets.
  12. The attitude of Pharaoh towards Prophet Moses and the signs that he showed.

18. Surah al-Kahf(ٱلْكَهْف)

The Cave

69th Surah according to the order of revelation. This is a Makki Surah revealed 4-5 years before the Hijrah.  It has 110 verses in 12 sections.

The Surah answers some questions that the Mushrikin of Makkah posed to the Prophet –peace be upon him.  The answers came in a very clear way and also challenged them to accept the message of Islam. In this Surah we have the stories of: the People of the Cave, the man who had two gardens and was very proud of himself, Prophet Moses with an angelic figure, Dhulqarnain a pious ruler.  These stories are told to emphasize the value of faith, knowledge and patience, the relativity of time, and the variety in this world.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The straight message of the Qur’an.
  2. The Companions of the Cave.
  3. The proof of resurrection.
  4. Always remember Allah.  Every thing depends on Allah’s will.
  5. The parable of an ungrateful person and a grateful person.
  6. Wealth and children are only a passing show.
  7. Satan and his progeny they are the open enemies of human beings.
  8. Allah’s mercy is available all the time.
  9. Prophet Moses’ search for a teacher.
  10. Some strange events and their explanations.
  11. The pious ruler Dhul Qarnain. Gog and Magog
  12. The real losers and winners.

19. Surah Maryam(مَرْيَم)

Mary

This Surah was revealed in Makkah sometime before the first Hijrah to Abyssinia, which was about 8 years before the Hijrah to Madina.  The Surah has 98 verses in 6 sections.

The subject matter of this Surah is the true message and teachings of the Prophets of Allah.  Several Prophets are mentioned here: Zakariyya, Yahya, Isa and his mother Maryam, Ibrahim, Musa, Ismail and Idris -may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon all of them. Allah blessed these Prophets. They taught Tawhid and called their people to the worship of Allah alone.  Great miracles and signs were also shown in the lives of these Prophets and Messengers.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Prophet Zachariah’s prayer for a son.  Birth of John (Yahya) and Allah’s favors upon him.
  2. Maryam -peace be upon her – and the miraculous birth of her son Jesus -peace be upon him.
  3. Prophet Ibrahim preached the unity of Allah.  His conversation with his father.
  4. Other great Prophets and Messengers of Allah.
  5. The Resurrection will surely happen.
  6. Criticism of misconceptions about intercession and the divinity of Jesus.

20. Surah TaHa(طه)
Ṭāʾ Hāʾ (a name of Muhammad)

This is a Makki Surah.  It was revealed sometime before the Hijrah to Abyssinia.  It is also mentioned that the recitation of this Surah by ‘Umar’s sister led to his conversion to Islam.  This took place sometimes in the 5th year of Prophethood. This Surah has 135 verses in 8 sections.

The subject matter of the Surah is to assure the Prophet and his followers that the message of the Qur’an will eventually succeed.  The story of Prophet Moses is mentioned in detail.  Then it is mentioned how the enemies of Islam are opposing it and what will be the consequences of this opposition for them.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Prophet Muhammad is told not to feel distress because of the denial of the unbeleivers.  Allah knows everything.  Remember the story of Moses.  Allah called him to the Prophethood and gave him special signs.
  2. Prophet Moses’ prayer.  Allah commanded Moses and his brother Aaron to go to Pharaoh and give him the message.  Allah mentions His favors upon Moses.
  3. Prophet Moses goes to Pharaoh. The challenge with the Egyptian magicians.  The defeat of the magicians and then their conversion.
  4. Allah saved the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. Prophet Moses goes to Sinai.  Samiri misleads the Israelites and they worship the calf.
  5. The anger of Prophet Moses.  Samiri confessed his evil action and he was punished.
  6. The Day of Judgment. No intercession will help without Allah’s permission.  The opponents of the Prophet.
  7. Devil misleads human beings.  Some references to the story of Adam and Iblis.
  8. The evil doers will be punished.  Be patient and offer regular prayers.

21. Surah al-Anbiya'(ٱلْأَنْبِيَاء)

The Prophets

73rd according to the order of revelation.  This is a Makki Surah revealed about 5-6 years before the Hijrah.  It has112 verses in 7 sections.

The basic theme of the Surah is Prophets and Prophethood as indicated by the name itself.  All Prophets were human beings.  They suffered at the hands of their enemies. Allah also tested them, but they always trusted Allah and lived according to His command.  They were people of prayers and devotions and Allah listened to their prayers.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The Last Messenger has come.  The judgment is coming closer.  All prophets were human beings.
  2. Heaven and earth are created for a purpose.  All Prophets preached tawhid.
  3. Every thing is created for a term. The end will come suddenly.
  4. Allah cares for you day and night.  Moses and Aaron received Allah’s message and now this blessed reminder has come to you.
  5. Prophet Ibrahim argued against idolatry.
  6. Allah blessed His Prophets and delivered them.
  7. The righteous shall inherit the earth.

22. Surah al-Hajj(ٱلْحَجّ)

The Pilgrimage, The Hajj

103rd according to the order of revelation. Some authorities consider this a Makki Surah, but according to the majority it is Madani.  This Surah has 78 verses in 10 sections.

The Surah reminds about the approaching end of the world, need for the firmness of faith to support the truth and to eradicate the evil.  It talks about prayers, humbleness and sacrifice, respect of the Ka’bah, the House of Allah, and striving to defend the truth.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The Shaking of the Last Hour.  Arguments for the Resurrection from the stages of human creation and from the rain that produces vegetation.
  2. The marginal believers and their end.
  3. The true believers shall be rewarded.
  4. Pilgrimage to the House of Allah.
  5. Respect of the Symbols of Allah.
  6. The permission of fighting back is granted to those to whom wrong is done. The real purpose of Jihad.
  7. Satan’s enticements and Allah’s especial protection of His words.
  8. The reward of those who migrate in the cause of Allah.
  9. Allah’s order prevails in the heaven and earth.
  10. The Muslim community is chosen by Allah for a special purpose.