Understanding the Second Covenant and Its Relevance to Modern Muslims in Surah Al-Isra

Laila Nasheeba
Mar 22
4 min read

The Quran offers a clear guide for living a life that aligns with the natural disposition, or fitrah, upon which humans were created. In Surah Al-Isra, verses 18-24, Allah presents a second covenant that includes ten commandments. These commandments are not just historical or religious relics; they form a living program for grateful governance and ethical conduct. Today, many Muslims struggle to uphold these divine instructions, which affects both personal faith and community wellbeing. This post explores the meaning of the second covenant, its commandments, and why they remain essential for Muslims today.

Eye-level view of an ancient Quran manuscript open to Surah Al-Isra — Ancient Quran manuscript open to Surah Al-Isra, highlighting verses 18-24

The Second Covenant in Surah Al-Isra: An Overview

Surah Al-Isra addresses the Children of Israel and Muslims alike, reminding them of Allah’s guidance and the consequences of breaking His covenants. The second covenant, found in verses 18-24, outlines the ten commandments that emphasize belief in Allah, respect for parents, and ethical behavior.

These commandments serve as a framework for living in harmony with the fitrah, the innate nature that inclines humans toward goodness and submission to God. They are a blueprint for grateful governance, meaning a way of life that acknowledges Allah’s blessings and acts responsibly toward others.

The Ten Commandments in Verses 18-24

The verses cover several key principles:

Belief in Allah: The foundation of all commandments is faith in the One God. Without this belief, the rest of the guidance loses its meaning.
Honoring Parents: The Quran stresses kindness and respect toward parents, especially in their old age. This commandment is repeated multiple times in the Quran, highlighting its importance.
Avoiding Excessive Pride: Arrogance and pride are condemned, as they lead to injustice and harm.
Speaking Kindly: The Quran instructs believers to speak gently and respectfully, even when correcting others.
Avoiding Wastefulness: The command to avoid wastefulness applies to resources, time, and energy, promoting balance and sustainability.
Maintaining Justice: Justice is a core value that requires fairness in all dealings.
Avoiding Murder and Corruption: The sanctity of life and social harmony are protected by prohibiting murder and corruption on earth.
Being Patient and Forgiving: Patience in adversity and forgiveness toward others are encouraged as ways to maintain peace.

These commandments are interconnected and reflect a holistic approach to faith and ethics.

Why These Commandments Matter Today

Many Muslims today face challenges that make it difficult to fully live by these commandments. Social pressures, political instability, and cultural shifts can lead to neglecting these divine instructions. Yet, these commandments remain relevant because:

They reflect the natural human disposition toward goodness and respect.
They provide a clear moral compass in complex situations.
They promote social cohesion by encouraging respect, justice, and kindness.
They align with universal human values found in many cultures and religions.

For example, honoring parents is not only a religious duty but also a way to strengthen family bonds and social support systems. Speaking kindly and avoiding arrogance improve community relations and reduce conflicts.

Practical Ways to Uphold the Second Covenant

Living by these commandments requires conscious effort and reflection. Here are some practical steps:

Strengthen faith through regular prayer and Quran study to keep belief in Allah at the center.
Show daily respect to parents and elders, listen to their advice, and care for their needs.
Practice humility by acknowledging personal limitations and valuing others.
Use kind language, especially in disagreements, to maintain respect.
Avoid waste by managing resources wisely, such as reducing food waste and conserving energy.
Stand for justice in personal and community matters, speaking out against unfairness.
Reject violence and corruption by promoting peaceful solutions and honesty.
Cultivate patience and forgiveness through mindfulness and empathy exercises.

These actions help translate the Quran’s guidance into everyday life.

The Covenant as a Living Program for Grateful Governance

The second covenant is more than a list of rules; it is a program for governance rooted in gratitude to Allah. When Muslims uphold these commandments, they create communities based on trust, respect, and fairness. This governance style contrasts with systems driven by selfishness or power struggles.

By following the covenant, Muslims demonstrate Islam in practice, showing how faith shapes ethical leadership and social responsibility. This approach also nurtures the fitrah, helping individuals and societies thrive in harmony with divine guidance.

Challenges Muslims Face in Upholding the Covenant

Despite its clear guidance, many Muslims struggle to fully implement these commandments. Some challenges include:

Modern distractions that pull attention away from spiritual and ethical priorities.
Cultural influences that may conflict with Quranic values.
Political and economic pressures that encourage corruption or injustice.
Lack of knowledge or understanding of the deeper meanings of the commandments.

Addressing these challenges requires education, community support, and personal commitment.

The Role of Tafsir in Understanding the Covenant

Tafsir, or Quranic exegesis, helps Muslims understand the context and deeper meanings of verses. Dr. Karim Abuzaid’s Maqasidic Tafsir of Surah Al-Isra, as explained by Ustadah Laila Nasheeba, offers insights into how these commandments connect to the higher objectives of Shariah: preserving faith, life, intellect, lineage, and property.

This understanding encourages Muslims to see the commandments not as burdens but as keys to a balanced and fulfilling life.