Surah Al-Maaida 5:50 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 50
Arabic Text
اَفَحُكۡمَ الۡجَـاهِلِيَّةِ يَـبۡغُوۡنَؕ وَمَنۡ اَحۡسَنُ مِنَ اللّٰهِ حُكۡمًا لِّـقَوۡمٍ يُّوۡقِنُوۡنَ
Transliteration
Afahukma aljahiliyyatiyabghoona waman ahsanu mina Allahu hukmanliqawmin yooqinoon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:50 powerfully contrasts divine judgment with jahiliyyah (ignorant) judgment, asking rhetorically 'Do they desire the judgment of ignorance? Who is better in judgment than Allah for people who have certainty?' According to authentic Islamic scholarship, jahiliyyah refers not merely to the pre-Islamic period but to any system where humans rule by their desires rather than divine law. The verse emphasizes that Allah's judgment encompasses perfect knowledge, absolute justice, and complete wisdom, while human judgment is limited by ignorance, bias, and personal interests. Classical tafsir explains that this verse was revealed when Jewish leaders attempted to manipulate Prophet Muhammad ﷺ into ruling according to their preferences rather than divine revelation. The concept extends beyond historical context - any legal system that contradicts divine guidance falls under jahiliyyah judgment. The phrase 'for people who have certainty' (li-qawmin yooqinoon) indicates that only those with firm faith can truly appreciate the superiority of divine law over human legislation. This verse establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that all governance, legislation, and judgment must derive from Allah's revealed guidance, making it a cornerstone of Islamic jurisprudence and political theory.
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 50 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 50
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the meaning of jahiliyyah judgment mentioned in Al-Ma'idah 5:50?
Jahiliyyah judgment refers to any legal or decision-making system based on human desires, ignorance, or bias rather than divine guidance. In Al-Ma'idah 5:50, it specifically contrasts systems where humans rule according to their whims versus Allah's perfect judgment. Classical Islamic scholars explain that jahiliyyah isn't limited to the pre-Islamic period but includes any era or society that rejects divine law in favor of human-made legislation.
❓Why does the Quran consider Allah's judgment superior to human judgment in this verse?
Allah's judgment is superior because it combines perfect knowledge, absolute justice, and complete wisdom. According to tafsir, Allah knows all circumstances, past and future consequences, and the true nature of all creation. Human judgment is inherently limited by ignorance, personal bias, and incomplete information. The verse emphasizes that for people with certainty (yaqeen), this superiority is self-evident.
❓What is the historical context behind the revelation of Al-Ma'idah 5:50?
According to authentic Islamic sources, this verse was revealed when Jewish leaders approached Prophet Muhammad ﷺ claiming they would accept Islam if he ruled in their favor in a legal dispute, rather than according to divine revelation. They attempted to manipulate divine judgment for personal gain. The verse warns against such corruption and emphasizes that divine law cannot be compromised for political expediency.
❓How does this verse relate to Islamic principles of governance and law?
Al-Ma'idah 5:50 establishes a fundamental principle that all Islamic governance and legislation must derive from divine guidance rather than human whims. Islamic scholars cite this verse as evidence that any legal system contradicting divine law falls under jahiliyyah. It forms the basis for the Islamic concept that sovereignty belongs to Allah alone, and human rulers are merely implementers of divine law.
❓What does 'for people who have certainty' (li-qawmin yooqinoon) mean in this context?
The phrase 'for people who have certainty' refers to those with firm faith (yaqeen) who can recognize the superiority of divine judgment through spiritual insight and reasoning. Classical tafsir explains that only believers with strong conviction can truly appreciate why Allah's judgment surpasses human decision-making, as they understand Allah's perfect attributes of knowledge, wisdom, and justice.
❓How should Muslims apply the principles of this verse in modern contexts?
Muslims should strive to align their personal decisions and community governance with Islamic principles derived from Quran and authentic Sunnah. While living under various political systems, they can implement divine guidance in personal conduct, family matters, business ethics, and community relations. The verse encourages seeking Islamic solutions to contemporary challenges rather than purely secular approaches.
❓What are the characteristics of jahiliyyah mentioned in classical Islamic scholarship?
Classical scholars identify jahiliyyah as any system characterized by: governance by human desires rather than divine law, decision-making based on tribal customs or personal interests, rejection of prophetic guidance, and prioritizing worldly gain over spiritual principles. The Mongol Yasiq law mentioned in tafsir exemplifies how mixing various religious elements with personal opinions creates jahiliyyah systems.
❓How does this verse address the relationship between faith and accepting divine authority?
The verse directly links certainty in faith (yaqeen) with recognizing Allah's supremacy in judgment. Those with strong faith naturally accept divine authority because they understand Allah's perfect knowledge and justice. Conversely, those who prefer human judgment over divine guidance demonstrate weakness in faith, as they doubt Allah's superiority in deciding human affairs.
❓What does this verse teach about the nature of true Islamic belief and submission?
True Islamic belief requires complete submission to divine judgment in all matters, not selective acceptance based on personal preferences. The verse implies that genuine Muslims cannot pick and choose which divine laws to follow based on convenience or social pressure. Authentic faith demands recognizing Allah as the ultimate judge and lawgiver in all aspects of life.
Translations & Commentary
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