ISRAEL

Arabic Isrāʾīl ( اسرائيل‎ ). The surname of Yaʿqūb (Jacob). Al Baiẓāwī says the meaning of Isrāʾīl in Hebrew is Ṣufwatu ʾllāh , i.e . “the sincere friend of God”; or, as some say, ʿAbdu ʾllāh , “the servant of God. ” Banū Isrāʾīl , “the children of Israel,” is a term that frequently occurs in the Qurʾān. The XVII th chapter of the Qurʾān, known as the Sūratu ʾl-Miʿrāj , is also called the Sūratu Banī Isrāʾīl . ISRĀF ( اسراف‎ ). Lit . “Wasting.” Extravagance in religious duties, i.e . doing more than is required by the law. ISRĀFĪL ( اسرافيل‎ ). The Archangel who will sound the trumpet at the Day of Resurrection. His name, however, does not occur in either the Qurʾān, or the Traditions. IṢRĀR ( اصرار‎ ). A word used by the Arabs for a horse pricking up his ears, and not obeying the rein. A term in Muḥammadan theology for persisting in any sin, and being determined to commit the sin in future.