Surah Al-Isrāʾ 17:23–39 and the Ten Commandments

We have recently published the explanation and interpretation a passage covering verses 23-39 of Surah al-Isrāʾ 17:23–39. This passage is considered as one of the Qur’an’s most comprehensive passages on personal morality, family responsibility, social justice, economic ethics and intellectual integrity. It begins with Tawḥīd and ends by returning to Tawḥīd, showing that Islamic morality is not detached from faith: our treatment of parents, money, sexuality, human life, contracts, knowledge and even our manner of walking ultimately flows from accountability before Allah.

Many scholars find a a striking thematic resemblance of the passage of Surah al-Isrāʾ 17:23–39 to the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament. The Qur’anic passage is not simply a repetition of the Decalogue, but it develops many of the same foundational principles into a broader ethical code. Today through this post, we will share the scholarly explanation of the correlation they find with the famous Ten Commandments of the Old Testament, especially Exodus 20:1–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21

THE QUR'ANIC CORRELATION

The following explanation should be read with our earlier post: "Al Qur'an spells out a comprehensive charter of personal morality, family responsibility, justice, economic ethics and intellectual integrity" for better understanding and correlation.

1.    Quranic Verse 23

• Qur’an: “Do not worship except Him.”
• Ten Commandments: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3
• Relationship: Both begin morality with exclusive devotion to the One God.

2.    Quranic Verse 24

• Qur’an: Be excellent to parents; do not even say ‘uff’ to them
• Ten Commandments: “Honor your father and your mother.” — Exodus 20:12
• Relationship: One of the clearest parallels. The Qur’an expands the command by describing tenderness, humility and prayer for parents.

3.    Quranic Verse 31

• Qur’an: Do not kill your children for fear of poverty
• Ten Commandments: “You shall not murder.” — Exodus 20:13
• Relationship: The Qur’an applies the sanctity of life specifically to infanticide and economic fear.

4.    Quranic Verse 32

• Qur’an: “Do not approach zina.”
• Ten Commandments: “You shall not commit adultery.” — Exodus 20:14
• Relationship: Both protect sexual morality and the family. The Qur’an goes further by prohibiting even the paths leading toward illicit sexual relations.

5.    Quranic Verse 33

• Qur’an: Do not kill the life Allah has made sacred except with right
• Ten Commandments: “You shall not murder.” — Exodus 20:13
• Relationship: A direct ethical parallel concerning the sanctity of human life.

6.    Quranic Verse 34

• Qur’an: Do not approach the orphan's property except in the best manner
• Ten Commandments: “You shall not steal.” — Exodus 20:15
• Relationship: The Qur’an particularly protects the property of the vulnerable.

7.    Quranic Verse 34

• Qur’an: Fulfil your commitments
• Ten Commandments: Moral spirit behind the covenant commandments
• Relationship: Not an exact Decalogue command, but closely connected to faithfulness, honesty and responsibility.

8.    Quranic Verse 35

• Qur’an: Give full measure and weigh with an even balance
• Ten Commandments: “You shall not steal.”
• Relationship: Dishonest measurement is effectively a form of theft; the Qur’an explicitly extends property ethics into commerce.

9.    Quranic Verse 36

• Qur’an: Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge
• Ten Commandments: “You shall not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16
• Relationship: Closely related to truthfulness: do not make claims, accusations or testimony without knowledge.

10.   Quranic Verse 37

• Qur’an: Do not walk arrogantly upon the earth
• Ten Commandments: No direct equivalent
• Relationship: The Qur’an adds an inner moral dimension: pride itself corrupts human conduct.

11.   Quranic Verse 26-29

• Qur’an: Give relatives, the poor and traveler their rights; avoid miserliness and extravagance
• Ten Commandments: No direct equivalent
• Relationship: A major Qur’anic expansion: morality includes social responsibility toward the needy.

Where the parallels are strongest

Four commandments are particularly obvious.

• First: Worship God alone.
• The Decalogue begins: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3
• The Qur’anic passage begins similarly: وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him.” — Qur’an 17:23
• Both traditions therefore establish a crucial principle: moral life begins with recognizing the sovereignty of the One God.
• Second: Honour your parents
• The Fifth Commandment says: “Honor your father and your mother.” — Exodus 20:12
• The Qur’an not only repeats the principle but gives it emotional depth:
• “Do not say to them even ‘uff,’ nor repel them, but speak to them a noble word.” — 17:23
• Then: “Lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.’” — 17:24
• So the Qur’an turns “honour your parents” into a whole philosophy of care for ageing parents.
• Third: Do not murder
• The Old Testament commands: “You shall not murder.” — Exodus 20:13
• Surah al-Isrāʾ gives the same principle:
• “Do not take a life which Allah has made sacred, except with legal right.” — 17:33
• But immediately before it comes another powerful application: “Do not kill your children for fear of poverty.” — 17:31
• The Qur’an therefore links the general sanctity of life with a very specific social evil: killing children because of economic anxiety.
• Fourth: Sexual morality
• The Decalogue states: “You shall not commit adultery.” — Exodus 20:14
• The Qur’an says: وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَىٰ “Do not even approach zina.” — 17:32
• The wording is significant. It does not merely say do not commit adultery; it says do not approach it. Thus Islamic ethics concerns not merely the final act, but also behaviours and circumstances that may lead toward sexual immorality.

Other derived similarities

• Theft becomes a broader economic ethic
• The Ten Commandments say: “You shall not steal.” — Exodus 20:15
• Al Qur'an Surah 17 expands the principle in several directions:
• 17:26 — Give relatives, the needy and traveler their due.
• 17:29 — Neither be miserly nor recklessly extravagant.
• 17:34 — Do not misuse an orphan's property.
• 17:35 — Give full measure and weigh accurately.
• Thus the Qur’anic concept goes beyond simply “do not take what belongs to another.”
• It asks:
• Are you giving people what belongs to them?
• Are you exploiting vulnerable people?
• Are you cheating customers?
• Are you using wealth responsibly?
• That is an important development of the same underlying ethical principle.
• False witness and intellectual honesty
• The Ninth Commandment says: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.” — Exodus 20:16
• The Qur’an gives a broader principle: “Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart—each of these will be questioned.” — 17:36
• This can encompass false testimony, rumours, accusations, misinformation and irresponsible claims.
• In the modern world this verse has extraordinary relevance to social media, fake news, character assassination and forwarding information without verification.

Important differences

The correspondence is significant, but it is not exact. 

• Two of the Ten Commandments do not have direct counterparts in this particular Qur’anic passage: the command concerning the Sabbath and the prohibition against taking God's name in vain.
• Likewise, Surah 17 contains several important teachings absent from the Ten Commandments themselves: responsibility toward the poor and traveler, protection of orphan property, prohibition of extravagance, honest weights and measures, intellectual responsibility, and condemnation of arrogance.

End Note

So we should not say that 17:23–39 is simply the Qur’anic Ten Commandments. Rather, it belongs to the same tradition of Abrahamic moral monotheism, while developing that ethical framework in its own distinctive way.

A particularly interesting Qur’anic conclusion

After giving these commands in 17:23-39, Allah says: “All of this is among the wisdom your Lord has revealed to you.” — 17:39

That is significant. These are not presented merely as disconnected prohibitions. They constitute ḥikmah — wisdom.

The passage (17:23-39) begins with: Your relationship with God: Do not worship anyone besides Him. It then moves to: 

• Your family: Honour your parents.
• Your society: Care for the poor and vulnerable.
• Human life: Do not kill.
• Sexual morality: Do not approach zina.
• Economic justice: Do not misuse wealth or cheat.
• Truth and knowledge: Do not speak without knowledge.
• And finally: Your own character: Do not walk arrogantly upon the earth.

The larger message

Seen alongside the Ten Commandments, Al-Isrāʾ 17:23–39 shows the remarkable continuity of the prophetic moral tradition: worship One God, honour parents, protect life, preserve sexual morality, respect property, speak truthfully and live responsibly.

But the Qur’an develops these principles into something even broader:

Tawḥīd → family responsibility → social compassion → sanctity of life → sexual integrity → economic justice → intellectual honesty → humility.

That makes 17:23–39 one of the strongest Qur’anic passages to show a Jewish or Christian reader, because it demonstrates that Islam does not present itself as an entirely disconnected religion; it presents itself as a continuation and restoration of the same fundamental call to One God and righteous living taught by the earlier prophets.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 17. Al-Isra'ʾ (The Night Journey) already published from Sürah 17. Al-Isra'ʾ.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection about Islam. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

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A Christian convinced of mention of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Earlier Scriptures Embraces Islam

Those who seek the truth ultimately find the truth, no matter how much concealed or hidden from the ordinary people by the scholars or the religious clerics. Ordinary non Muslims have no idea how in hidden, referred or in open words, there have been many Divine messages that tell of prophet even after Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him).

Dr Zakir A Naik is one of the most prominent Muslim scholar of the present times, who has taken upon himself to clear doubts of non Muslims about Islam and the last prophet of Allah, Muhammad (ﷺ). Besides being authority on the Holy Qur'an, he is equally a competent authority on all earlier scriptures including the Old and New Testament, Bible and all holy scriptures of Hindus. He more often than not holds open congregations so that non Muslims could clarify from him any doubts that boggle their mind and clarity these in the light of relevant passages / surahs from the Holy Qur'an in reference to the context of other holy scriptures.

Recently I came across a video of Dr Zakir in which a Christian woman asked him a question regarding mention of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the earlier scriptures. The debate is worth listening to in the video given at the end of this post. The later part of the video is so emotional that I being a Muslim myself could not control my emotions and was all tears.

Scroll down for the video

However, before you scroll down for the video of a conversation between a Christian woman and Dr Zakir A Naik, let me quote here some mentions that tell of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to come after the Prophet Jesus in some very clear indications. The most glaring evidence of coming of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)  by name is mentioned in  the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:

"Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Muhammadim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem." 

The above verses in English mean: "His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." In the Hebrew language "im" is added for respect. Similarly im is added after the name of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to make it Muhammadim. In English translation they have even translated the name of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as "altogether lovely", but in the Old Testament in Hebrew, the name of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is yet present.

In the book of Isaiah It is mentioned in chapter 29 verse 12: 

"And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned."

And we all know that when the Angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) came to Muhammad and asked him to read (Iqra), Muhammad replied: replied, "I am not learned". This is something already predicted in the Book of Isaiah. [Read first five verses of Surah Al Alaq, Chapter 96]

There is yet another reference to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) when Almighty God speaks to Moses in Book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18:

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

Most of the Christians are of the view that this prophecy refers to Jesus (pbuh) because Jesus (pbuh) was like Moses (pbuh), both were prophets and Jews. But it may be pondered that if these two are the only criteria for this prophecy to be fulfilled, then all the Prophets of the Bible who came after Moses (pbuh) such as Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, John the Baptist, etc. (pbut) will fulfill this prophecy since all were Jews as well as prophets.

Dr Zakir A Nakik is of the view that from the point of view of Muslims it is Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) who is like Moses (pbuh):

• Both had a father and a mother, while Jesus (pbuh) was born miraculously without any male intervention. [Mathew 1:18 and Luke 1:35 and also Al-Qur'an 3:42-47]
• Both were married and had children. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not marry nor had children.
• Both died natural deaths. Jesus (pbuh) has been raised up alive. (4:157-158)

As for the reference to "brethren", Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is from among the brethren of Moses (pbuh) for they are the descendants of Prophet Ismail (Ishmael, son of Prophet Ibraheem, Abraham, peace be upon him) as were the Jews descendants of Isaac (pbuh), the other son of Prophet Ibraheem.

Since Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was unlettered, whatever revelations he received from Almighty God he repeated them verbatim. "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him." [Deuteronomy 18:18] It may also be noted that both Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Prophet Moses (pbuh) were leader of their people or kings i.e. they could inflict capital punishment, whereas Jesus (pbuh) said, "My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36). Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Prophet Moses (pbuh) brought new laws and new regulations for their people. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not bring   any new laws. (Mathew 5:17-18).

Both Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Prophet Moses (pbuh) were accepted as Prophets by their people in their lifetime but Jesus (pbuh) was rejected by his people. John chapter 1 verse 11 states, "He came unto his own, but his own received him not."

Here some authentic references that confirm what has been written in the Holy Quran. In the Holy Qur'an it is mentioned in Chapter 61 Verse 6:

"And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.' But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, 'This is evident sorcery!' "

"Ahmed" or "Muhammad" meaning "the one who praises" or "the praised one" is almost the translation of the Greek word Periclytos. In the Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7. The word 'Comforter' is used in the English translation for the Greek word Paracletos which means advocate or a kind friend rather than a comforter.  Paracletos is the warped reading for Periclytos. Jesus (pbuh) actually prophesied Ahmed by name. Even the Greek word Paraclete refers to the Prophet (pbuh) who is a mercy for all creatures.

Now read the prophecies mentioned in the Old Testament regarding Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) besides applying to the Jews also hold good for the Christians.

• John chapter 14 verse 16: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever."
• Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26: "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which  proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me."
• Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you".
• Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14: "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is  come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he     speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me".

Some Christians say that the Comforter mentioned in these prophecies refers to the Holy Spirit. They fail to realize that the prophecy clearly says that only if Jesus (pbuh) departs will the Comforter come. The Bible states that the Holy Spirit was already present on earth before and during the time of Jesus (pbuh), in the womb of Elizabeth, and again when Jesus (pbuh) was being baptized, etc. Hence this prophecy refers to none other than Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Lately, however, there is also awakening among Christians to come to realize that Qur'an is book of God and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was a messenger just like the earlier prophets:

Unfortunately, we have for the most part completely ignored the unity of the Gospel and the Qur’an in terms of their common revelatory source.  However, if we take Jesus’ words seriously, we have the opportunity to receive the Word of God in the Qur’an in accordance with Jesus’ promise that the Spirit of Truth “will take what is mine and declare it to you.”  We can accept the Qur’an as a revelation, not in opposition to the Gospel, but in unity with the Gospel and the will of Jesus.  [7]

I am sure one day the majority Christians will find much more in the Holy Qur'an that substantiate what has been revealed earlier and that would foster more harmony and love between the people of the Books.

May Allah bless with the ability to know and acknowledge the truth and come under the fold of Islam - the final and the ultimate Godly religion that was given to through the last of the prophets Muhammad (ﷺ).

Note: This post is based on information contained in the references given below and are generally based on the interpretations of Holy Scriptures by Dr Zakir A Naik. Should anyone fell differently, he/she may contact the learned scholar for details.

To read personal accounts of many a celebrity who have reverted to Islam, please visit our page: Embracing Islam: Revert Experiences.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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