Surah Al-Isra — Verse 4

Word Meanings:

• Qadaynā (وَقَضَيْنَا): We decreed, ordained, or made known with certainty.
• Ilā Banī Isrā'īl (إِلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ): To the Children of Israel (the descendants of Prophet Ya'qub, peace be upon him).
• Fī al-Kitāb (فِي الْكِتَابِ): In the Book — meaning the Torah that was revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him.
• La-tufsidunna (لَتُفْسِدُنَّ): You will surely cause corruption — the "lam" here is a particle of oath, emphasizing certainty.
• Marratayn (مَرَّتَيْنِ): Twice — two distinct occasions.
• Wa-la-ta'lunna (وَلَتَعْلُنَّ): And you will surely become arrogant/transcend — from *'uluw*, meaning elevation with pride and oppression.
• 'Ulūwwan kabīran (عُلُوًّا كَبِيرًا): A great and mighty arrogance — exceeding all bounds in pride, tyranny, and rebellion against Allah.

Tafsir (Explanation):

In this profound verse, Allah — the Most High — informs us of a decree He made known to the Children of Israel in the Torah, long before it came to pass. He declared with absolute certainty, as an oath, that they would commit corruption on earth twice — specifically in the sacred land of Sham (Greater Syria) and around the Holy House of Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis). This corruption would manifest through disobedience, transgression, the killing of prophets, and spreading injustice and oppression.

The verse also foretells that they would rise in great arrogance — a haughty, overbearing pride that would lead them to rebel against Allah's commands, look down upon people, and exceed all limits in their tyranny and self-exaltation. This was not a mere prediction; it was a divine decree recorded in their own scripture, serving as both a warning and a testament to the truth of Allah's knowledge.

This decree was fulfilled historically when the Children of Israel turned away from Allah's guidance, broke their covenants, and spread mischief — and Allah, in His perfect justice, allowed their enemies to overpower them as a consequence. Yet, even in this, there is a profound lesson for all of humanity.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, ponder deeply on this verse. Allah's knowledge encompasses all that was, is, and will be — nothing escapes His decree. The Children of Israel were given the Book, the prophets, and countless blessings, yet when they chose corruption and arrogance over humility and obedience, they faced the consequences in this world before the Hereafter.

This is a timeless reminder for every soul: Pride and corruption are never without cost. Allah does not need our obedience, but we desperately need His mercy. When we humble ourselves before our Creator, honor His commands, and strive to be agents of peace and righteousness on earth, we align ourselves with His divine will — and there is no greater success than that.

The Quran calls you today, not to a path of arrogance, but to a path of light. Islam invites you to submit your heart to the One who created you, to be among those who establish justice, spread mercy, and seek forgiveness. Will you not answer that call? The door of repentance is open, and Allah's mercy embraces all who turn back to Him — regardless of their past. Seize this moment, for it may be the very turning point of your eternal journey.