288 Page Notes

17 Al-Isra (continued)

Page 288- Related Hadith/Sunnah

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 288 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

On page 288 of the Quran, Surah Al-Isra (Chapter 17, Verses 59 through 66) addresses critical theological tipping points. It explains why physical miracles were withheld from the Makkans, explicitly mentions the cosmic vision given to the Prophet during his Night Journey (Al-Isra), recounts the primordial rebellion of Iblis (Satan), and highlights God’s protective mercy over humanity out at sea.

The Prophetic traditions (Hadith) and reasons for revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul) associated with these specific verses are foundational to understanding Islamic history and theology.

1. Verse 59: Why Sensory Miracles Were Withheld

“And nothing has prevented Us from sending signs except that the former peoples denied them. And We gave Thamud the she-camel as a visible sign, but they wronged her...”

The Asbab al-Nuzul (Reason for Revelation):

The pagan chiefs of Makkah continuously demanded that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ perform specific cosmic miracles to prove his prophethood—such as turning the hills of Safa into solid gold or clearing the mountains surrounding Makkah to make room for rivers and agricultural land.

The direct background of this request is recorded in the Sunan literature:

Ibn Abbas narrated: The people of Makkah asked the Prophet ﷺ to turn Safa into gold for them and to move the mountains so they could cultivate the land. It was said to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ: "If you wish, We can patiently grant them time, or if you wish, We can give them what they ask. But if they disbelieve after that, they will be destroyed just as those before them were destroyed." The Prophet ﷺ replied, "No, rather I choose that they be granted time (for repentance)." Then Allah revealed this verse.

— Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 2331; Sunan An-Nasa'i Al-Kubra, Hadith 11234 (Authenticated by Ahmad Shakir)

2. Verse 60: The Vision and the Accursed Tree of Zaqqum

“And [remember] when We told you, 'Indeed, your Lord has encompassed the people.' And We did not make the sight which We showed you except as a trial for the people, and [likewise] the accursed tree [mentioned] in the Quran...”

The Hadith Context on "The Sight" (Al-Ru'ya):

Many of the polytheists tried to claim that the vision shown to the Prophet was merely a dream. However, the companions explicitly confirmed that this refers to a physical, waking experience during the Isra and Mi'raj (Night Journey and Ascension), which served as a massive test of faith (trial) for the community.

Ibn Abbas commented on the verse: “And We did not make the sight which We showed you except as a trial for the people...” He said: "It was an actual eye-witness sight (not a dream) which was shown to Allah's Messenger ﷺ during the night he was taken on the journey (to Jerusalem). And the accursed tree in the Quran is the tree of Zaqqum."

— Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 65, Hadith 4716

The Context on the "Accursed Tree":

When the Quran revealed that a tree called Zaqqum grows from the bottom of Hellfire to feed the damned, Abu Jahl mockingly joked to his peers: "How can a tree grow inside a fire without burning up?" He then called for dates and butter, eating them and saying, "This is the only Zaqqum we know!" This mockery tested the weak-hearted, prompting this revelation.

3. Verses 61–65: The Arrogance of Iblis (Satan) and His Weapons

“And [remember] when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam,' and they prostrated, except Iblis. He said, 'Should I prostrate to one You created from clay?' ... [Allah] said, 'Go, for whoever of them follows you, then indeed Hell will be your recompense...'”

The Hadith Context on Satan’s Incitement:

Satan promises to misguide humanity using his voice, his cavalry, and his infantry (Verse 64). In the Sunnah, the Prophet ﷺ explains how Satan actually deploys these forces systematically from his tactical headquarters to achieve the division of mankind.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Iblis places his throne upon the water; he then sends detachments (for creating dissension); the nearer to him in rank are those who are most notorious in creating dissension. One of them comes and says: 'I did such and such.' And Iblis says: 'You have done nothing.' Then one of them comes and says: 'I did not spare so-and-so until I sowed the seeds of discord between a husband and a wife.' The Satan then approaches him, embraces him and says: 'How excellent you are!'"

— Sahih Muslim, Book 52, Hadith 67

4. Verse 66: Divine Mercy and Safe Passage Across the Sea

“Your Lord is He who drives for you the ships through the sea that you may seek of His bounty. Indeed, He is ever, to you, Merciful.”

The Hadith Context:

This verse reminds humanity that the laws of physics allowing massive ships to float and move across oceans are a gift of divine engineering and mercy.

The Prophet ﷺ heavily emphasized the spiritual weight of journeying across the sea. He noted that the vastness of the ocean strips away human arrogance, forcing people to recognize their vulnerability—a theme that continues onto the next page of the Quran (where humans are described as calling on God sincerely only when caught in a storm at sea).

To safeguard those seeking this "bounty," the Prophet ﷺ taught specific prayers for travel:

Whenever the Messenger of Allah ﷺ ascended a mount or embarked on a journey, he would say: "O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Successor over the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, from a gloomy return, and from finding misfortune in my wealth and family."

— Sahih Muslim, Book 15, Hadith 425