Al-Isra

The Night Journey (Arabic: الإسراء‎, al-isrāʼ) is the 17th chapter of the Quran, with 111 verses. It is about Isra and the Children of Israel. This sura is part of a series Al-Musabbihat surahs because it begins with the glorification of Allah. Regarding the timing and contextual background of the supposed revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), it is an earlier "Meccan surah", which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca, instead of later in Medina. Q17:1 The transportation of Muhammad to "the farthest Mosque". Main article: Isra and Mi'raj Al-Isra, Ayahs of 78 and 79 on top of Nimavard madrasa's entrance tilling, Isfahan, Iran. This surah takes its name from the first verse, which tells the event of the Isra, the transportation of Muhammad during the night from the Great Mosque of Mecca to what is referred to as "the farthest Mosque". The exact location is not specified, although in Islamic tradition[1] this is commonly taken to be the Noble Sanctuary (Temple Mount) in Jerusalem. Some scholars disagree about this (see Isra and Mi'raj). While the city of Jerusalem (or al Quds) is not mentioned by name anywhere in the Qur'an, it is identified in various Hadith.[citation needed] The first verse refers to Mohammed being taken from the 'Sacred Mosque' to the 'Farthest Mosque': Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We (God) did bless,- so that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things). Q17:8 Hell Verse 17:8 refers to hell and states that those who reject the faith will be punished: It may be that your Lord may (yet) show Mercy unto you; but if ye revert (to your sins), We shall revert (to Our punishments): And we have made Hell a prison for those who reject (all Faith). However, it also states that Allah is merciful and could forgive. It also refers to the hereafter and states that there is a punishment for not believing in it (Verse 7:10): And to those who believe not in the Hereafter, (it announceth) that We have prepared for them a Penalty Grievous (indeed).