Surah Al-Maaida 5:26 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 26
Arabic Text
قَالَ فَاِنَّهَا مُحَرَّمَةٌ عَلَيۡهِمۡ اَرۡبَعِيۡنَ سَنَةً ۚ يَتِيۡهُوۡنَ فِىۡ الۡاَرۡضِؕ فَلَا تَاۡسَ عَلَى الۡقَوۡمِ الۡفٰسِقِيۡنَ
Transliteration
Qala fa-innaha muharramatunAAalayhim arbaAAeena sanatan yateehoona fee al-ardi falata/sa AAala alqawmi alfasiqeen
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:26 contains Allah's direct response to Prophet Musa's prayer for separation from his rebellious people, declaring 'Therefore it is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction they will wander through the land. So do not grieve over the rebellious people.' According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this divine judgment came as a consequence of the Israelites' refusal to enter the Holy Land despite witnessing countless miracles. The forty-year period was precisely measured to ensure the disobedient generation would die out, while a new generation would be raised in the harsh desert conditions that would forge their character and faith. Classical tafsir explains that during this time in the wilderness of Tih, Allah still provided miraculous sustenance through the presence of Prophets Musa and Harun, including clouds for shade, manna and quail for food, and water from stone. The verse concludes with divine comfort to Musa, instructing him not to grieve over people who brought punishment upon themselves through rebellion. This verse demonstrates that divine justice is perfect, consequences follow choices, and Allah always comforts His faithful servants even when they must witness the punishment of the disobedient.
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 26 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 26
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the meaning and context of Allah's judgment in Al-Ma'idah 5:26?
Al-Ma'idah 5:26 is Allah's direct response to Prophet Musa's prayer, declaring the Holy Land forbidden to the Israelites for forty years as punishment for their refusal to obey Allah's command to enter and fight the Amalekites. The verse states 'Therefore it is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction they will wander through the land' showing divine justice in action - consequences naturally follow disobedience to Allah's clear commands.
❓Why specifically forty years and what was the wisdom behind this duration?
The forty-year period was precisely calculated to ensure that the disobedient generation (those aged 20 and above) would die out naturally, while a new generation would be raised under harsh desert conditions. According to classical tafsir, this new generation would develop the courage, faith, and resilience that their parents lacked. The desert hardships would forge their character, making them suitable for the sacred task of conquering the Holy Land that their parents had refused to undertake.
❓What does 'they will wander in the earth' mean and how was this punishment implemented?
The wandering was a supernatural confinement within the wilderness of Tih, a relatively small area between Egypt and Jerusalem (approximately 90 by 27 miles according to some scholars). Despite traveling all day, they would mysteriously return to the same spot by evening, unable to find their way out. This demonstrates Allah's absolute power - when He decrees punishment, the entire universe becomes the enforcer, requiring no physical barriers to detain them.
❓How did Allah comfort Prophet Musa in this verse and why was this important?
Allah concluded the verse with 'So do not grieve over the rebellious people,' providing direct comfort to Prophet Musa. This divine consolation was necessary because prophets, due to their merciful nature, feel emotional pain when their people are punished, even when the punishment is justified. Allah reassured Musa that the judgment was just and that he should not burden himself with sorrow over people who brought consequences upon themselves through rebellion.
❓What miracles and provisions did Allah provide during the forty years of wandering?
Despite being a punishment, Allah's mercy was evident through numerous miracles during the forty years: clouds provided shade wherever they traveled, manna and quail descended as heavenly food, water flowed from a stone when struck by Musa's staff (twelve streams for the twelve tribes), and a pillar of light illuminated the nights. The Torah was also revealed during this period, showing that even in punishment, Allah's guidance and provision continue for those who remain faithful.
❓How does this verse demonstrate the balance between divine justice and mercy?
This verse perfectly illustrates divine justice tempered with mercy. The punishment was proportionate to the crime - they refused to enter the land, so they were forbidden from it. Yet Allah provided sustenance and miracles throughout their wandering, showing that punishment aims at correction, not destruction. The timing ensured a new generation could fulfill Allah's promise, demonstrating that divine justice serves ultimate wisdom and mercy.
❓What were the long-term consequences and how was Allah's promise eventually fulfilled?
After forty years, when the disobedient generation had died and Prophets Musa and Harun had also passed away, the new generation under the leadership of Yusha (Joshua) successfully conquered the Holy Land. This new generation, hardened by desert life and raised on pure faith, accomplished what their parents had refused to do. Allah's original promise to the Children of Israel was thus fulfilled, but through a generation worthy of the blessing.
❓What lessons can modern believers draw from this divine judgment?
This verse teaches that actions have consequences in both this world and the next, that Allah's commands should be obeyed with trust rather than fear, and that divine justice is always perfect and purposeful. It shows that Allah comforts His faithful servants even when they must witness others being punished, and that what appears as hardship may actually be preparation for greater blessings. Most importantly, it demonstrates that Allah's promises are always fulfilled, though not always in the way or timing we expect.
❓How does this verse relate to the broader themes of leadership and community responsibility?
This verse shows that communities bear collective responsibility for their choices and that leadership requires making difficult decisions for the greater good. It demonstrates that faithful leaders like Musa must sometimes witness their people face consequences while remaining committed to truth. The verse also teaches that Allah supports righteous leadership and provides comfort to those who stand for justice, even when it means watching others face the results of their rebellion against divine guidance.
Translations & Commentary
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