2 Stern Warnings-ALLAH’s Threat to Polytheists & their Award

1.1 The Context of Surah Al-Isra

Surah Al-Isra, also known as Surah Bani Isra’il, is the 17th chapter of the Qur’an. It was revealed in Makkah during a period when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was facing severe opposition from the Quraysh tribe and other polytheists. This Surah addresses several key issues, including the importance of monotheism, the consequences of disbelief, and the eventual triumph of truth.

• Qur’anic Reference:
  • Surah Al-Isra, Ayat 58-60: “There is no city but that We will destroy it before the Day of Resurrection or punish it with a severe punishment. That has ever been in the Register inscribed. And nothing has prevented Us from sending signs except that the former peoples denied them. And We gave Thamud the she-camel as a visible sign, but they wronged her. And We send not the signs except as a warning. And [mention, O Muhammad], when We told you, ‘Indeed, your Lord has encompassed the people.’ And We did not make the sight which We showed you except as a trial for the people, as was the accursed tree [mentioned] in the Qur’an. And We threaten them, but it increases them not except in great transgression.”

These verses highlight the certainty of Allah’s punishment for those who persist in disbelief and polytheism. They also serve as a reminder that Allah’s signs are sent as warnings to guide people back to the right path.

1.2 The Consequence of Polytheism (Shirk) in Islam

Polytheism, or Shirk, is the act of associating partners with Allah in worship, and it is regarded as the greatest sin in Islam. The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes that those who commit Shirk will face severe punishment unless they repent.

• Qur’anic Reference:
  • Surah An-Nisa, Ayat 48: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.”

This verse makes it clear that Shirk is an unforgivable sin if one dies without repenting, underscoring the seriousness of associating partners with Allah.

• Hadith Reference:
  • Sahih Bukhari: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever dies while still invoking anything other than Allah as a rival to Him will enter Hellfire.”
    This Hadith further emphasizes the severe consequence of dying in a state of polytheism, where the punishment is eternal damnation.

1.3 The Destruction of Previous Nations as a Warning

Allah reminds the polytheists of the destruction of previous nations that persisted in their disbelief and rejected the signs sent to them. The story of the people of Thamud, who were destroyed after rejecting the she-camel as a sign from Allah, is a powerful example.

• Qur’anic Reference:
  • Surah Al-A’raf, Ayat 73-78: “And to the Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, ‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allah [sent] to you as a sign. So leave her to eat within Allah’s land and do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment.’ But they hamstrung her, so he said, ‘Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied.’ So when Our command came, We saved Salih and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us, and [We saved them] from the disgrace of that day. Indeed, it is your Lord who is the Powerful, the Exalted in Might. And the shriek seized those who had wronged, and they became within their homes [corpses] fallen prone.”

This passage serves as a stern reminder that Allah’s warnings are not to be taken lightly. The destruction of the people of Thamud is a historical lesson for all who reject the signs of Allah.

• Hadith Reference:
  • Sahih Muslim: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “When Allah decrees a matter in the heavens, the angels beat their wings in submission to His decree, [with a sound] like the dragging of a chain on a rock. When the terror leaves their hearts, they say: ‘What has your Lord said?’ They say: ‘The truth. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.’ So those who are near [the Throne] hear it first, then those who are below them, until they hear it on the earth. And the jinn snatch it and try to cast it to their friends, but they are struck down by meteors.”
    This Hadith underscores the power and authority of Allah, which extends beyond the earthly realm to the heavens, leaving no room for disbelief or rejection of His signs.