Surah Al-Maaida 5:30 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 30
Arabic Text
فَطَوَّعَتۡ لَهٗ نَفۡسُهٗ قَـتۡلَ اَخِيۡهِ فَقَتَلَهٗ فَاَصۡبَحَ مِنَ الۡخٰسِرِيۡنَ
Transliteration
FatawwaAAat lahu nafsuhu qatlaakheehi faqatalahu faasbaha mina alkhasireen
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:30 reveals the tragic moment when Qabil's (Cain) nafs (evil soul) overcame his conscience: 'And his soul permitted to him the murder of his brother, so he killed him and became among the losers.' According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse demonstrates the destructive power of nafs al-ammara (the commanding soul that incites to evil) when it overpowers divine guidance and moral consciousness. The tafsir explains that despite Habil's peaceful counsel and warning, Qabil's jealousy and pride led his soul to make murder seem reasonable and justified. Ibn Jarir recorded that when Qabil wanted to kill his brother, he initially didn't know how, so Shaytan demonstrated by killing an animal with a stone. This verse teaches that following one's evil desires leads to spiritual and worldly loss - Qabil became 'among the losers' (من الخاسرين) in both this life and the hereafter. Islamic scholars note that every subsequent unjust killing shares in this original sin, as confirmed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who said that the first son of Adam bears a burden from every soul killed unjustly. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked jealousy, pride, and surrender to base desires.
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 30 will be available soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 30
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What does it mean that Qabil's soul encouraged him to murder his brother in Al-Ma'idah 5:30?
According to Islamic commentaries, this refers to the nafs al-ammara (the commanding soul that incites to evil) overpowering Qabil's conscience and moral reasoning. His soul made the act of murder seem justified and reasonable, despite the clear moral wrongness. This demonstrates how unchecked jealousy and pride can corrupt one's spiritual judgment, leading to the most heinous sins.
❓How does the nafs (soul) tempt humans to commit sins according to Islamic teaching?
In Islamic theology, the nafs al-ammara (commanding soul) tempts humans by making evil appear good and justified. It exploits human weaknesses like pride, jealousy, anger, and desires, rationalizing sinful behavior. The nafs presents false justifications and excuses, making forbidden acts seem reasonable or even necessary. This is why Islam emphasizes constant struggle (jihad al-nafs) against the evil impulses of the soul through prayer, remembrance of Allah, and spiritual purification.
❓Why did Qabil become 'among the losers' after murdering Habil?
Qabil became 'among the losers' (من الخاسرين) because he lost in both this world and the hereafter. In this world, he lost his brother, his family's love, and his peace of mind, becoming cursed and wandering. In the hereafter, he faces eternal punishment for murder and bears the burden of every subsequent unjust killing. According to hadith, the first son of Adam carries a portion of the sin from every soul killed unjustly until the Day of Judgment.
❓What are the practical lessons for controlling the nafs from this verse?
This verse teaches several key lessons: 1) Recognize that evil thoughts and jealousy can escalate to serious sins if not checked, 2) Seek refuge in Allah when feeling jealous or angry, 3) Listen to good counsel from righteous people like Habil's advice, 4) Remember the consequences of sin in this life and the hereafter, 5) Engage in regular spiritual purification through prayer, dhikr, and self-reflection, 6) Address the root causes of negative emotions rather than acting on them.
❓How did Shaytan assist in the first murder according to Islamic sources?
According to tafsir sources including Ibn Jarir, when Qabil wanted to kill his brother but didn't know how, Shaytan demonstrated by taking an animal, placing its head on a rock, and smashing it with another stone. This showed Qabil the method of killing. Some narrations also mention that Shaytan came to Hawwa (Eve) immediately after to inform her of the murder, causing the first expression of grief and weeping in human history.
❓What was Qabil's immediate punishment according to Islamic tradition?
According to various Islamic sources, Qabil received immediate punishment in this world. Some narrations mention that his leg became stuck to his thigh, making him unable to walk properly. His face was turned toward the sun and would follow it throughout the day. He became cursed and wandering on earth, and the ground would not yield crops for him. This reflects the hadith that transgression and cutting family ties are sins that receive swift punishment in this world in addition to afterlife consequences.
❓How does this verse connect to the concept of spiritual warfare in Islam?
This verse illustrates the concept of jihad al-nafs (struggle against the evil soul), which is considered the greatest jihad in Islamic spirituality. It shows how the battle between good and evil occurs within the human soul, where the nafs al-ammara fights against conscience and divine guidance. Qabil's failure in this spiritual warfare led to the worst possible outcome - murder of his own brother. This emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance, spiritual discipline, and seeking Allah's help in overcoming evil impulses.
❓What does this verse teach about the progression from jealousy to major sins?
The verse demonstrates how unchecked jealousy can escalate into the gravest sins. Qabil's jealousy over the accepted sacrifice led to resentment, then to threats, and finally to murder. This shows that minor sins and negative emotions, if not addressed, can lead to major transgressions. Islamic teaching emphasizes nipping evil in the bud through immediate repentance, seeking forgiveness, and addressing the root causes of negative emotions before they grow into destructive actions.
Translations & Commentary
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