The Quran offers a holistic message that requires us to connect and reflect upon its verses in their entirety. To fully appreciate its guidance, we must approach it as a cohesive whole, where each verse can illuminate others, across different chapters. This interconnected reading allows us to grasp the depth and breadth of its teachings, encouraging a deeper understanding of its divine wisdom.
Hence 17:79 should also be understood in the light of the following verse:
17:76:
They were about to intimidate you to drive you out of the land, but then they would not have survived after you had left˺ except for a little while.
73:20
Surely your Lord knows that you ˹O Prophet˺ stand ˹in prayer˺ for nearly two-thirds of the night, or ˹sometimes˺ half of it, or a third, as do some of those with you. Allah ˹alone˺ keeps a ˹precise˺ measure of the day and night. He knows that you ˹believers˺ are unable to endure this, and has turned to you in mercy.1 So recite ˹in prayer˺ whatever you can from the Quran. He knows that some of you will be sick, some will be travelling throughout the land seeking Allah's bounty, and some fighting in the cause of Allah. So recite whatever you can from it. And ˹continue to˺ perform ˹regular˺ prayers, pay alms-tax, and lend to Allah a good loan.2 Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah far better and more rewarding.3 And seek Allah's forgiveness. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
These verses from the Quran, specifically 17:76 and 17:79, were directly speaking to the context of the Prophet Muhammad's era, a time marked by considerable adversity for him and his followers. They served as guidance and support for the Prophet and his community, navigating through the challenges of practicing and propagating their faith amidst opposition. Understanding the historical and situational background of these verses enriches our comprehension of their significance, revealing how they provided steadfastness and hope during a pivotal moment in the early Islamic community's development."