Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:188 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 188
Arabic Text
لَا تَحۡسَبَنَّ الَّذِيۡنَ يَفۡرَحُوۡنَ بِمَاۤ اَتَوْا وَّيُحِبُّوۡنَ اَنۡ يُّحۡمَدُوۡا بِمَا لَمۡ يَفۡعَلُوۡا فَلَا تَحۡسَبَنَّهُمۡ بِمَفَازَةٍ مِّنَ الۡعَذَابِۚ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ اَلِيۡمٌ
Transliteration
La tahsabanna allatheenayafrahoona bima ataw wayuhibboona an yuhmadoobima lam yafAAaloo fala tahsabannahum bimafazatinmina alAAathabi walahum AAathabun aleem
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali 'Imran 3:188 contains Allah's stern warning against those who rejoice in their misdeeds and love to be praised for what they have not done, specifically addressing the People of the Scripture who broke their covenant by concealing divine revelations about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. According to authentic Islamic scholarship from the source tafsir, this verse was revealed in two contexts: first, regarding Jewish scholars who hid prophetic descriptions in the Torah when questioned by the Prophet ﷺ, giving false answers while rejoicing in their deception; second, concerning hypocrites who avoided participating in jihad but sought praise for their false excuses upon the Prophet's return. The verse establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that concealing religious knowledge is forbidden (haram), with authentic hadith warning that whoever hides knowledge when asked will be bridled with fire on Judgment Day. The Arabic phrase 'la tahsabanna alladhina yafrahuna bima ataw' (do not think those who exult in what they have done) serves as both a historical condemnation and eternal warning against seeking credit for undone deeds, emphasizing that Allah's dominion over heavens and earth ensures no escape from His justice.
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 188 will be available soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 188
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the historical context and meaning of Ali 'Imran 3:188?
Ali 'Imran 3:188 was revealed concerning two groups: the People of the Scripture (Jews) who hid knowledge about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in their scriptures while giving false answers to his questions, and hypocrites who avoided participating in jihad but sought praise for their false excuses. The verse warns against rejoicing in misdeeds and seeking undeserved praise, emphasizing that such people will not escape Allah's painful punishment.
❓What did the People of the Scripture conceal according to this verse?
According to the authentic tafsir, the People of the Scripture had a covenant with Allah through their prophets to believe in Muhammad ﷺ and describe him to people so they would recognize and follow him. However, they concealed this truth about the Prophet's description in the Torah and Gospel, preferring small worldly gains over the promised rewards of this life and the hereafter.
❓How does this verse relate to Islamic scholars' responsibilities?
This verse contains a warning for scholars not to imitate the behavior of the People of the Scripture. Islamic scholars are required to spread beneficial knowledge they possess and encourage righteous deeds, while being warned against hiding any part of their knowledge. An authentic hadith states that whoever conceals knowledge when asked will be bridled with fire on the Day of Resurrection.
❓What specific behavior of hypocrites does this verse address?
According to Sahih Bukhari, the verse addresses hypocrites who would remain behind when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went to battle, rejoicing in avoiding the hardships of jihad. When the Prophet returned, they would make false excuses, swear oaths, and want to be praised for actions they did not perform, while celebrating their deception.
❓What is the linguistic significance of the Arabic phrase 'la tahsabanna'?
The phrase 'la tahsabanna' (do not think) uses the emphatic negative particle 'la' combined with the intensified verb form 'tahsabanna' to create a strong prohibition. This construction emphasizes the certainty of divine punishment and warns against any misconception that such people might escape Allah's justice. The repetition of this phrase in the verse reinforces the severity of the warning.
❓How does this verse connect to the broader themes of Surah Ali 'Imran?
This verse appears in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran's discussion of the People of the Scripture and their response to Islam. It reinforces the surah's themes of divine justice, the consequences of breaking covenants with Allah, and the contrast between those who follow divine guidance sincerely versus those who prioritize worldly gains over spiritual truth.
❓What are the spiritual and ethical lessons from this verse for modern Muslims?
The verse teaches several key principles: the importance of sincerity in claims and actions, the prohibition of concealing religious knowledge for personal gain, the danger of seeking praise for undone deeds, and the certainty of divine accountability. It emphasizes that authentic Islamic behavior requires matching one's internal reality with external claims, and that scholars have a special responsibility to share beneficial knowledge.
❓How can Muslims apply the guidance of this verse in contemporary contexts?
Modern applications include: avoiding exaggerated claims about one's achievements or contributions, being transparent about one's actual role in successes, sharing beneficial Islamic knowledge freely without seeking personal gain, maintaining integrity in professional and personal accomplishments, and ensuring that religious or community leadership positions are based on genuine service rather than seeking recognition for unperformed deeds.
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Resources & References
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