Surah Al-Isra 17:110
سُورَةُ الإِسۡرَاءِ · Meccan · Verse 110 of 111
قُلِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ أَوِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنَ ۖ أَيًّۭا مَّا تَدْعُوا۟ فَلَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَٱبْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًۭا
Translation
Say [to them], ‘Call on God, or on the Lord of Mercy- whatever names you call Him, the best names belong to Him.’ [Prophet], do not be too loud in your prayer, or too quiet, but seek a middle way
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This profound verse guides us on how to approach Allah through His names and how to conduct ourselves in prayer, particularly in challenging times. It addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and, through him, all believers, offering clarity and practical wisdom.
Oneness in Divine Names
The first part of the verse, `قُلِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ أَوِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنَ ۖ أَيًّۭا مَّا تَدْعُوا۟ فَلَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ` (Say, 'Call upon Allah or call upon Ar-Rahman. Whichever you call upon, to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names'), clarifies a misunderstanding prevalent among the polytheists in Makkah. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) would call upon Allah, sometimes using "Allah" and other times "Ar-Rahman," they mistakenly thought he was invoking two separate deities. The scholars, like al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur, explain that the word `ادْعُوا` (call upon) here means more than just a vocal call; it implies to "name" or "mention" Allah by these names in supplication.
The verse directly refutes the polytheists' confusion by stating `فَلَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ` (to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names). The pronoun `لَهُ` (to Him) is not referring to "Allah" or "Ar-Rahman" specifically, but to the one Divine Essence. As al-Razi explains, it signifies that whether you call upon Him as "Allah" or "Ar-Rahman" (or any other of His beautiful names), you are addressing the One God, the single Divine Being who possesses all perfect attributes. This specific wording beautifully reinforces the core Islamic concept of Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God.
The Wisdom of Moderation
The second part of the verse gives a practical instruction for prayer: `وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَٱبْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًۭا` (And do not recite your prayer too loudly or too softly, but seek a moderate way between them). `بِصَلَاتِكَ` (with your prayer) here refers specifically to the recitation within the prayer, not the entire act of worship, as loudness and softness pertain to sound, as explained by al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi.
The instruction warns against two extremes: `تَجْهَرْ` (to raise one's voice loudly) and `تُخَافِتْ` (to lower one's voice too much). During the early days in Makkah, if the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited loudly, the polytheists would mock or curse Allah and the Quran. Conversely, if he recited too softly (`تُخَافِتْ` also implies a level of extreme secrecy), his companions behind him would not hear and benefit.
Thus, the command `وَٱبْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًۭا` (and seek a way between that) highlights the importance of moderation. This middle path ensures that the message of the Quran could be conveyed to believers without unnecessarily provoking disbelievers. Al-Razi points out that this principle of seeking a balanced, middle way is a recurring theme in the Quran, a guidance for all aspects of a believer's life.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Qur'anic Worlds
This beautiful verse from Surah Al-Isra invites us to reflect deeply on Allah's magnificent names and the wisdom behind our acts of worship, especially during challenging times. It unfolds in two distinct yet interconnected parts, each responding to a specific situation during the early, difficult years of the Prophet Muhammad's mission in Mecca.
The Beautiful Names
The first part of the verse, "Say, 'Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever you call, to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names'" (قُلِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ أَوِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنَ ۖ أَيًّۭا مَّا تَدْعُوا۟ فَلَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ), addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and clarifies a misunderstanding among the idolaters (mushrikeen) of Mecca. According to scholars like al-Baghawi and al-Tabari, when the Prophet would supplicate, saying "Ya Allah, Ya Rahman" (Oh Allah, Oh Most Merciful), some of the Quraysh, including Abu Jahl, mocked him. They claimed he was calling two gods, contradicting his call to monotheism. Allah’s response through this verse firmly establishes that "Allah" and "Ar-Rahman" are not separate deities, but two of the many "Asma al-Husna" (Most Beautiful Names) belonging to the One, unique Creator. This part of the verse was revealed to correct their erroneous understanding, emphasizing the absolute oneness of God despite His numerous perfect attributes.
Wisdom in Worship
The second part of the verse provides practical guidance for prayer: "And do not say your prayer too loudly, nor too softly, but seek a middle way between them" (وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَٱبْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًۭا). This instruction also dates back to the Prophet's time in Mecca, a period marked by intense persecution of the early Muslims. As Ibn Abbas explains (reported by al-Baghawi, al-Tabari, and Ibn Kathir), when the Prophet would pray with his companions and recite the Quran aloud, the surrounding idolaters would hear him. Their hostility would lead them to insult the Quran, its revealer, and the Prophet himself. Conversely, if he recited too softly, his companions, who were often meeting in secret, would not be able to hear and learn the verses.
Therefore, Allah commanded the Prophet to strike a balance, a middle path. This was a strategic and compassionate instruction for the vulnerable early Muslim community. It allowed the companions to learn the Quran without unnecessarily provoking the disbelievers and risking further harm. It teaches us the importance of wisdom and discernment in our worship, especially when navigating challenging external circumstances. This principle of moderation, known as 'wastiyyah' in Islamic thought, is a hallmark of our faith, seen even in the Prophet's advice to Abu Bakr to raise his voice slightly and Umar to lower his slightly during individual night prayers, as narrated in al-Baghawi. It reminds us that faith is not just about devotion, but also about intelligent application within the realities of life.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), al-Tabari (Jami al-Bayan), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Kathir, Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi)
Worldly Mirror
This verse, revealed during a challenging time in Mecca, addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and offers profound lessons on understanding Allah and practicing faith with wisdom. It speaks directly to issues of identity, public practice, and social interaction within a hostile environment.
Understanding Allah's Names
The first part of the verse, "Say, 'Call upon Allah or call upon Ar-Rahman; whichever you call, to Him belong the best names (Al-Asma al-Husna),'" responds to the polytheists of Mecca. As Ibn al-Jawzi and Wahba al-Zuhayli explain, they were puzzled, and some even ridiculed, the Prophet for using both "Allah" and "Ar-Rahman" in his prayers, accusing him of worshipping two gods or associating "Ar-Rahman" with a rival figure.
This passage clarifies a fundamental truth: whether you call upon 'Allah' or 'Ar-Rahman' (the Most Merciful), you are calling upon one and the same God. All of His beautiful names, Al-Asma al-Husna, describe aspects of His singular, perfect Being. For us, this is an inner reflection: Are we truly grasping the unity of God, or do we get caught up in outward labels and superficial distinctions, much like the polytheists? As Israr Ahmad notes, "Every good, every beauty, every perfection, every grace, every excellence whose existence you can conceive, all of it exists in its complete and perfect form in the Being of Allah." It invites us to expand our understanding of God's vastness, recognizing that every beautiful name points to His incomparable reality.
The Wisdom of Moderation in Prayer
The second part of the verse instructs, "And do not recite your prayer aloud or too quietly but seek a way between that." This guidance was highly practical for the early Muslim community in Mecca. Wahba al-Zuhayli and Ibn al-Jawzi explain that the Prophet was told not to recite the Quran in prayer so loudly that the polytheists would hear and mock or curse it and its message. Yet, he was also told not to recite it so quietly that his companions, who needed to learn and be spiritually nourished, could not hear him.
This teaching on moderation (wasatiyyah) in prayer volume reflects deeply on our relational and worldly conduct. It highlights the wisdom in balancing personal devotion with awareness of one's surroundings. Sayyid Qutb points out that this moderation was not only a response to external threats but also more appropriate in the presence of Allah. Tazkirul Quran adds that people who haven't grasped truth deeply often get stuck on the outer forms of worship, like volume, instead of the "spirit of worship." The lesson for us is to cultivate inner balance, expressing our faith authentically while exercising consideration and wisdom in our public actions, especially in diverse or sensitive social environments. It teaches us to find the "middle way," avoiding extremes, so that our faith can be preserved, understood, and shared effectively.
Sources: al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), Tazkirul Quran
Connections
This powerful verse from Surah Al-Isra, often called "The Night Journey," offers vital guidance on how we approach Allah, both in our hearts and in our worship. It connects profound theological truths with practical instructions, reflecting challenges faced by the early Muslim community in Mecca.
Calling Upon Allah
The first part of the verse, "Say, 'Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever you call upon, to Him belong the best names,'" addresses a misunderstanding prevalent among the Meccan polytheists. As al-Wasit and al-Sabuni explain, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would pray, calling out "Ya Allah, Ya Rahman," some polytheists misinterpreted this, thinking he was invoking two different deities, even while preaching the oneness of God.
Allah's command through this verse clarifies that "Allah" (the comprehensive Name for God) and "Ar-Rahman" (The Most Merciful) are not separate gods, but rather two of the many beautiful names belonging to the One and Only Creator. As al-Shinqiti highlights, the Quran frequently emphasizes this truth, such as in Surah Al-A'raf (7:180): "And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them." The use of "Ar-Rahman" here is particularly poignant. Al-Shinqiti notes that disbelievers often questioned this name, asking "And what is the Most Merciful?" (Al-Furqan 25:60). Yet, as the beginning of Surah Ar-Rahman (55:1-4) reveals, it is "Ar-Rahman" who "taught the Quran, created man, taught him clear expression," showcasing His immense, all-encompassing mercy in creation. Imam al-Biqa'i further connects this to Surah Al-Isra itself, where the concept of Allah's mercy is mentioned eight times, establishing "Ar-Rahman" as a fitting name that highlights His pervasive kindness.
The Manner of Prayer
The second part of the verse instructs, "And do not recite [the Quran] too loudly in your prayer or too quietly, but seek a way between that." This guidance also emerged from specific circumstances in Mecca. Al-Wasit, al-Biqa'i, and al-Sabuni all narrate that the Prophet (PBUH) used to raise his voice when reciting the Quran in prayer. The polytheists, upon hearing this, would insult the Quran, the Prophet, and Allah. To prevent this, Allah commanded moderation.
Al-Biqa'i observes that this instruction connects to previous verses in the surah that discuss prayer and prostration, refining the way believers engage in these acts. While loud recitation might have seemed appropriate for making the Quran heard (as in 17:78 "the Quran of dawn is ever witnessed"), this verse introduces a necessary balance. The moderation served a dual purpose: it prevented provocation of the hostile disbelievers, and it ensured that the companions could still hear and learn from the Prophet's recitation without being overwhelmed or missing it entirely. This reflects a broader Quranic principle of balance and wisdom in action, adapting one's practice to the context without compromising the essence of worship.
Through these interconnected lessons, the verse elegantly weaves together the absolute truth of Allah's Oneness, revealed through His beautiful names, with practical wisdom for sincere devotion, even in challenging environments.
Sources: al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Shinqiti (Adwa al-Bayan), al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Wisdom
This verse opens with a profound statement about the Divine, instructing Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to say, "Call upon Allah or call upon Ar-Rahman; whichever you call upon, to Him belong the most beautiful names." This came as a direct response to the Meccan polytheists who, upon hearing the Prophet use both "Allah" and "Ar-Rahman" in his prayers, misunderstood him, thinking he was invoking two different gods. As scholars like al-Qurtubi and al-Zuhayli explain, they struggled with the name "Ar-Rahman," which was less familiar to them.
The Unity Behind Many Names
The core wisdom here is a powerful articulation of Allah's Oneness. It teaches us that while the Divine has countless perfect attributes, each reflected in His beautiful names (al-Asma al-Husna), they all point to one single, unique God. Whether we invoke Him as "Allah," the comprehensive name for the Creator, or "Ar-Rahman," the Most Merciful, we are addressing the same Lord. This verse expands our perspective beyond mere semantics, encouraging us to recognize the boundless majesty and diverse perfection encapsulated in His attributes. In our own lives, this principle reminds us that our understanding of God can deepen by reflecting on His various names and attributes, knowing that each one reveals another facet of His singular, divine reality. It encourages us to use the richness of these names in our supplications, connecting with Him through the attributes most relevant to our needs and hopes.
The Wisdom of Moderation
The second part of the verse then shifts to a practical directive: "And do not recite your prayer too loudly or too softly, but seek a moderate way between them." This instruction was initially given when the Prophet was conducting his prayers secretly in Mecca. If he recited too loudly, the polytheists would hear, mock, and potentially harm him or his companions, as Ibn Abbas narrated. If he recited too softly, his companions would not be able to hear and benefit from the recitation of the Quran, which was crucial for their learning and spiritual nourishment.
This part of the verse imparts a timeless lesson in moderation, or *wasatiyyah*, applicable to all aspects of a believer's life. It teaches us to find the optimal balance in our actions, especially in our religious practices. It is not just about the literal volume of one's voice in prayer, but about the broader principle of wisdom in conduct. We are encouraged to be mindful of our circumstances, avoiding extremes that might lead to negative consequences or prevent the intended good. Just as the Prophet advised Abu Bakr to raise his voice slightly and Umar to lower his slightly during Tahajjud prayer, as mentioned by Mufti Shafi, this guidance encourages a thoughtful, balanced approach that considers both personal devotion and the surrounding environment. This means striving for a middle path in our public display of faith, our interactions, and indeed, in all our affairs, so that our actions are both effective and conducive to harmony.
Sources: al-Qurtubi (al-Jami li-Ahkam), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Isra 17:110 is discussed in 7 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Isra 17:110 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.