Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey)

Al-Isra means "The Night Journey," referring to the miraculous nocturnal journey of the Prophet Muhammad from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the farthest mosque (al-Masjid al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem, alluded to in its opening verse.

Surah Al-Isra is the 17th chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 111 ayahs. It is also traditionally known as Bani Isra'il ("The Children of Israel") because of its extended reference to that people. The surah opens with the Isra, the Prophet's night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, then moves through a wide sweep of themes: the oneness of God, the accountability of every soul for its own deeds, and the honoring of the human being. It presents a well-known cluster of ethical directives on parents, kinship, the poor and wayfarer, moderation in spending, avoiding harm and arrogance, and the sanctity of life and property. It also affirms revelation and prophethood, responds to the objections of those who denied the message, and speaks of the Quran's own inimitable character. The chapter weaves together the histories of earlier communities as lessons, warnings of the Hereafter, and reminders of God's signs, closing on the majesty and mercy of the Creator.

Surah number: 17
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 111
Arabic: الإسراء

Read Surah Al-Isra online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

The night journey (Isra) as a sign of God's power
Divine oneness (tawhid) and rejection of associating partners with God
Personal moral accountability and the record of deeds
The dignity and honoring of humankind
A code of ethical conduct: parents, kin, the needy, and moderation
Revelation, prophethood, and the character of the Quran

Why this surah matters

Al-Isra opens the group of chapters sometimes called the "Bani Isra'il" or "al-Musabbihat"-adjacent Meccan surahs and is widely valued for its concentrated ethical guidance, especially the set of directives many describe as a moral charter for individual and social life. Traditionally it is associated with the Isra and Mi'raj, events many Muslims commemorate as a milestone in the Prophet's mission and the historical grounding for the daily prayers. Because of this, the surah holds a cherished place in devotional reading and reflection, and many Muslims regularly recite it, though such practices are honored as tradition rather than obligation.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Surah Al-Isra have two names?

It is most commonly called Al-Isra after the night journey mentioned in its first verse, and also Bani Isra'il ("The Children of Israel") because of its lengthy passages addressing that community and its history.

Is Al-Isra Meccan or Medinan?

It is traditionally classified as a Meccan surah, revealed before the migration to Medina, consistent with its focus on faith, tawhid, prophethood, and the Hereafter.

What is the surah best known for?

It is best known for opening with the Prophet's night journey (Isra) from Mecca to Jerusalem, and for its concentrated set of ethical and moral guidelines on family, society, and personal conduct.

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