Regarding the Reference in Al-Israa 17: 4 - 8

In Friday prayer today, the speaker lectured on the Muslim attachment to Jerusalem and talked about Surat Al-Israa. He stated that the events stated at the beginning of this Surah, talking about the 2 events of mischief and power in reference to the children of Israel, did not refer to Roman or Persian attacking the Israelites, but rather Muslim events. He said the first event referred to Omar's opening of Jerusalem, and he said the second event has yet to take place, in which the Muslims would enter the "temple a second time" referring to Masjid Al-Aqsa. He offered proof of this saying that because the verse says "Ibbadun lana" or servants of ours, that these servants aren’t just any human beings, but righteous people because they are Servants associated with Allah (swt). Would you care to comment on the truth of these claims?

I understand that the more popular interpretation of these events is the Romans' destruction of the temple of Solomon (as) twice. Thank you for your time.

Magdi Salhab, USA

Reply

The most important factor that must be kept in mind while reading these verses (2 – 8) is that they are, in fact, a historical reference to refute the Israelite claim that because they have been the chosen people of God, therefore God does not punish them, as He would punish other peoples. This claim has been refuted by referring to:

1. The fact that had that been the case, God would not have punished you so severely for your transgressions. On the contrary, you were forewarned about the severe punishment (referred to in these verses) that would follow your transgressions; and
2. The two historical incidents, when a gentile nation swept the Israelites and almost annihilated them.

These two references provide the basis for the admonition that follows the references to the two destructions. After referring to the first incidence of destruction, the Qur’an says:

If you do good it shall be to your own advantage, but if you do evil, you shall sin against your own souls [and suffer for it]. (Al-Israa 17: 7)

After the reference to the second incidence of destruction, the Qur’an says:

If you return [to your transgressions], We too shall return [to punishing you]. (Al-Israa 17: 8)

If seen in the correct perspective, both these admonitions emphatically declare that the Israelites are subjected to God’s justice in the same way as any other nation and refute any preferential treatment, in their favor, on God’s part. The Israelites have been reminded of these facts on the basis of the two preceding references of their destruction.

It should be clear from the above explanation that in the particular context of the verses, the two references of destruction should relate to the history of the Israelites, not to their future. A reference to a hidden and yet unknown future can, obviously, not be made a basis for any rules or principles. It is because of this reason that the two references have generally been construed as pertaining to the history of the Israelites addressed in these verses, and not their future.

As far as the reference to those who attacked and subjugated the Israelites by the words ‘Our Servants’ is concerned, these words have been used in the Qur’an as well as the Bible[1] to signify the role of these people in carrying out his decree.

In view of the above explanation, I do not consider the interpretation of the referred verses, which you have mentioned in your letter, to be an accurate one.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Moiz Amjad

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