(Do they not earnestly reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts? (Quran 47:24)
Surah Bani Israel, also known as Surah Al-Isra, contains many important lessons for our daily lives.
Allah’s mercy and trust in him: The Surah begins by reminding us of Allah’s greatness and mercy. Allah took His servant Muhammad (SAWW) by night from Masjid Al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa to show him some of His signs (17:1). The word Isra means travelling by night. Allah also reminds us that He gave Musa the Book as guidance for the Children of Israel and commanded them not to take anyone besides Him as their protector (17:2). True trust in Allah comes when we recognise His greatness, power and blessings. We should rely upon Allah in every matter rather than placing our ultimate trust in anyone else. The Quran itself is described as the way that is most upright. It gives good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds and warns those who reject the Hereafter (17:9–10).
Human beings are hasty: Allah says, “Man is ever hasty” (17:11). We often want immediate results and may even ask for something harmful without considering its consequences. In anger we may make a bad decision, give a curse, or in despair wish for death. The Quran teaches us to look beyond the immediate moment and consider the consequences of our actions. Good deeds, repentance and turning towards Allah ultimately benefit us. The Quran guides our thinking, emotions, character, wealth and our lives in this world and the Hereafter. Allah also makes clear that whoever follows guidance does so for his own benefit, while whoever goes astray bears the consequences himself. No person will carry another person’s burden (17:15). Our destiny is therefore connected with our own actions, not with stars, planets or supposed signs of good or bad luck.
Obedience, parents and human rights: Allah commands us to worship Him alone and to treat our parents with the greatest kindness. If one or both reach old age, we must not even say “uff” to them, nor rebuke them, but speak to them respectfully. We are also taught to pray for them: “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was young” (17:23–24). The Quran then commands us to give relatives, the needy and travellers their rights, while avoiding extravagance (17:26–29). We should neither be miserly nor wasteful, but follow the middle path. Allah also commands honesty in business: “Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a straight balance” (17:35). Trust and credibility are essential to honest dealings. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) was known for truthfulness and trustworthiness.
Humility and good speech: Allah tells us not to walk on earth arrogantly: we can neither tear the earth apart nor reach the mountains in height (17:37). Humility is beloved to Allah, while arrogance is deeply disliked. We are also commanded to speak in the best manner. “My servants should say what is best,” because Satan creates discord between people (17:53). Our manner of speaking can strengthen relationships or destroy them. We should speak with kindness, respect and consideration, avoiding unnecessary arguments, harshness and hurtful words.
Remember Allah in every circumstance: Allah reminds us of His mercy through the ships that sail across the sea. When danger comes at sea, people sincerely call upon Allah; but when He saves them and brings them safely to land, they often turn away again (17:66–67). This is a weakness of human beings: we remember Allah in difficulty but can forget Him when life becomes comfortable. Gratitude should not depend upon hardship. Allah has given us countless blessings—food, knowledge, health, wealth, family and countless opportunities—and we should remain thankful for them. Allah also reminds us that prayer and the Quran at dawn have special importance (17:78). Prayer is obligatory, and we should make every effort to perform it on time.
The Qur’an must change our hearts: Allah revealed the Qur’an gradually so that people could understand and reflect upon it (17:106). Those who truly recognise its truth respond with humility, falling in prostration and weeping, and their humility increases (17:107–109). This is an important test for us. We should read the Qur’an with translation and understanding and ask ourselves: Is the Qur’an changing my heart, my character and my actions? Surah Bani Israel calls us to trust Allah, follow His guidance, honour our parents and the rights of others, avoid extravagance and arrogance, speak well, be grateful and live honestly. Our life is a limited opportunity. We should use it to understand the Qur’an, reflect upon its teachings and make it the guide for our lives.
—The writer is Fellow Chartered Accountant, based in Texas, USA.
