Interpretation of Verse 60 of Chapter al-Isra according to the Scholars of the Two Major Branches of Faith

The verse 60 of Chapter al-Isra is among the ideological verses of the Quran with great relevance to Islamic unity and solidarity of the Islamic world. The exegetic views presented by the scholars of both major branches of Islam are critical to the convegence of the Muslim Ummah. This verse gives report on four things: God encompasses mankind; the Prophet's vision is an ordeal or trial, the cursed tree, and transgression of many of those who had been warned. The differences revolve mainly around the issue of ordeal and trial (fitna). As for vision, it has been used in two meanings, one relates to the sighting of scenes during the noctural journey (ascension), the other relates to seeing the accursed offspring of the Banu Umayyad family in a dream world. There are different interpretations for 'cursed tree'; it includes either the Zaqqum Tree or the Banu Umayyad family. Most of the exegetes have accepted the first meaning of both terms and most of the Shiite scholars and exponents have accepted the second meaning of each term. However, literary evidence and indications and the multiple reports confirm the Shia standpoint in this regard. An indepth study and knowledge of the Quran will definitely reveal the fact to the reader that the Banu Umayyads and their followers were far from the truth and the right path .