284 Page Notes

17 Al-Isra (continued)

Page 284 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 284 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Page 284 of the Qur'an covers Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey), verses 18 through 27. This page transitions into a comprehensive legal and moral manifesto often referred to as the Islamic Code of Ethics. It opens by distinguishing between short-sighted worldly pursuits and the deliberate striving for the Hereafter, before laying down strict commands regarding parental devotion (Birr al-Walidayn), financial balance, and the absolute prohibition of squandering resources.

The Hadith and Sunnah act as direct applications of these social and ethical mandates.

1. Striving for the Hereafter vs. Materialism (Verses 18–19)

"Whoever desires the fleeting life - We hasten for him therein what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell... But whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts for it its due exertion while he is a believer - those are the ones whose exertion is appreciated." (Qur'an 17:18–19)

These verses warn against doing good deeds solely to attain earthly praise or wealth. The Sunnah heavily emphasizes this psychology, warning that intentions dictate divine acceptance.

• The First Cast into the Fire: The Prophet ﷺ mapped out the fulfillment of verse 18 by explaining that people who perform monumental deeds (like charity, seeking knowledge, or fighting) strictly for worldly recognition will receive exactly that on earth—but nothing in the afterlife:
  "The first of people against whom judgment will be passed on the Day of Resurrection will be... a man who acquired knowledge and taught it... a man who was given wealth and spent it... It will be said to them: 'You did this so it would be said you are a scholar/generous, and it was said.' Then orders will be given and they will be dragged into the Fire." (Sahih Muslim 1905)

2. Devotion and Kindness to Parents (Verses 23–24)

"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them and speak to them a noble word." (Qur'an 17:23)

By placing parental kindness immediately after the command to worship Him alone, Allah elevates Birr al-Walidayn (dutifulness to parents) to a paramount status. The Sunnah details this in real-world scenarios.

• The Definition of "Uff": Scholars of the Sunnah explain that "uff" represents the absolute minimal expression of annoyance or grunting. The Prophet's companion, Ibn Abbas, stated: "If Allah knew of a word smaller than 'uff' to forbid, He would have forbidden it." (Recorded in Tafsir al-Tabari).

• Prioritizing Parents Over Voluntary Jihad: The Sunnah enforces this verse by demonstrating that taking care of aging parents overrides voluntary military expeditions. Abdullah ibn 'Amr narrated:
  "A man came to the Prophet ﷺ asking permission to join the Jihad. The Prophet asked, 'Are your parents alive?' He said, 'Yes.' The Prophet said, 'Then strive in their service.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3004)

• The Doorway to Paradise: The Prophet ﷺ highlighted the tragic loss of someone who fails to act on verse 23 when their parents reach old age:
  "May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced!" It was said, "Who, O Messenger of Allah?" He said, "The one whose parents reach old age, one or both of them, and he does not enter Paradise (by serving them)." (Sahih Muslim 2551)

3. Financial Rights of Relatives and the Needy (Verse 26)

"And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully." (Qur'an 17:26)

This verse mandates that taking care of vulnerable family members is not an act of optional charity, but a structural "right" (Haqq) they hold over your wealth.

• The Double Reward of Family Charity: The Sunnah emphasizes that executing this verse brings a compounding spiritual return:
  "Charity given to the poor is a simple charity, but charity given to a relative is two things: charity and maintaining family ties." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 658)

4. Wasteful Spenders as Brothers of Devils (Verse 27)

"Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and Ever is Satan to his Lord ungrateful." (Qur'an 17:27)

This verse draws an intense comparison, equating Tabdheer (senseless squandering/extravagance) with demonic behavior. Islamic jurists use the Sunnah to distinguish between spending money on extensive lawful needs versus wasting money foolishly.

• The Condemnation of Squandering Wealth: The Prophet ﷺ systematically discouraged lifestyles built on vanity and wastefulness, identifying it as a trait Allah dislikes:
  "Indeed, Allah hates three things for you: gossip and irrelevant talk, the persistent begging/asking of questions, and the wasting of wealth (Ida'at al-Mal)." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1477, Sahih Muslim 593)

• The Golden Middle: The Sunnah establishes a balanced baseline—enjoying life's blessings without crossing into the psychological territory of arrogance or wasteful spending:
  "Eat, drink, give charity, and wear clothes, so long as it does not involve extravagance (Saraf) or pride." (Sunan An-Nasa'i 2559)