Ramadhan 2016 – Day 16 (Al-Isra’)

This chapter is the twin of Ch 16 and focuses on the utilization of Quran in the Islamic project. Like Ch 16, it begins with tasabbuh (the manifesting of Allah) of Allah’s servant from the sanctified place of submission to the furthest point of submission (the centre and the frontier of the system). Musa is mentioned along with bani israil and nuh (17/2-3). These two personalities are key to the practical interpretation of Quran’s mission.

This chapter also mentions the word ‘quran’ the most number of times which is 12. 17/9 first mentions it, telling us that the entire Quran guides to that which is most established. In other words, application is something of a necessity with Quranic verses.

Verses 23-39 also gives us a formulation of Quranic precepts. It culminates by equating taking another god besides Allah if one were to associate this essential wisdom with anything else.

Ch 17 Vs 78-89 gives an elaborate process of utilizing Quran. 78 talks about bringing down the forces of oppression by reading and applying Quran till the dawn of truth manifests. This is done by night vigils (explained in 73/1-7) to raise us to a state of hamd (17/79). We will enter through a gate of truth and truth will manifest (17/80-81). This entails the descent of a portion of Quran and its spirit. By the end of this process, we will see the irreproducibility of Quran and its metaphors (17/88-89).

17/101-104 takes us back to the story of musa and his victory over firaun and his forces of oppression.

17/105-111 once again gives us the process of Quran. 105 explains its descent with truth. A quran which is divided by Allah (showing the basmalah) for the purposes of recitation to mankind on occasion. When it is recited to them, those who believe will submit fully and understand the verses have been fulfilled. 110-111 finally gives us the method, that it is the invocation of Allah or Ar-Rahmaan and his names. This connection is to be done moderately and will bring about a state of tahmeed and absolute tawheed. This again is the purpose of Quran.