[17].Surah Al-Isra' [The Journey By Night]: Ayat 52-53

also known as Surah Bani Israel [The Children of Israel]

 

Ayat 52. On the Day when He will call you, and you will answer (His Call) with (words of) His Praise and Obedience, and you will think that you have stayed (in this world) but a little while!

Ayat 53. And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaitan (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is to man a plain enemy.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.'' [Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 123].

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Isra Ayat 53. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is to man a plain enemy. This is a special distinction of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims become more inclined towards the worship of Allah. They pay greater attention to the recitation of the Qur'an, remembrance of Allah, worship, and seeking pardon for sins.

 

[17].Surah Al-Isra' [The Journey By Night]: Ayat 49-51

 also known as Surah Bani Israel [The Children of Israel]

 

Ayat 49. And they say: "When we are bones and fragments (destroyed), should we really be resurrected (to be) a new creation?"

Ayat 50. Say (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH) "Be you stones or iron,"

Ayat 51. "Or some created thing that is yet greater (or harder) in your breasts (thoughts to be resurrected, even then you shall be resurrected)" Then, they will say: "Who shall bring us back (to life)?" Say: "He Who created you first!" Then, they will shake their heads at you and say: "When will that be ?" Say: "Perhaps it is near!"  

Hazrat Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, "Where are those who observe fasting?'' So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.''

[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 120]. 

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Isra Ayat 49. And they say: "When we are bones and fragments (destroyed), should we really be resurrected (to be) a new creation?" This Hadith tells us about the special distinction of those who observe Saum. "Only those who observe Saum'' signify the faithful who not only observe Saum during the month of Ramadan but also frequently observe voluntary fasts over and above the obligatory ones, otherwise Saum of Ramadan are compulsory for every Muslim. Similar is the case of the people of Salat, people of Sadaqah and people of Jihad, who have been mentioned in the preceding Ahadith otherwise all Muslims are on par so far as the Salat, Sadaqah, etc., are concerned.

[17].Surah Al-Isra' [The Journey By Night]: Ayat 47-48

 also known as Surah Bani Israel [The Children of Israel]

 

Ayat 47. We know best of what they listen to, when they listen to you. And when they take secret counsel, behold, the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.) say: "You follow none but a bewitched man."

Ayat 48. See what examples they have put forward for you. So they have gone astray, and never can they find a way.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "When any one of you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: `I am observing fast.'''

[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 118]. 

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Isra Ayat 48.So they have gone astray, and never can they find a way" This Hadith has already been mentioned and is repeated here for its being relevant to this chapter. We learn from it that during Saum not only food, drink and sex are prohibited but the improper use of the tongue and the other organs of the body as well. When one is observing Saum, he should neither use abusive language nor talk foolishly nor tell lies nor make obscene conversation nor indulge in backbiting nor quarrel with anyone. If someone provokes him, he should keep himself quiet and remember that he is observing Saum and he has to abstain from such things. As far as possible, he should keep his tongue engaged in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur'an.

 

[17].Surah Al-Isra' [The Journey By Night] : Ayat 45-46

also known as Surah Bani Israel [The Children of Israel]

Ayat 45. And when you recite the Qur'an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible veil (or screen their hearts, so they hear or understand it not). 
Ayat 46. And We have put coverings over their hearts lest, they should understand it (the Qur'an), and in their ears deafness. And when you make mention of your Lord Alone [Lâ ilâha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) Islamic Monotheism] in the Qur'an, they turn on their backs, fleeing in extreme dislikeness. 

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned.'' [Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 32, Hadith # 226].

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Isra Ayat 45. And when you recite the Qur'an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible veil (or screen their hearts, so they hear or understand it not). Qiyam with reciting Quran in TARAWEEH in the month of Ramadan is a much-stressed act and has great importance from the viewpoint of reward and award.

[17].Surah Al-Isra' [The Journey By Night]: Ayat 44

 also known as Surah Bani Israel [The Children of Israel]

Ayat 44. The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise. But you understand not their glorification. Truly, He is Ever Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (PBUH) said, "Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allah's reward, will have his past sins forgiven.''  [Muslim Book 04, Chapter 52, Hadith # 210].

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Isra Ayat 044. "glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise".

This Hadith highlights the following points:

1. Qiyam in the month of Ramadan is a much-stressed act and has great importance from the viewpoint of reward and award.

2. The sins which are pardoned through it are minor sins because major sins are not forgiven unless one makes sincere repentance and compensates those whom he has wronged.

3. That Qiyam during the month of Ramadan was the practice of the Prophet [SAWW]((PBUH). During the course of a Ramadan, he made Qiyam for three nights consecutively, that is, he performed this Nafl Salat in congregation with his Companions. On the fourth night, when his Companions gathered for this purpose he said to them, "I am afraid it will be made obligatory for you.'' So, in spite of their desire to join him in this prayer, he did not lead the Salat that night. How many Rak`ah did he perform in congregation in these three nights is a pertinent question here.
 

[17].Surah Al-Isra' [The Journey By Night]: Ayat 41-43

 also known as Surah Bani Israel [The Children of Israel]

Ayat 41. And surely, We have explained [Our Promises, Warnings and (set forth many) examples] in this Qur'an that they (the disbelievers) may take heed, but it increases them in naught save aversion.

Ayat 42. Say (O Muhammad   [SAWW](PBUH) to these polytheists, pagans, etc.): "If there had been other âliha (gods) along with Him as they assert, then they would certainly have sought out a way to the Lord of the Throne (seeking His Pleasures and to be near to Him).

Ayat

43. Glorified and High be He! From 'Uluwan Kabîra (the great falsehood) that they say! (i.e.forged statements that there are other gods along with Allah, but He is Allah, the One, the Self-Sufficient Master, whom all creatures need. He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none comparable or coequal unto Him).

Hazrat Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur'an and abases others.''

[Muslim Book 04, Chapter 138, Hadith # 1780]. 

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Isra Ayat 041. We have explained [Our Promises, Warnings and (set forth many) examples] in this Qur'an" Only such people will be elevated who act upon the teachings of the Qur'an and abstain from what is forbidden by Allah. The Muslims of the early centuries of Islam were blessed with great honour by Allah because they loved and applied the Qur'an. Because of this meaningful attachment with the Qur'an, they made great achievements in religious and worldly spheres. Those who neglected the teachings of Islam will be disgraced and humiliated. May Allah guide and enable us to re-establish our contact with the Qur'an so that we can regain our past glory. Exaltation and humiliation mentioned in the Hadith is bound to happen in both this life and the Hereafter.