Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey ) 17 : 8

Explanatory Note

The warning was fulfilled. God sent enemies against the Jews who overpowered them, destroyed their kingdom and left them in their great diaspora. The Qur’ān does not specify the nationality of those God sent against the Jews, because such information adds nothing to the lesson to be drawn, or to the effect of the law God has made applicable to all communities.

The sūrah comments on this true warning and prophesy by saying that this destruction may be a way leading to God’s mercy if the right lesson is drawn and acted upon:

“It may be that your Lord will have mercy on you.” (Verse 8)

But if the Jews revert to spreading corruption on earth, then the law will inevitably operate and the punishment will again be inflicted:

“But if you revert [to your old ways], We shall revert [to punishing you].” (Verse 8)

They certainly did revert to their corrupt ways and God sent the Muslims against them who drove them out of Arabia. They did this again with the same results, until He caused them to be humiliated during the twentieth century. We see now how they have again reverted to tyranny and corruption in the state of Israel which uses very cruel tactics against the Arabs, the owners of the land. God is certain to send His servants against them who will make them suffer much for their corruption in fulfilment of His firm warning and in accordance with His law which never fails. We need only wait and see this take place.

The sūrah concludes this episode by defining the destiny the unbelievers will suffer in the hereafter. It is the same destiny as will be suffered by those who spread corruption:

“Indeed We have made hell a place of confinement for the unbelievers.” (Verse 8)

They will be surrounded, unable to escape. Furthermore, it is large enough to contain them all.