Surah Al-Maaida 5:2 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 2
Arabic Text
يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تُحِلُّوۡا شَعَآءِرَ اللّٰهِ وَلَا الشَّهۡرَ الۡحَـرَامَ وَلَا الۡهَدۡىَ وَلَا الۡقَلَٓاٮِٕدَ وَلَاۤ آٰمِّيۡنَ الۡبَيۡتَ الۡحَـرَامَ يَبۡتَغُوۡنَ فَضۡلاً مِّنۡ رَّبِّهِمۡ وَرِضۡوَانًا ؕ وَاِذَا حَلَلۡتُمۡ فَاصۡطَادُوۡاؕ وَلَا يَجۡرِمَنَّكُمۡ شَنَاٰنُ قَوۡمٍ اَنۡ صَدُّوۡكُمۡ عَنِ الۡمَسۡجِدِ الۡحَـرَامِ اَنۡ تَعۡتَدُوۡاۘ وَتَعَاوَنُوۡا عَلَى الۡبِرِّ وَالتَّقۡوٰى وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوۡا عَلَى الۡاِثۡمِ وَالۡعُدۡوَانِ وَاتَّقُوۡا اللّٰهَؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ شَدِيۡدُ الۡعِقَابِ
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoola tuhilloo shaAAa-ira Allahi walaashshahra alharama wala alhadya walaalqala-ida wala ammeena albayta alharamayabtaghoona fadlan min rabbihim waridwananwa-itha halaltum fastadoo walayajrimannakum shanaanu qawmin an saddookum AAanialmasjidi alharami an taAAtadoo wataAAawanooAAala albirri wattaqwa wala taAAawanooAAala al-ithmi walAAudwani wattaqooAllaha inna Allaha shadeedu alAAiqab
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:2 establishes fundamental Islamic principles for respecting sacred rituals, pilgrimage ethics, and community cooperation. This Medinan verse addresses believers with comprehensive guidelines: respect Allah's sacred symbols (sha'a'ir Allah), honor the sacred months (ash-shahr al-haram), protect sacrificial animals and their garlands, and show reverence to pilgrims seeking Allah's bounty and pleasure. The verse permits hunting after completing pilgrimage rites but strictly prohibits allowing past grievances - specifically being barred from the Sacred Mosque - to lead to transgression and revenge. The divine command 'cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and transgression' (ta'awanu 'ala al-birr wa't-taqwa wa la ta'awanu 'ala al-ithm wa'l-'udwan) establishes a foundational principle for Islamic social ethics. This verse was revealed in the context of growing tensions with various tribes and emphasizes that even when wronged, Muslims must maintain moral boundaries, protect the sanctity of religious observances, and build unity through cooperation in good deeds rather than seeking collective revenge.
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 2 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 2
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What are the sacred rituals and symbols of Allah mentioned in Al-Ma'idah 5:2?
Al-Ma'idah 5:2 mentions several sacred elements: Allah's symbols (sha'a'ir Allah) which include religious rites and ceremonies, the sacred months (ash-shahr al-haram) during which fighting is prohibited, sacrificial animals brought for offering (al-hady), animals wearing garlands indicating they are designated for sacrifice (al-qala'id), and pilgrims traveling to the Sacred House seeking Allah's bounty and pleasure. These represent the fundamental sanctities of Islamic worship that must be respected.
❓Why does this verse specifically mention the sacred months and their importance?
The sacred months (Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, Rajab, and Dhul-Qi'dah) were recognized even in pre-Islamic Arabia as periods of peace when warfare was prohibited. Islam confirmed and strengthened this tradition, establishing these months as times for pilgrimage, trade, and spiritual reflection. The verse emphasizes respecting these temporal boundaries as part of honoring Allah's established order and creating safe periods for worship and pilgrimage.
❓How should Muslims treat pilgrims and those traveling to sacred places according to this verse?
The verse specifically commands respect for 'those proceeding to the Sacred House, seeking the grace of their Lord and His pleasure.' This includes providing safe passage, not interfering with their religious journey, and recognizing their spiritual quest. Even during conflicts, the sanctity of pilgrims must be maintained, reflecting Islam's emphasis on protecting religious observance regardless of political tensions.
❓What does 'cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and transgression' mean in practice?
This fundamental Islamic principle (ta'awanu 'ala al-birr wa't-taqwa) establishes the foundation for Muslim social ethics. Cooperation in righteousness (birr) includes helping with charitable works, education, justice, and community welfare. Cooperation in piety (taqwa) involves supporting each other's spiritual growth and God-consciousness. Conversely, Muslims are forbidden from assisting in sinful activities, oppression, or transgression, even if pressured by family, tribe, or nation. This creates a moral framework where allegiance to divine commands supersedes all other loyalties.
❓How does this verse address conflict resolution and preventing revenge cycles?
The verse directly addresses the historical context where some people had barred Muslims from the Sacred Mosque, warning against letting such grievances lead to transgression (la yajrimanna-kum shana'an qawm). It establishes the principle that past wrongs do not justify present wrongdoing. This breaks cycles of revenge by commanding Muslims to maintain moral boundaries regardless of how they were treated, promoting forgiveness and justice over retaliation.
❓What is the significance of mentioning both Allah's mercy and severe punishment in this verse?
The verse concludes with 'fear Allah, for His punishment is severe' (ittaqu Allah inna Allah shadid al-'iqab), balancing hope and fear. While the verse promotes mercy, forgiveness, and cooperation, it also establishes that violating sacred boundaries and engaging in transgression will face divine accountability. This combination motivates compliance through both love of good and fear of consequences, reflecting Islam's balanced approach to spiritual motivation.
❓How does this verse relate to the broader themes of Surah Al-Ma'idah?
Al-Ma'idah 5:2 fits within the surah's overarching themes of fulfilling covenants, establishing just laws, and maintaining community bonds. The chapter addresses the completion of Islamic law and the perfection of religion. This verse specifically contributes by establishing rules for sacred observances, conflict resolution, and social cooperation - all essential elements for a functioning Islamic society based on divine guidance rather than tribal loyalties.
❓What practical applications does this verse offer for modern Muslim communities?
Modern applications include: respecting religious minorities' sacred observances, protecting places of worship, maintaining interfaith dialogue, building coalitions for social justice while avoiding cooperation in harmful activities, preventing community conflicts from escalating into cycles of revenge, organizing collective charity and community service, and establishing principled positions in business and politics that prioritize righteousness over profit or political advantage. The verse provides a framework for ethical engagement in pluralistic societies.
Translations & Commentary
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