Surah Al-Maaida 5:57 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 57
Arabic Text
يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَـتَّخِذُوا الَّذِيۡنَ اتَّخَذُوۡا دِيۡنَكُمۡ هُزُوًا وَّلَعِبًا مِّنَ الَّذِيۡنَ اُوۡتُوا الۡكِتٰبَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِكُمۡ وَالۡـكُفَّارَ اَوۡلِيَآءَۚ وَاتَّقُوۡا اللّٰهَ اِنۡ كُنۡتُمۡ مُّؤۡمِنِيۡنَ
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoola tattakhithoo allatheena ittakhathoodeenakum huzuwan walaAAiban mina allatheena ootoo alkitabamin qablikum walkuffara awliyaa wattaqooAllaha in kuntum mu/mineen
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:57 is a crucial Quranic directive addressing Muslim social relationships and community loyalty. The verse commands believers not to take as awliya (allies, close friends, protectors) those who mock and ridicule their religion, specifically mentioning two groups: the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) who were given scriptures before, and the general disbelievers (kuffar). According to authentic Islamic scholarship in the tafsir, this prohibition targets those who treat Islam's sacred practices—including prayer, worship, and religious observances—as objects of jest and amusement. The verse emphasizes taqwa (God-consciousness) as the standard for true faith, warning that authentic believers should fear Allah and avoid close alliances with those who demonstrate such disrespect. Classical scholars explain that this guidance distinguishes between general kindness and civility (which Islam encourages toward all people) versus intimate friendship and alliance (awliya), which involves mutual support, counsel, and shared loyalties that could compromise religious integrity. The historical context includes incidents where certain groups mocked Islamic practices like the adhan (call to prayer), demonstrating the serious nature of religious ridicule that this verse addresses.
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 57 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 57
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the established meaning and interpretation of Al-Ma'idah 5:57 regarding Islamic loyalty?
Al-Ma'idah 5:57 commands believers not to take as awliya (allies, close friends, protectors) those who mock their religion. The verse specifically mentions People of the Book and disbelievers who treat Islamic practices as objects of jest and amusement. According to classical tafsir, this prohibition targets those who ridicule sacred practices like prayer and worship, while maintaining the distinction between general civility and intimate alliance that could compromise religious integrity.
❓What are the historical circumstances surrounding the revelation of this verse about religious mockery?
According to authentic Islamic sources, this verse was revealed in the context of certain groups mocking Islamic religious practices, particularly the adhan (call to prayer). The tafsir mentions incidents where some People of the Book and disbelievers would ridicule the call to prayer and other worship practices. The verse establishes a permanent principle for the Muslim community about maintaining proper boundaries with those who show disrespect toward Islam.
❓What is the linguistic significance of the term 'awliya' and its implications for Muslim relationships?
The Arabic term 'awliya' (plural of wali) refers to close allies, protectors, or intimate friends who provide mutual support and counsel. Islamic scholars distinguish this from general kindness or civility. Taking someone as wali implies a level of loyalty and dependence that could influence one's religious decisions. The verse warns against such deep alliances with those who mock Islam, as this could compromise faith integrity and community loyalty.
❓What are the primary jurisprudential principles derived from this verse regarding social relationships?
Islamic jurisprudence derives several key principles from this verse: the prohibition of taking mockers of religion as intimate allies, the distinction between kindness/civility and close alliance, the importance of protecting religious integrity in relationships, and the priority of faith-based loyalty over other social bonds. Scholars emphasize that Muslims can maintain respectful, just relationships with non-Muslims while avoiding alliances that could compromise their religious commitments.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader theme of loyalty and community in Surah Al-Ma'idah?
This verse appears within a broader section of Al-Ma'idah addressing Muslim community identity and external relationships. It reinforces earlier warnings about taking Jews and Christians as allies (5:51) and connects to themes of religious distinctiveness, community cohesion, and the importance of taqwa (God-consciousness) in guiding social relationships. The verse contributes to the surah's overall message about maintaining Islamic identity while living among diverse religious communities.
❓What are the core spiritual and ethical teachings regarding religious loyalty in this verse?
The verse teaches that true faith (iman) requires consistency between inner belief and outer loyalties. It emphasizes taqwa (God-consciousness) as the criterion for authentic faith, warning that believers who fear Allah should not compromise their religious integrity through inappropriate alliances. The spiritual lesson centers on protecting one's faith from influences that could weaken commitment to Islamic values and practices.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern multicultural societies?
In contemporary contexts, this verse guides Muslims to maintain respectful relationships with people of all faiths while being careful about deep personal alliances with those who actively mock or undermine Islamic values. Muslims can engage professionally, socially, and civilly with non-Muslims, participate in interfaith dialogue, and work cooperatively on shared social goals, while ensuring their closest confidants and advisors share their commitment to respecting religious values.
❓How does this verse address the balance between religious loyalty and tolerance in Islam?
This verse clarifies that Islamic tolerance does not require compromising religious loyalty or accepting mockery of sacred practices. Islam commands justice, kindness, and fair treatment toward all people regardless of faith, but distinguishes this from intimate alliance (awliya) with those who ridicule religion. The verse teaches that Muslims can be tolerant and just while maintaining clear boundaries about influences that could affect their faith commitment and community solidarity.
Translations & Commentary
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