Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:74 - Tafsir & Translation

Question 1

❓What is the meaning of Allah selecting people for His mercy in Ali 'Imran 3:74?

Answer

This verse reveals Allah's absolute sovereignty in granting His mercy and guidance. The Arabic 'yakhtassu birahmatihi man yasha' means He exclusively selects for His mercy whom He wills. This selection is based on Allah's infinite wisdom and knowledge, not on tribal, ethnic, or worldly criteria. Allah is 'dhu'l-fadl al-azeem' (possessor of great bounty), indicating His unlimited capacity to bestow mercy and favor upon creation according to His divine wisdom.

Question 2

❓What was the historical context of this verse's revelation regarding Jewish objections?

Answer

This verse was revealed in response to Jewish criticism of the Muslim community's success and divine favor. The Jews questioned why Muslims, whom they considered outsiders to the Abrahamic tradition, were receiving divine guidance and blessings. Some Jewish groups even conspired to create doubt by pretending to accept Islam in the morning and rejecting it in the evening, hoping to mislead weak believers. Allah responds by affirming that divine selection is His prerogative alone, not determined by ancestry or previous scriptures.

Question 3

❓How does the Arabic terminology emphasize Allah's absolute authority in divine selection?

Answer

The verb 'yakhtassu' (يختص) from the root خ-ص-ص implies exclusive selection and specialization, indicating that Allah's choice is deliberate and unique. The phrase 'man yasha' (whom He wills) emphasizes divine freedom in selection without external constraints. 'Dhu'l-fadl al-azeem' combines 'dhu' (possessor) with 'fadl' (bounty/grace) and 'azeem' (great/magnificent), creating a superlative expression of Allah's infinite capacity for generosity that transcends human understanding or limitation.

Question 4

❓What are the theological implications of divine selection in Islamic doctrine?

Answer

This verse establishes key theological principles: Allah's absolute sovereignty over guidance and mercy, the rejection of ethnic or religious supremacism, and the affirmation that divine favor is granted according to wisdom beyond human comprehension. It refutes the notion that any community has exclusive rights to divine mercy while maintaining that Allah's selection is perfectly just. The verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah alone, not from human institutions or inherited religious status.

Question 5

❓How does this verse connect to the broader themes of Surah Ali 'Imran?

Answer

This verse continues Ali 'Imran's central theme of establishing the authenticity of the Muslim community against criticism from People of the Book. It follows discussions about the nature of true religion, the unity of prophetic messages, and responses to interfaith challenges. The verse reinforces that Islam represents the culmination of divine guidance, accessible to all humanity based on faith rather than ancestry, while acknowledging Allah's supreme authority in granting religious guidance and worldly success.

Question 6

❓What spiritual lessons can believers derive from Allah's selective mercy?

Answer

Believers should cultivate humility, recognizing that any divine favor they receive is purely by Allah's grace, not their inherent worthiness. This verse encourages gratitude for divine blessings while fostering compassion for others who may not have received the same opportunities. It teaches that spiritual pride and religious supremacism are contrary to Islamic teaching, as Allah's mercy transcends human categories and prejudices. Believers should focus on righteousness and devotion rather than claiming exclusive divine favor.

Question 7

❓How can this verse guide Muslims in dealing with religious criticism and interfaith relations?

Answer

This verse provides a principled response to religious criticism by affirming confidence in Allah's wisdom while avoiding arrogance or defensiveness. Muslims should respond to criticism with dignity, acknowledging that divine guidance is Allah's gift rather than human achievement. In interfaith relations, it encourages respectful dialogue while maintaining clear boundaries, recognizing that different communities may have different levels of divine favor without compromising the truth of Islamic teachings or engaging in religious superiority complexes.

Question 8

❓What does this verse teach about the relationship between divine justice and mercy?

Answer

The verse demonstrates that Allah's selective mercy operates within perfect justice - His choices are never arbitrary or unfair, even when humans cannot comprehend the wisdom behind them. Allah's 'great bounty' encompasses both mercy and justice, ensuring that His selection serves the ultimate good of creation. This divine selection may appear as favoritism to human observers, but it reflects Allah's comprehensive knowledge of individual hearts, potential, and the broader divine plan for humanity's spiritual development and worldly affairs.

Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:74 - Tafsir & Translation

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 74