Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

Many are the ayahs that tackle the greatness of Qur'an in this surah. Allah (SWT) says
what can be translated as, “Say, “Indeed in case humankind and the jinn gathered
together to come up with the like of this Qur’an, they would not come up with its
like, even if they were backers of one another” (TMQ, 17:88).
Be proud of this challenge that will continue to exist until the Day of Judgment.
Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And indeed We have already
propounded for mankind in this Qur’an every type of similitude; yet most of
mankind have refused (all) except constant disbelief” (TMQ, 17:89).
All the requirements of human well-being are in Qur'an, yet the majority of people
choose to disbelieve.
The role of the Qur’an
Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And with the Truth We have sent it
down, and with the Truth it has come down; and in no way have We sent you
except (as) a constant bearer of good tidings and a constant warner. And (this is)
a Qur’an; We have distinctly separated (its verses) that you may read it to mankind
staidly, (Or: at intervals) and We have been sending it down successively
(i.e., by successive revelation on different occasions)”(TMQ, 17:105-106).
The Surah was entitled “Surat Al-Israel” so that every time we read it, we remember
the Prophet (SAWS) when he first received the divine message during his Al-Isra’ and
handed it to us afterwards.
Since we are responsible for the Qur'an, we should read it frequently, not only in
Ramadan but in all months. We should consider, spread, apply, and teach it to those
around us.
The lovers of Qur’an
The end of the surah is reminiscent of people who loved the Qur’an, and perceived the
objective of this surah in such a way that they reacted sincerely to the Book and got
overwhelmed by its words. In this regard, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated
as, “Say, “Believe in it or do not believe. Surely the ones who were brought the
knowledge even before it, when it is recited to them, collapse upon their faces
(Literally: up to the chins) constantly prostrating, and they say, All Extolment be
to our Lord! Decidedly the promise of our Lord has indeed been performed! And
they collapse upon their faces weeping, and it increases them in submissiveness.
(A prostration is to be performed here)” (TMQ, 17: 107-109).
It is a blessing from Allah (SWT) that we see a number of young people nowadays
reacting to the Qur’an the way those people used to do, especially in Ramadan. They
get so affected by it that they “collapse upon their faces (Literally: up to the chins)
constantly prostrating” (TMQ, 17:108). Whenever they listen to the ayahs of the
Qur'an, “increases them in submissiveness” (TMQ, 17:109), which is very
reassuring. When the youth reach such a level in dealing with Qur'an, this foretells a
promising future for this nation.