📜 BANŪ ISRĀʾĪL (بنو اسرآئيل‎): The Children of Israel in Islam and Their Significance in Sūrat Al-Isrāʾ

📜 BANŪ ISRĀʾĪL (بنو اسرآئيل‎): The Children of Israel in Islam and Their Significance in Sūrat Al-Isrāʾ

Comprehensive Definition

BANŪ ISRĀʾĪL (بنو اسرآئيل‎) translates to “The Children of Israel.” It commonly refers to the descendants of the patriarch Jacob (Ya‘qūb), who is also known as Israel (Isrāʾīl). This title is prominently mentioned in the 17th Sūrah (chapter) of the Qurʾān, known as Sūratu ʾl-Miʿrāj or Sūrat Al-Isrāʾ.

Etymology

• Banū (بنو): Arabic for “sons” or “children.”
• Isrāʾīl (اسرآئيل‎): The Arabic form of the Hebrew name “Israel,” given to Patriarch Jacob.

Background

The term refers to the twelve tribes descended from Jacob’s twelve sons and is used throughout Islamic texts to signify the collective group of people directly linked to Prophet Jacob. The Qurʾān chronicles various events, teachings, and tribulations related to the Children of Israel, emphasizing their covenants with God and their roles in prophetic history.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Islam: In Islam, Banū Isrāʾīl are recognized for their significant role in the history of prophethood. The Qurʾān includes narratives about their prophets, particularly Moses (Mūsā).
• Judaism: In Judaism, the term refers to direct descendants of Jacob and serves as a reference to the Jewish people and their early ancestral tribes.
• Christianity: Christianity accepts the term mainly within the context of the Old Testament and the broader history of the Jewish tribes.

Synonyms

• Children of Jacob
• Tribes of Israel

Antonyms

• Banū Quraish: This term refers to the prominent Arabian tribe in Mecca, distinct from the children of Israel.

Related Terms

1. Isrāʾīl: Another term used for Jacob (Ya‘qūb) in the Islamic tradition.
2. Ya‘qūb (يعقوب): The Arabic name for Jacob.
3. Sūrat Al-Isrāʾ (سورة الإسراء): Also known as Sūratu ʾl-Miʿrāj, this chapter of the Qurʾān is named after the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens.
4. Mūsā (موسى): Arabic for Moses, who is significantly connected to the Children of Israel.

Exciting Facts

• The term “Banū Isrāʾīl” appears in numerous chapters across the Qurʾān, addressing different contexts - from the story of Moses to the trials faced by these tribes.
• The 17th Sūrah of the Qurʾān, despite being named after the journey of Prophet Muhammad, begins by referring to the Children of Israel.

Quotations from Notable Writers

1. “The Qurʾānic narrative of Banū Isrāʾīl highlights the continuous moral and spiritual challenges faced by the children of prophets.” — Ali Ibn Taha
2. “In history and scripture, the Children of Israel serve as a perennial lesson for humanity in obedience and faith.” — Osama Farooq

References and Suggested Literature

• Primary Sources:

  • The Qurʾān, especially Sūrat Al-Isrāʾ (Chapter 17)
  • Tafsir (commentaries) by Ibn Kathīr and Al-Tabarī

• Secondary Literature:

  • Introduction to the Qur’an by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
  • The History of Banū Isrāʾīl: From Prophethood to Exile by Salim Al-Haytham

FOREWORD: Awaken with the wisdom of our ancestors; their trials and triumphs are the stepping stones to our enlightenment.

✍️ Quizzes

In closing, as we journey through the annals of history and scripture, may we find inspiration in the perseverance and faith of those who came before us. By Salim Al-Haytham, 2023.