[1]. This refers to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it fulfills a divine prediction found in Psalm 118, revealed many centuries earlier to Prophet David.
That Psalm foretold the coming of the world’s final Prophet and Messenger — Muhammad ﷺ — and his blessed entry into Jerusalem. King David, who was given the Psalms (Zabūr), recorded Allah’s prophecy about how His final Messenger would one day be welcomed with open gates. As stated in Psalm 118:19, “Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to Allāh.” Later in Psalm 118:26, the blessing upon that Messenger is described: “Blessed is he who comes in the Name of Allāh; from the House of Allāh we bless you.” And in verses 21–23, the Psalm predicts the rejection and later exaltation of that chosen Messenger: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
This refers to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who became the cornerstone of divine guidance after earlier nations had turned away.
The Night Journey (Al-Isrāʾ wa’l-Miʿrāj)
According to authentic Sunnah, the Prophet ﷺ was taken by night on the miraculous steed al-Burāq — from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to the Farthest Mosque in Jerusalem (Masjid al-Aqṣā).
This blessed event is known as al-Isrāʾ (the Night Journey), forming the first part of his heavenly ascension. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the Prophet ﷺ prayed within Masjid al-Aqṣā alongside the earlier Prophets — Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and others — peace be upon them all.
The Angel Gabriel (Jibrīl) led him forward, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led the other Prophets in prayer, signifying his role as the leader and Seal of the Prophets.
Afterward, the Prophet ﷺ ascended through the heavens (al-Miʿrāj), where he witnessed the great signs of Allāh, met with previous Messengers, and was brought into the divine presence — a journey of honor, nearness, and revelation.
The Night Journey fulfills divine prophecy linking Makkah, Jerusalem, and Heaven.
The Psalms of David foretold the coming of the world’s final Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ.
The Prophet’s leadership in prayer with all Prophets symbolizes the unity of divine guidance.
His ascension (Miʿrāj) demonstrates that true servitude to Allāh leads to the highest spiritual nearness.
[2]. And from there to the heavens.
[3]. A person should entrust none of his affairs to anyone other than Allāh. One must always remember His command: “Put your trust in Allāh — for Allāh alone is sufficient as a Trustee.”
[4]. For their disobedience, arrogance, and transgression, they spread corruption throughout the Levant — even to the point of slaying the prophets.
[5]. Goliath and his army.
[6]. At the hands of Assyrians and Babylonians.
[7]. The verse reflects the cycle of downfall and restoration: when the Children of Israel repented, Allāh lifted their affliction and revived their fortunes — a reminder that divine favor follows gratitude and obedience.
[8]. We raised new enemies i.e., Nebuchadnezzar and his army against you.
[9]. Sinning and rebellion lead only to destruction and disgrace, whereas repentance and obedience to Allāh bring forth prosperity and blessing.
[10]. Let this Qur’an never depart from your lips; reflect upon it day and night, so that you may faithfully observe all that is written in it. Then you will find success and prosperity in all that you do and wherever you go.
[11]. This highlights human impulsiveness — people often invoke things without foresight, sometimes asking for what would harm them, out of impatience or despair. The Arabic emphasizes “ʿajūl” — “ever hasty,” denoting a deep-seated tendency in human nature to act without reflection.
[12]. Affirming God’s Oneness, perfect Knowledge, and absolute Power.
[13]. This verse refutes the doctrine of “original sin.” The Qur’an affirms that every soul is accountable only for its own deeds — “No bearer of burden will bear the burden of another.” Each person is born pure and free from inherited guilt, and divine judgment is based solely on individual belief and action. In contrast to the Christian concept of inherited sin from Adam, this verse emphasizes personal moral responsibility and divine justice, teaching that no one suffers for another’s fault nor redeems another’s sin.This highlights divine justice and personal responsibility: Guidance and misguidance return to the individual; one’s choices determine one’s fate. This is a universal Qur’anic principle (repeated in 6:164, 35:18, etc.), rejecting collective punishment or inherited guilt.
[14]. I.e., this refers to the worldly life.
Muhammad, The Messenger of God ﷺ said: “The life of this world is sweet and green. And Allāh makes you generations succeeding one another, so that He may test you in what you do. So beware of the temptations of the world and the temptations of women, for the first trial of the Children of Israel was through women.”
The wealth and women of this world are among the things most loved by people—like ripe fruit, sweet and appealing to all. Everyone is drawn to them by their beauty and attraction. Yet, of all worldly pleasures, none are more beloved to men than women, and none more potentially harmful if misused. Whoever inclines toward wealth and women while neglecting the divine limits is in danger in both this life and the Hereafter. But whoever enjoys them within the bounds of Islam and remains mindful of Allāh will be safe from their destructive effects.
[15]. Allāh gives provision for all in the life of this world without exception.This shows Divine impartiality in worldly provision: Both believers and disbelievers receive sustenance, health, and opportunity from Allāh’s universal generosity.
This worldly distribution is not a measure of divine approval, but part of God’s justice and wisdom — a test for gratitude and patience alike. The phrase “the gift of your Lord is not restricted ” signifies that His mercy and sustenance are boundless, extending to all creation in this life, though the eternal reward is reserved only for the believers in Allāh and the Hereafter life.
[16]. Love for a Hurtful Parent: Even if a parent has been harsh or hurtful, you are called to forgive their faults, show them mercy, and treat them with gentleness. Share the Qur’an with them, speak of them kindly, and continue to do good toward them. Teach your children, by your example, to honor and be kind to their grandparents.
[17]. Meaning of “uff” or “ugh”: This expression represents the slightest sign of annoyance or disapproval. The verse forbids even such a small gesture of disrespect toward one’s parents—let alone anything more severe. It calls for complete patience, humility, and reverence in serving them.
[18]. In Islam, you are no longer foreigners or strangers, but fellow citizens among God’s people — the Muslims — who follow His final Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. You are no longer regarded as outsiders or aliens, but as equal members of the believing community, sharing the same rights, blessings, and responsibilities.
Islam removes all barriers of nationality, ethnicity, and social status. The mosque stands as a symbol of this unity — a place where all believers, including immigrants, belong and are valued. Just as Allāh has welcomed believers into His House, Muslims are called to welcome others into their hearts and communities, treating them not as outsiders, but as brothers and sisters in faith.
Loving immigrants means recognizing their equal dignity and rights. It calls upon believers to build communities where newcomers feel valued and embraced — communities that reflect the unity, mercy, and love that come from being part of God’s people. This love transcends cultural and national boundaries, embodying the inclusive spirit of the Qur’an and the prophetic example.
19]. Wastefulness (isrāf) means spending wealth in disobedience to Allāh — on sinful, harmful, or vain purposes — or using resources in ways that are inappropriate and excessive. True moderation in Islam means spending wisely, with gratitude and purpose, avoiding extravagance or misuse of the blessings Allāh has entrusted to us.
[20]. Not being stingy or over generous.
[21]. In Islam, the unborn child possesses inherent sanctity and is considered a living trust from Allāh. Terminating a pregnancy without a valid and lawful reason is regarded as a grave sin, akin in moral weight to the act condemned in this verse — the killing of children out of fear of hardship.
Islamic jurists agree that life begins with conception, and that after 120 days (four months)—when the soul (rūḥ) is believed to be breathed into the fetus—abortion becomes an act of unjustified killing unless the mother’s life is in clear danger. Even before this stage, abortion is not permitted except for serious and legitimate reasons, and only after consultation with qualified scholars and physicians.
This teaching reflects Islam’s profound respect for life, its recognition of divine providence, and its rejection of fear-based or convenience-based motives for ending a pregnancy. Allāh is the Provider of sustenance for both parent and child; hence, believers are called to trust His wisdom and mercy rather than succumb to despair.
[22]. We must avoid all forms of impurity — in thought, word, and deed — whether in private or in our interactions with others, both within and outside of marriage. Fornication, adultery, and homosexual acts are all considered major sins in Islam.
We should also avoid anything that leads to such immoral behavior: private or mixed gatherings of unrelated men and women in closed places, seductive gestures or glances, provocative entertainment such as music and dancing between the sexes, exposure to indecent images, and the consumption of alcohol — all of which weaken modesty and open the door to temptation.
In contrast to such corruption, this verse calls believers to chastity, purity, and self-restraint, both inside and outside marriage. In Islamic law, adultery committed by a married person is regarded as a most serious crime and, when proven by the strict evidentiary requirements of the Sharī‘ah, is punishable by stoning to death — a penalty meant to protect the sanctity of family and preserve the moral fabric of society.
[23]. In the execution of a legal sentence, or in a just war, or in individual legitimate self-defense.
[24]. To exact a just retribution or to take blood money or to forgive.
[25]. Muhammad, the messenger of God ﷺ said : "Part of someone's being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him."
[26]. Considering their preference for male over female children, the pagans’ claim that Allāh, the Almighty, has taken daughters while granting them sons is decisively refuted. How astonishing — that they attribute to Allāh, the Omnipotent Creator, what they themselves would never accept for their own households!
They allege that the angels are the daughters of God, when in truth such a claim is both irrational and blasphemous.
This verse exposes the inconsistency and arrogance of their belief: they deemed daughters an inferior blessing for themselves, yet ascribed them to the Lord of Majesty and Power.
It affirms that Allāh is far exalted above human attributes, gender, or lineage — for He is One, Eternal, and Independent of all.
[27]. The Qur’an, it means that their listening to the Qur’an is interceded with bad intention, to find fault, and is not purely meant to reach an understanding.
[28]. That is kindly, reasonably, truthfully, beautifully, usefully to enemy, friend and relative. Mistaken is the one who believes that words are spoken and simply fade away. For what truly revives the heart are:
beautiful conversations, gentle responses,
kind words, warm smiles, sincere affection,
and thoughtful surprises. Everyone carries their own burdens within, but the wise are those who bear them with patience and still reveal the beauty of their character in how they treat others. Let our motto be: Do good that embraces beautiful hearts, for our hearts truly deserve beauty.
This reminds us of the enduring power of words and kindness: kind words rejuvenate the soul, while hurtful ones weigh heavily upon it. Words never truly disappear — they leave lasting imprints on hearts.
True beauty lies in gentle speech, warm smiles, kindness, and patient grace, even amid life’s hidden struggles.
[29]. Be watchful, stand firm in the Islamic faith, obey and follow God's last messenger, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and be patient.
[30]. Such as Jesus Christ, the holy spirit, unseen spirit creatures, demons, saints, etc.
[31]. Such as Jesus Christ, the holy spirit, jinn, and saints.
[32]. By His knowledge, power, and He will protect you from their harm.
[33]. During your night journey to Jerusalem and your ascension to the heavens.
[34]. That is, from his palate—between his jaws, by the nose—a metaphor meaning “to lead astray,” “to subdue,” or “to overpower.”
In other words, “I will make them follow me submissively and blindly, under my full control and domination.”
The sense is: “I will surely take hold of his descendants, leading them astray just as a rider directs and controls his mount.”
Thus, the image portrays Satan bridling the children of Adam, steering them into sin—except for a small, faithful group who remain guided.
[35]. who may strive hard to stick to Your Way (Islam).
[36]. I.e., of inciting, illicit songs, music, and any other call to Allah’s disobedience.
[37]. This phrase reveals the many ways Satan becomes a “partner” with people in their wealth and offspring — not by direct ownership, but by influencing how they earn, spend, and raise them.
This “partnership” occurs when Satan tempts humans to misuse blessings that should be means of worship.
A. In their wealth: When they earn it through forbidden means, such as usury, theft, gambling, bribery, deceit, or dishonest trade. When they spend it wastefully or sinfully, such as on luxury, pride, intoxicants, or immoral entertainment. When they withhold charity and neglect the poor, forgetting that wealth is a trust from Allāh. When they hoard or boast of their possessions, making wealth a source of arrogance instead of gratitude.
B. In their children: When parents neglect their moral and spiritual upbringing, leaving them to grow up without faith or prayer.
When they expose them to corrupt influences, leading them toward disbelief, vice, or rebellion or fornication, adultery, or homosexuality, etc.. When people dedicate their children to un-Islamic causes or prioritize worldly success over righteousness. When they follow pagan or superstitious customs, such as invoking jinn or fortune-tellers for protection. Thus, Satan becomes a “partner” in one’s wealth when it is gained or spent contrary to divine guidance, and in one’s children when they are raised without remembrance of God.This partnership is not physical but moral and spiritual — a share in the misuse of what Allāh entrusted to humanity.
[38]. Guardian, Savior, and Protector.
The verse draws a clear line between those vulnerable to Satan’s influence and those protected by faith and sincerity. Satan’s power is not coercive, only suggestive. He can tempt and whisper, but cannot compel the true servants of Allāh who hold firmly to faith. This divine protection extends to those who are sincere in servitude, those purified in belief, remembrance, and reliance on Allāh.
“Your Lord is Enough as a Trustee”
The word Wakīl means One who manages, protects, and provides those who rely on Him. It conveys both trust and protection — i.e., Allāh is sufficient as a Guardian, Protector, and Disposer of affairs. This statement seals the dialogue between Allāh and Iblīs with assurance that no believer who places his trust in Allāh can ever be overcome by Satan.
[39]. And by air too, through the forms of transport We have enabled them to build and use by Our grace.
[40]. I.e., at noon, in the afternoon, at sunset, and at night.
[41]. By the angels of the night and the day. Allāh, our sovereign Lord, wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. He always listens to us when we pray. Daily prayers can bless you, your family, and those you pray for. It can also invite more peace into your life, help you learn more about Allah's plan for you, and more.
[42]. Because of their arrogance and persistence in sin.
[43]. This is where Allāh describes the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh. It continues the theme of arrogance and denial, connecting the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ experience with that of earlier messengers who were rejected despite clear proofs.These “nine signs" given to Moses are mentioned across the Qur’an and identified by scholars as: 1. The staff turning into a serpent. 2. The radiant hand. 3. The flood.
4. The locusts. 5. The lice. 6. The frogs.
7. The blood. 8. The drought and famine.
9. The shortage of fruits.
Each sign was a divine warning and proof, yet Pharaoh’s arrogance only deepened.
[44]. Allāh sent Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to straighten what had become crooked in belief, and to guide mankind to the right path — that they may bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh. Through him, Allāh opened blind eyes, deaf ears, and sealed hearts — bringing insight where there was ignorance, and faith where there was denial.
He sent him to mend the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom to those enslaved by falsehood, to lead people out of darkness into light, and to comfort those who mourn.
By the Qur’an and the Sunnah, Allāh heals hearts, revives souls, and restores humanity to truth, mercy, and peace.
Humanity had deviated into idolatry, superstition, and arrogance; Islam came to “set right” what was distorted in faith and morality. The Prophet’s message illuminated minds and awakened hearts that were previously closed to truth.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ freed people from oppression, ignorance, and the tyranny of desires, guiding them to the inner freedom of servitude to Allāh alone.
He comforted the sorrowful, supported the oppressed, and uplifted every broken heart through kindness and faith.
This portrays the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as: A reformer of faith — restoring pure monotheism. A spiritual physician — healing blindness of the heart.
A liberator — freeing people from bondage to sin and false gods.
A comforter — bringing mercy, hope, and inner peace.
A messenger of truth — revealing divine guidance in both Qur’an and Sunnah.
Through him, Allāh’s mercy touched every aspect of human life — belief, morality, emotion, and society — transforming the world from darkness into divine light.
[45]. The righteous among the People of the Scripture—Jews and Christians—are those who recognize the truth contained in the Qur’an.
Abraham fell upon his face before God (see Genesis 17:3, 17). Moses, too, often fell on his face in prayer. These are the very gestures of devotion that Muslims still perform today—bowing and prostrating before the Creator in humility.
Likewise, in Matthew 26:39, it is written that Jesus “fell on his face and prayed.” This is the same posture of worship that God has ordained for Muslims. Again, Matthew 26:44 describes Jesus praying face down on the ground in submission and reverence to Allāh. If human beings lower themselves before earthly kings, how much more fitting it is to bow and prostrate before the Lord who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, who knows all that people conceal or reveal. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh, the Lord of the Great Throne.
All the prophets were, in essence, Muslims—those who submitted their wills to God (Elah, Alaha, Allāh). Consider Abraham: what faith could he have followed before Judaism and Christianity came into being? His way was pure submission to his Lord.
The names Judaism and Christianity arose later as human designations. But the religion of submission itself—Islam—was named by the Lord of all worlds. True peace comes through surrendering one’s will to the Creator, and that is the meaning of Islam.
In Hebrew, the root Sh-L-M forms shālom (peace) and mushlam (whole or complete). In Arabic, the root S-L-M forms salām (peace) and muslim—one who attains peace by submitting to God. Thus, the message of all prophets is one and the same: submission to the One God, leading to peace, safety, and wholeness.
All prophets bowed and prostrated in humility before Allāh, showing the same essence of worship that Islam preserves.
The core message has always been monotheism —the oneness of God and surrender to His will.
The Hebrew and Arabic roots for peace and submission share the same spiritual meaning, expressing harmony between belief and obedience.
Islam is not a man-made label but a divinely appointed path of peace through submission to the Creator. And the Muslims are those who follow this path.
[46]. In Hebrew, Moses called upon God as Elah. Jesus and his mother Mary, speaking their native Aramaic tongue, called upon Him as Alaha.
Allāh, the Almighty, revealed His scriptures in three Semitic languages that we know of—and in all of them, the name of God is strikingly similar in sound and meaning.
The later terms Father and God are foreign to the original prophetic languages. Their origins are linguistic and cultural developments that came long after the time of revelation.
The word god can be applied to anything—an idol, a human, or even an abstract concept. But who can be called Allāh?
Nothing in existence—seen or unseen—can rightfully bear the Name Allāh, nor Alaha, nor Elah. These sacred names belong solely to the One and Only, the Eternal Creator. Many may be called “gods” or “goddesses,” but only One can be called Allāh.
Likewise, the name “Jehovah” is not the original name of the Almighty. It arose from a misunderstanding in later centuries when vowels were inserted into the Hebrew consonants YHWH (the Tetragrammaton). Ancient Hebrew was written without vowels, and the true pronunciation of YHWH was known only to the prophets and priests. “Jehovah” therefore is a later, inaccurate hybrid form, not the divine Name revealed to the prophets.
Across all authentic Semitic traditions, the revealed Name of the One True God has remained consistent in meaning and spirit—Elah, Alaha, Allāh—the Eternal, the Creator, the Lord of all worlds.
The Hebrew term אֵלָה (Elah) and the Aramaic ܐܠܗܐ (Alaha) share the same root as the Arabic الله (Allāh) — all derived from the ancient Semitic triliteral root ʾ-L-H, meaning “the Deity” or “the One to be worshipped.”
The name “Jehovah” did not exist in ancient times; it first appeared in medieval Europe when scholars combined the consonants YHWH with the vowels of Adonai (“Lord”).
This linguistic continuity across Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic reflects the oneness of divine revelation and the unity of all prophets who called to the worship of the same God — the One who has no partner, no rival, and no equal.