Surah Al-Isra' , 17...The Straying Servants..

VERSE 83 OF AL-BAQARAH cites God's advice to the Israleites to: "Be courteous to others, " emphasizing the point that politeness and civility are nccessary features of the believers. Echoing this counsel verse 53 of this surah also directs Muslims, through Prophet Muhammad, to be courteous and pleasant to one another: "Tell My servants to be courteous in their speech, for Satan sows discord among them. satan is the sworn enemy of man "(53). This is followed by an assumption that Islam, and the Muslims, shall eventually triumph. "Your Lord is best aware of all who dwell in the heavens and on the earth. We have exalted some prophets above others, and to David We gave the Psalms" (55)

Elsewhere in the Qur'an, the Psalms of David are said to include this promise: "We ordained in the Psalms, as in the Book previously, that My righteous servants shall inherit the land of paradise" (al-Anbiya: 105). Taken together, these statements affirm the continuity of God's message throughout history. This continuity is based on the concept of tawhid, the distinguishing and most fundamental principle that binds the community of believers together and link them firmly to God,

Say, "Pray to whomever you wish besides God. They cannot relieve your suffering, nor end it." Those to whom they pray themselves seek God's grace, vying to be close to Him, pleading for His mercy, and fearing His punishment. Your Lord's punishment is ever fearful. (56-57)

Following these verses the surah moves on to give a most profound statement concerning Adam and his offspring. "We have placed Adam's offspring in  high regard, facilitated their travel on land and by sea, provided them with good things, and exalted them significantly above many of Our creatures....."(70). But Adam himself proved lacking in will-power, whilst some of his offspring showed and have continued to show a remarkable lack of gratitude for the generosity extended to them. The Qur'an relates some astonishing instances of human disrespect of, and indifference towards, God and His kindness to humankind. Humankind have been especially favored with intellectual powers which enable them to discern, rationalize, and judge values, objects, ideas, behavior, and principles. However, once they begin to disregard or defy the logical foundations of the world in which they live, their rationalization and, subsequently, communication with it break down.

Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
" A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "



Reflection and commentary by Dr Yusuf Kavakci,
part 6 
[ ayat 76 - ayat 96 ]