Surah Al-Maaida 5:22 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 22
Arabic Text
قَالُوۡا يٰمُوۡسٰٓى اِنَّ فِيۡهَا قَوۡمًا جَبَّارِيۡنَۖ وَاِنَّا لَنۡ نَّدۡخُلَهَا حَتّٰى يَخۡرُجُوۡا مِنۡهَاۚ فَاِنۡ يَّخۡرُجُوۡا مِنۡهَا فَاِنَّا دَاخِلُونَ
Transliteration
Qaloo ya moosa innafeeha qawman jabbareena wa-inna lannadkhulaha hatta yakhrujoo minhafa-in yakhrujoo minha fa-inna dakhiloon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:22 records the historical moment when Bani Israel (Children of Israel) responded to Prophet Moses' command to enter the Holy Land with fear and refusal. They said 'O Moses, indeed within it is a people of tyrannical strength (qawman jabbareena), and indeed, we will never enter it until they leave it.' According to authentic Islamic scholarship, these 'Jabbareen' were the Amalekites, descendants of the people of 'Ad, who were exceptionally tall and powerful, ruling over Syria and Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem). The tafsir explains that twelve chiefs were sent on reconnaissance and returned terrified by the enemy's strength. Despite Allah's promise of victory through Moses, their fear overcame their faith, leading to forty years of wandering in the desert as punishment. This verse contrasts sharply with the courage of Prophet Muhammad's companions, who declared they would never say like Bani Israel said, but instead proclaimed 'we will follow you wherever you go.' Only two men, Yushua bin Nun (Joshua) and Kaleb bin Yufna (Caleb), remained faithful and encouraged their people to trust in Allah's promise, demonstrating that true faith requires courage in the face of apparent overwhelming odds.
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 22 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 22
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Who were the Jabbareen (powerful tyrants) that Bani Israel feared in this verse?
According to authentic Islamic scholarship, the Jabbareen were the Amalekites, descendants of the people of 'Ad who ruled Syria and Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem). They were exceptionally tall, powerful, and ferocious people with tremendous physical strength. The tafsir describes them as unusually big in height and size, making them formidable opponents that struck fear into the hearts of Bani Israel.
❓Why did Bani Israel refuse to enter the Holy Land despite Allah's promise and Moses' command?
Bani Israel refused due to fear and lack of trust in Allah's promise. When twelve chiefs were sent to scout the land, they returned terrified by the Amalekites' power and strength. Despite witnessing Allah's miracles and Moses' assurance of victory, they chose fear over faith, saying they would only enter if the powerful people left first. This revealed their weak faith and preference for worldly considerations over divine commands.
❓What was the punishment for their disobedience and refusal to fight?
Allah punished them with forty years of wandering lost in the desert of At-Tih, unable to find their way out or enter the Holy Land. During this time, Moses supplicated against them saying 'O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the rebellious people!' Allah accepted this supplication and forbade them from entering the blessed land until the forty years were completed.
❓Who were the two faithful men who encouraged Bani Israel to trust in Allah?
The two righteous men were Yushua bin Nun (Joshua) and Kaleb bin Yufna (Caleb), who were among the twelve chiefs but remained faithful to Moses' instructions. They were God-fearing men blessed by Allah who encouraged their people saying 'assault them through the gate, for when you are in, victory will be yours. And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.' They represented true faith and courage in contrast to the cowardly majority.
❓How did the Muslim companions' response differ from Bani Israel's attitude?
The Muslim companions showed the exact opposite attitude during the Battle of Badr. When Prophet Muhammad consulted them about fighting the Quraysh army, Sa'd bin Mu'adh declared: 'We will never say as the Children of Israel said to Moses: Go you and your Lord and fight, we are sitting right here. Rather, by He who sent you with truth, if you took us to Bark al-Ghimad (near Makkah), we shall follow you.' This demonstrated their complete trust in Allah and obedience to the Prophet.
❓What is the historical context and background of this verse?
This verse refers to the time when Moses led Bani Israel out of Egypt after Pharaoh's destruction. They were commanded to reclaim the Holy Land (Palestine/Jerusalem) which had originally been under their forefather Ya'qub's control but was now occupied by the Amalekites. After crossing the Jordan River and reaching Ariha, Moses sent twelve chiefs to scout the land. The scouts' frightening reports of the enemy's strength led to this collective refusal to obey Allah's command to enter and fight.
❓What lessons about courage and faith can we derive from this incident?
This incident teaches that true faith requires courage to obey Allah's commands even when faced with seemingly overwhelming odds. Fear of worldly powers should never override trust in Allah's promises. The story contrasts cowardice with courage, showing how fear can lead to disobedience and punishment, while faith and trust in Allah lead to victory. It demonstrates that Allah tests believers' sincerity through difficult commands that require sacrifice and courage.
❓What was the ultimate outcome after the forty years of wandering?
After forty years, during which Moses and Aaron died along with most of the disobedient generation, Yushua bin Nun (Joshua) led the remaining believers and the new generation to successfully conquer Jerusalem. The conquest occurred on a Friday afternoon, and when Joshua feared the Sabbath would begin before completion, he prayed to Allah to stop the sun from setting, which Allah granted. This demonstrates that Allah's promises are always fulfilled, though sometimes through the next generation of faithful believers.
❓How does this verse relate to the broader themes of Surah Al-Ma'idah?
This verse fits within Al-Ma'idah's broader theme of covenant, obedience, and the consequences of breaking Allah's commands. It follows verses about Allah's favors upon Bani Israel, making their disobedience more condemnable. The verse demonstrates how fear and lack of trust can lead to the forfeiture of Allah's blessings, serving as a warning to all believers about the importance of complete submission to divine commands regardless of apparent worldly obstacles.
Translations & Commentary
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