Detailed Scholarly Analysis
Detailed Analysis: Surah Al-Baqara Ayah 79
Explore comprehensive scholarly analysis, linguistic insights, and practical applications of this verse from the Holy Quran based on classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship.
Introduction
Quran 2:79 stands as one of the most severe warnings in the Quran against religious forgery and the false attribution of human writings to Allah. This verse emphasizes the gravity of corrupting divine revelation and the serious consequences of such actions.
Translation Overview
The verse declares 'woe' (destruction) to those who write scripture with their own hands and then claim it's from Allah to gain small worldly benefits. Different translations emphasize various aspects - some focus on the deliberate deception, others on the monetary motivation, but all convey the severity of divine displeasure.
Classical Interpretation
Classical scholars interpret this verse as addressing those among the People of the Book who altered their scriptures and falsely attributed these changes to divine revelation. The verse condemns both the act of corruption and the underlying motivation of worldly gain over spiritual truth.
Linguistic Analysis
The Arabic term 'waylun' (وَيْلٌ) indicates severe punishment or destruction. Its repetition three times in the verse emphasizes the gravity of the offense. The phrase 'yaktuboona al-kitaab bi-aydeehim' (يَكْتُبُونَ الْكِتَابَ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ) literally means 'they write the book with their hands,' emphasizing the deliberate nature of the forgery.
Historical Context
This verse was revealed in the context of addressing religious corruption among some of the People of the Book who had altered their scriptures and presented these alterations as authentic divine revelation, often for material or political gain.
Related Hadiths
While specific hadiths directly related to this verse are not extensively documented in the source material, the Islamic condemnation of falsely attributing words to Allah and the emphasis on preserving authentic revelation are well-established principles in Islamic literature.
Practical Applications
This verse teaches believers to be extremely cautious about attributing anything to Allah without absolute certainty, to preserve the authenticity of religious texts, to avoid commercializing religion, and to maintain the highest standards of religious integrity.
Scholarly Insights
Scholars emphasize that this verse establishes the principle that divine revelation is sacred and inviolable. Any attempt to corrupt, alter, or falsely attribute human writings to Allah is among the gravest sins in Islam, warranting severe divine punishment.
Cross References
This verse connects to other Quranic passages about the sanctity of divine revelation, the condemnation of false attribution to Allah, and the importance of maintaining religious authenticity.
Conclusion
Quran 2:79 serves as a permanent warning about the absolute sanctity of divine revelation and the severe consequences of religious forgery. It emphasizes that authentic religion cannot be compromised for worldly gain and that the integrity of divine texts must be preserved at all costs.
Note: This analysis is compiled from authentic Islamic sources and scholarly interpretations. Always consult qualified Islamic scholars for religious guidance and understanding.