Al-Isra (Bani Israel) The very first verse reveals that this Surah was revealed on the occasion of Mi raj. This event took place one year before Hijrah so that would be the final months of the Makkan period. While the people of Makkah remained obstinate, Islam had spread outside of the city. Many of the clans had heard of Islam and some had even converted such as the Aws and Khazraj clans in Medina. It was time to go to Medina and when the Prophet (PBUH) returned from the Mi raj, he brought down the Message in this Surah. The disbelievers are warned that if they do not accept the invitation, they will be replaced by other people. The example of the Israelites and other communities, who came to miserable ends, is given. Also the Israelites, with whom Muslims were going to come in contact with in Medina are also told that they will be given a last opportunity by Rasullullah (PBUH) to change their ways.
The fundamental principles of morality and civilization on which the Islamic System of life is to be based, have been put forward. This was a sort of the Manifesto of the Islamic State which was proclaimed a year before the state was actually formed. The Muslims who sometimes showed impatience in the face of persecution and crooked arguments are told to face adverse circumstances with patience and fortitude and to keep full control over their feelings and passions. One of the biggest points of this surah is the prescribing of five salats per day (story of Miraj) as a tool to reform and purify the soul, as if to say, This is the thing that will produce in you those high qualities of character which are essential for everyone who intends to struggle in the righteous way.
Al-Kahf The first surah sent down during the third stage of Prophethood at Makkah. During this stage, besides persecution, the Quraish began using weapons of persecution, man handling, and economic pressure as well. At the end of this period marking the beginning of the fourth period, were the deaths of Khadija (R) and Abu Talib. This surah was sent down to answer three questions put forward by the Mushriks that related to Christianity and Judaism in order to test the Prophet (PBUH): 1) Who were the Sleepers of the Cave 2) What is the real story of Khidr? 3) What do you know about Zul-Qarnain? Allah not only answered these questions, but he also used his answers as examples against the actions of the disbelievers.
The Sleepers of the Cave were believers who escaped from oppression by staying in a cave where they fell asleep for 309 years. This was known to the Jewish people of the time. The number of the sleepers is the Cave was not known. It was thought to be either 3, 5, or 7 with or without a dog. Allah not only revealed all the possibilities, but he also states that only he knows. It is interesting to note that if the Allah (SWT) had actually given a number that it would have proved nothing to the disbelievers as they would have chosen a different number and told Rasullullah (PBUH) he was wrong. Instead Allah (SWT) gave all the possibilities and said that only he knows the real one. This example also shows that it is better to leave a place of persecution that to bow down before falsehood.
The story of Khidr and Musa (PBUH). This is the story of Al-Khidr who Musa (PBUH) joined to gain knowledge. Al-Khidr has only one condition, that Musa (PBUH) not ask him any questions about his actions. He makes a hole in a boat, kills a child, and rebuilds a wall in a town where they are denied hospitality. Musa (PBUH) cannot help himself and asks the question Why? at each incident. After stating that Musa (PBUH) cannot travel with him anymore as he had broken the deal, Al-Khidr explains why each of the acts was to help someone. The lesson being that some truths are unseen and there is a Divine plan to everything. You should have full faith that what is happening is the will and wisdom of Allah (SWT). The story of Zul-Qarnain is also used to teach a lesson to the questioners as if to say, O vain chiefs of Makkah, you should learn a lesson from Zul- Qarnain. Though he was a great ruler/conquerer, he always surrendered to the Creator, whereas you are rebelling against the Creator even though you are insignificant Chieftans in comparison with him. Again, Allah (SWT) answered the questions of the disbelievers and turned the tables on them.