Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:119 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 119
Arabic Text
هٰۤاَنۡتُمۡ اُولَاۤءِ تُحِبُّوۡنَهُمۡ وَلَا يُحِبُّوۡنَكُمۡ وَتُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ بِالۡكِتٰبِ كُلِّهٖۚ وَاِذَا لَقُوۡكُمۡ قَالُوۡۤا اٰمَنَّا ۖۚ وَاِذَا خَلَوۡا عَضُّوۡا عَلَيۡكُمُ الۡاَنَامِلَ مِنَ الۡغَيۡظِؕ قُلۡ مُوۡتُوۡا بِغَيۡظِكُمۡؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلِيۡمٌۢ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُوۡرِ
Transliteration
Ha antum ola-i tuhibboonahumwala yuhibboonakum watu/minoona bilkitabikullihi wa-itha laqookum qaloo amannawa-itha khalaw AAaddoo AAalaykumu al-anamilamina alghaythi qul mootoo bighaythikuminna Allaha AAaleemun bithati assudoor
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali Imran 3:119 reveals a profound psychological and spiritual truth about the nature of genuine faith versus hidden animosity. Allah describes believers as those who love others sincerely, even when that love is not reciprocated, because they believe in all divine scriptures without reservation. In contrast, those with hidden hatred present themselves as believers when meeting the faithful, saying 'we believe,' but when alone, they 'bite their fingertips in rage' - an Arabic expression indicating extreme frustration and anger. According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse specifically addressed the situation where some Jews in Madinah maintained outward friendliness with Muslims while harboring deep resentment. The phrase 'you believe in all the scriptures' highlights that true believers accept the Torah, Gospel, and Quran as divine revelations, while their opponents reject the final revelation despite claiming to follow earlier scriptures. Allah's command 'die in your rage' is not a curse but a declaration that their hatred is powerless against divine will. The verse concludes with the reminder that Allah has perfect knowledge of what hearts conceal, emphasizing that no hidden emotion or secret intention escapes divine awareness.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 119 will be available soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 119
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What does it mean to 'bite fingertips in rage' in Quran 3:119?
'Biting fingertips in rage' (addu alaykum al-anamil min al-ghaythi) is an Arabic expression describing extreme anger and frustration. According to classical tafsir, 'anamil' means fingertips, and this phrase describes the behavior of hypocrites who, when alone, show such intense fury toward believers that they bite their fingertips in rage. This physical manifestation reveals the depth of hatred they conceal when in public.
❓Why do believers love those who don't love them back according to this verse?
Believers love others because their faith is genuine and comes from a heart that has truly embraced Allah. When someone truly believes in Allah, who is the source of all mercy and love, their heart naturally opens to all of Allah's creation. This sincere love exists because believers follow the divine command to be kind and just, regardless of how others treat them. Their love is not conditional upon receiving love in return because it springs from their relationship with Allah, not from worldly expectations.
❓What does 'you believe in all the scriptures' mean in this context?
According to Ibn Abbas and classical scholars, 'you believe in all the scriptures' means that Muslims accept all divine revelations - the Torah, Gospel, Psalms, and Quran - as originally revealed by Allah. This comprehensive faith stands in contrast to those who selectively accept or reject parts of divine guidance. Muslims believe in the Torah given to Moses, the Gospel given to Jesus, and the Quran given to Muhammad (peace be upon them all), while their opponents reject the final revelation despite claiming to follow earlier scriptures.
❓What is the significance of the dual behavior pattern described in this verse?
The verse describes a classic pattern of hypocrisy where individuals say 'we believe' when meeting believers publicly but show their true feelings when alone. This dual behavior reveals the difference between outward conformity and inner conviction. Allah exposes this pattern to teach believers to be discerning and not be deceived by outward appearances. The contrast between public profession and private rage demonstrates that true faith affects both outer conduct and inner state consistently.
❓What does Allah mean by commanding 'die in your rage' in this verse?
'Die in your rage' (mutu bi-ghaythikum) is not a curse but a declaration of the futility of opposing Allah's will. Allah is telling those who harbor hatred against believers that no matter how much they rage, Allah will continue to bless and support His faithful servants. Their anger is powerless against divine decree. This phrase emphasizes that those who oppose truth will only harm themselves with their own hatred while Allah's plan proceeds unimpeded.
❓How does this verse teach believers to handle one-sided relationships?
This verse teaches believers to maintain their good character and sincere intentions regardless of how others treat them. While believers should continue to be kind and just, they should also be wise and discerning. The verse doesn't discourage believers from loving others, but it opens their eyes to reality - not everyone who appears friendly actually has good intentions. Believers should continue acting with integrity while being aware of others' true feelings and motivations.
❓What does 'Allah knows what is in the breasts' teach about divine knowledge?
This phrase (inna Allah alimun bi-dhat as-sudur) affirms Allah's complete knowledge of all hidden thoughts, feelings, and intentions. No secret emotion, concealed hatred, or hidden love escapes Allah's awareness. This divine attribute provides comfort to believers who may be hurt by others' hidden animosity - Allah sees everything and will judge accordingly. It also serves as a warning to those who harbor evil intentions that nothing is truly hidden from Allah.
❓How can modern Muslims apply the lessons of Ali Imran 3:119 in contemporary relationships?
Modern Muslims can apply this verse by maintaining sincere intentions and good character while developing wisdom in relationships. This means continuing to be kind and just to all people, but also being observant of patterns that reveal true intentions. Look for consistency between public and private behavior, be aware of those who may have hidden agendas, and remember that not all expressions of friendship are genuine. Most importantly, focus on pleasing Allah rather than seeking validation from others, and trust that Allah sees all hidden intentions.
Translations & Commentary
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