The Quran is a source of guidance for all individuals. It contains various injunctions for people to follow in order to attain salvation in this life and the hereafter.

In Surah Al-Isra (also known as Surah Bani Israeel), the 17th chapter of the Quran, Allah prescribes 12 commandments upon the believers which are essential to following Islam in its true spirit. These commandments, occurring between verses 22 and 37, are as follows.

1. Associate none with Allah

“Do not make (as equal) with Allah another deity and (thereby) become censured and forsaken. And your Lord has decreed that you worship not except Him…” (Al-Isra 17:22-23)

Explanation: Worship Allah alone. Do not consider anyone as equal to Him. He alone should be invoked for help, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness, as only He is capable of responding to you and fulfilling your needs. 

2. Be kind to parents

“…And to parents, (extend) good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age (while) with you, say not to them (so much as), ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up (when I was) small.’ (Al-Isra 17:23-24)

Explanation: Your parents support you in numerous ways, and sacrifice much for your sake, during your childhood and youth. Hence, reciprocate their kindness, particularly when they reach an advanced age, by being gentle to them, taking care of their needs, and praying for their salvation. 

3. Fulfill everyone’s rights

“And give the relative his right, and (also) the poor and the traveler…” (Al-Isra 17:26)

Explanation: Fulfill others’ rights, and take care not to wrong anyone through your actions or speech. Maintain good ties with your relatives, be hospitable towards travelers, and spend from your wealth to support those in need.   

4. Speak gently to people

“And if you (must) turn away from them (i.e., the needy) awaiting mercy from your Lord which you expect, then speak to them a gentle word.” (Al-Isra 17:28)

Explanation: Adopt gentleness and restraint in your speech. In particular, if someone seeks a favor which you cannot grant, excuse yourself with humility instead of adopting a harsh demeanor or criticizing them. 

5. Avoid being wasteful or miserly

“…And do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.” (Al-Isra 17:26-27)

“And do not make your hand (as) chained to your neck or extend it completely and (thereby) become blamed and insolvent. (Al-Isra 17:29)

Explanation: Closely monitor your spending and saving behavior to maintain a fine balance between the two. Be neither extravagant nor miserly when spending on yourself or others. Spend generously to help those in need, but make sure you leave enough for yourself and your family.   

6. Stay away from adultery

“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” (Al-Isra 17:32)

Explanation: Engage in sexual relations only with your spouse. Avoid doing anything that could lead you to committing adultery or fornication. This is because Allah has ordained marriage as the only lawful institution for sexual intimacy.

7. Do not kill anyone

“And do not kill the soul (i.e. person) which Allah has forbidden, except by right…” (Al-Isra 17:33)

“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin.” (Al-Isra 17:31)

Explanation: Killing another person, unless executing a legal punishment, is the worst act that you can commit against a fellow human. Avoid taking another’s life at all costs since killing an innocent person is like massacring the entire humanity. Avoid killing or harming your children due to poverty or just because you do not “want” them.

8. Safeguard the orphans’ property

“And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity…” (Al-Isra 17:34)

Explanation: If you are entrusted with the property of an orphan, guard it sincerely. You may invest it wisely and without taking unnecessary risk to offset the effects of inflation, but never misappropriate any part of it. Make sure to return it to its owner when he or she reaches the age of maturity.  

9. Fulfill your commitments

“…And fulfill (every) commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever (that about which one will be) questioned. (Al-Isra 17:34)

Explanation: Whatever commitments you make, respect them and stand by them. Fulfill your promises and oaths by considering your word as your honor. Never take any of your commitments for granted. 

10. Be honest in business dealings

“And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even (i.e., honest) balance. That is the best (way) and best in result. (Al-Isra 17:35)

Explanation: Never defraud or wrong anyone that you transact with. Remain honest and professional in all your business dealings. Making gains through corruption may provide temporary benefits in this life, but will be severely punished in the hereafter.

11. Rely on knowledge rather than guesswork

“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those (one) will be questioned.” (Al-Isra 17:36)

Explanation: Do not presume something merely on the basis of suspicion. If you hear news about someone, do not pass it on without verifying it first. Rely on your intellectual abilities rather than on gossip, unverified information, and superstition.

12. Avoid arrogance and boastfulness

“And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth (apart), and you will never reach the mountains in height. (Al-Isra 17:37)

Explanation: Remain humble and modest in your demeanor. Never look down upon anyone or consider yourself as superior to others. Do not show off or become boastful. Adopt humility by recognizing yourself as a servant of Allah and reminding yourself about the transitory nature of this life.

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