Surah Al-Maaida 5:17 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 17
Arabic Text
لَـقَدۡ كَفَرَ الَّذِيۡنَ قَالُوۡۤا اِنَّ اللّٰهَ هُوَ الۡمَسِيۡحُ ابۡنُ مَرۡيَمَؕ قُلۡ فَمَنۡ يَّمۡلِكُ مِنَ اللّٰهِ شَيْئًا اِنۡ اَرَادَ اَنۡ يُّهۡلِكَ الۡمَسِيۡحَ ابۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ وَاُمَّهٗ وَمَنۡ فِىۡ الۡاَرۡضِ جَمِيۡعًاؕ وَلِلّٰهِ مُلۡكُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَاؕ يَخۡلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ قَدِيۡرٌ
Transliteration
Laqad kafara allatheena qalooinna Allaha huwa almaseehu ibnu maryama qul famanyamliku mina Allahi shay-an in arada an yuhlikaalmaseeha ibna maryama waommahu waman fee al-ardijameeAAan walillahi mulku assamawatiwal-ardi wama baynahuma yakhluqu mayashao wallahu AAala kulli shay-inqadeer
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:17 is a definitive Quranic verse revealed in Madinah that categorically refutes the Christian belief that Jesus (Isa), son of Mary, is God incarnate. The verse begins with 'Laqad kafara alladhina qalu inna Allaha huwa al-Maseehu ibnu Maryam' (Those who say Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary, have certainly disbelieved). According to classical Islamic scholarship, this verse specifically addresses the doctrine of God incarnate held by certain Christian sects, particularly the Jacobites, who believed Allah manifested Himself in human form as Jesus. The verse employs a powerful rhetorical argument, asking who could prevent Allah if He willed to destroy the Messiah, his mother, and everyone on earth, thereby establishing the absolute distinction between the Creator and the created. The phrase 'Wa lillahi mulku as-samawati wal-ardi wa ma baynahuma' (To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and earth and everything between them) emphasizes Allah's complete sovereignty. Islamic scholars explain this verse as a comprehensive refutation of all forms of associating partners with Allah, whether believing in Jesus as God, the Trinity doctrine, or any form of deification of created beings. The verse concludes with 'Yakhluqu ma yasha'u wallahu ala kulli shay'in qadeer' (He creates what He wills, and Allah is capable of everything), addressing the Christian argument about Jesus's miraculous birth by affirming that Allah's creative power extends to all forms of creation, as exemplified by Adam's creation without parents.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 17 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 17
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the established meaning and interpretation of Al-Ma'idah 5:17?
Al-Ma'idah 5:17 definitively states that those who claim Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary, have committed disbelief (kufr). The verse establishes the absolute distinction between the Creator (Allah) and all created beings, including Jesus. It challenges the logic of deifying someone who, along with his mother and all creation, could be destroyed by Allah's will. The verse affirms Allah's complete sovereignty over the heavens, earth, and everything between them, emphasizing His power to create whatever He wills.
❓What are the reported circumstances of this verse's revelation?
According to classical Islamic sources, this verse was revealed in response to Christian beliefs about Jesus's divinity. Historical accounts mention that prominent Jewish scholars like Nu'man ibn Asa, Bahr ibn Amr, and Shas ibn Adi came to Prophet Muhammad claiming to be 'children of Allah and His beloved ones.' When the Prophet warned them about the afterlife, they responded with claims of special status. This verse addresses both Christian beliefs in Jesus's divinity and the broader claim of being specially favored by God regardless of actions.
❓What is the significance of the specific wording and structure of this verse?
The verse begins with 'Laqad' (certainly/indeed), emphasizing the definitiveness of the statement. The word 'kafara' (disbelieved) is used in its strongest form to indicate complete rejection of faith. The rhetorical question 'Who then has power against Allah...' employs the Arabic construction 'man yamliku' (who possesses/controls), highlighting the impossibility of anyone having authority over Allah. The phrase 'wa man fi'l-ardi jamee'an' (and everyone on earth together) emphasizes the universality of Allah's power over all creation, making the argument comprehensive and undeniable.
❓What primary theological principles derive from this verse?
This verse establishes several fundamental Islamic theological principles: First, the absolute transcendence and uniqueness of Allah (Tawhid) - no created being can share in His divine nature. Second, the categorical rejection of incarnation theology - Allah does not manifest in human form. Third, the clear distinction between Creator and creation - all beings, including prophets, remain servants of Allah. Fourth, Allah's absolute sovereignty (Hakimiyyah) - He alone has ultimate authority over all existence. Fifth, the principle that miraculous birth does not imply divinity, as Allah creates through various means according to His will.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader theme of Surah Al-Ma'idah?
Al-Ma'idah addresses the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) and their relationship with the final revelation. This verse fits within the chapter's broader theme of correcting theological misconceptions and establishing proper understanding of God's nature. It follows the chapter's pattern of addressing Christian beliefs systematically, refuting both the Trinity doctrine and incarnation theology. The verse connects to the chapter's emphasis on Allah's complete authority and the need for all communities to submit to His guidance rather than maintaining distorted beliefs inherited from previous generations.
❓What are the core spiritual lessons and ethical teachings of this verse?
The verse teaches the fundamental principle of intellectual humility before Allah's absolute transcendence. It warns against the spiritual dangers of anthropomorphizing the divine or attributing human characteristics to Allah. The verse emphasizes that true reverence for prophets like Jesus comes through understanding their proper status as honored servants of Allah, not through deifying them. It teaches that Allah's mercy and justice operate according to His perfect wisdom, not human emotional attachments or cultural preferences. The verse also highlights the importance of using reason and logic in matters of faith, as it presents a rational argument against the impossibility of created beings being divine.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern interfaith contexts?
In contemporary interfaith dialogue, this verse provides a framework for respectful but clear articulation of Islamic theological positions. Muslims can use the verse's logical argumentation style to engage in reasoned discussions about the nature of divinity without resorting to emotional arguments. The verse encourages maintaining respect for Jesus as a beloved prophet while clearly distinguishing Islamic beliefs from Christian doctrine. It also provides guidance for Muslims living in pluralistic societies to remain firm in monotheistic beliefs while engaging constructively with people of other faiths, emphasizing shared values of recognizing divine transcendence and human accountability.
❓How does this verse address modern concerns about religious exclusivity?
The verse addresses concerns about religious truth claims by grounding its argument in logical reasoning rather than mere assertion. It demonstrates that Islamic theological positions are based on rational considerations about the nature of divinity, creation, and divine sovereignty. The verse's approach shows that affirming monotheistic truth does not require dismissing the sincere faith of others, but rather clarifying fundamental theological principles. It emphasizes that theological differences have real consequences and cannot be resolved through relativistic approaches, while maintaining that the discussion should be conducted through reasoned argument and divine guidance rather than coercion or hostility.
❓What does this verse teach about the relationship between divine power and human understanding?
The verse illustrates how divine power transcends human comprehension and control. By asking who could prevent Allah if He willed to destroy creation, it emphasizes that divine power is not subject to human limitations, emotions, or preferences. The verse teaches that true understanding of God requires recognizing the infinite qualitative difference between divine and human nature. It shows that human tendency to anthropomorphize the divine stems from limited understanding of divine transcendence. The conclusion 'Allah is capable of everything' reminds humans that divine power operates according to perfect wisdom and justice, not human analogies or expectations.
Translations & Commentary
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