the 'Sacred Mosque' refers to Masjid al-Haram. The surah also refers to the other prophets, for example, Musa (Moses). This Meccan surah was revealed in the last year before the Hijra. Like all the Meccan surah, it stresses the oneness of Allah, the authority of the prophets. However, the primary theme of the Surah is salah (daily prayers), whose number is said to have been fixed at five during the Miraj which it alludes to. In addition, the Surah forbids adultery, calls for respect for father and mother, and calls for patience and control in the face of the persecutions the Muslim community was facing at the time. 8 Hell Verse 17:8 refers to hell and states that those who reject the faith will be punished: However, it also states that Allah is merciful and could forgive. It also refers to the hereafter and states that there is a punishment for not believing in it (Verse 7:10): 13-15 Day of Judgement Verses 17:13 to 17:15 tells that fate is in people's hands and tells that what they do will be rewarded or punished for on the Day of Judgement. 26 Verse of Dhul Qurba The verse relates to the controversies of the land of Fadak in modern-day Saudi Arabia. 70 Aliens ۞ Verse 17:70 tells that mankind has been given a position "above many of those whom we created" The usage of the word many in lieu of all here indicates that there are other races superior to human beings. It also may imply the possible existence of alien life, excluding angels and jinns. 71 Day of Judgement Verse 17:71 contains a reference to Yawm al-Qiyamah, the Day of Judgement: In Kitab al-Kafi, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq was questioned on the interpretation of 17:71 ("On that day, We will call forth every people with their Imam...") to which he responded it is the Imam that is with them and he is the Mahdi, al-Qa'im of the people of that time. 104 Children of Israel Verse 17:104 'And We said thereafter unto the Children of Israel, “Dwell in the land. And when the promise of the Hereafter comes to pass, We shall bring you as a mixed assembly.”' Al-Tabari (d.923) suggested this referred to Palestinian settlement. Al-Zamakhshari (d. 1144) suggested this referred to Egypt devoid of Pharaoh. Al-Qurtubi (d. 1272) suggested both. References External links Quran 17 Clear Quran translation Q17:104, 50+