Surah Al-Maaida 5:59 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 59
Arabic Text
قُلۡ يٰۤاَهۡلَ الۡـكِتٰبِ هَلۡ تَـنۡقِمُوۡنَ مِنَّاۤ اِلَّاۤ اَنۡ اٰمَنَّا بِاللّٰهِ وَمَاۤ اُنۡزِلَ اِلَـيۡنَا وَمَاۤ اُنۡزِلَ مِنۡ قَبۡلُۙ وَاَنَّ اَكۡثَرَكُمۡ فٰسِقُوۡنَ
Transliteration
Qul ya ahla alkitabi haltanqimoona minna illa an amanna billahiwama onzila ilayna wama onzila min qabluwaanna aktharakum fasiqoon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:59 presents Allah's direct challenge to the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab), specifically Christians and Jews, who criticize and resent Muslims for their comprehensive faith. The verse rhetorically asks: 'Say: O People of the Book, do you resent us for any reason other than that we believe in Allah, in what has been sent down to us, and in what was sent before us, while most of you are rebellious (fasiq)?' This powerful verse, revealed in Medina, addresses the fundamental Islamic principle of believing in all divine revelations - the Torah, Injil (Gospel), and Quran - as a unified message from Allah. According to classical tafsir, the word 'fasiq' refers to those who have deviated from the straight path and transgressed Allah's commandments. The verse exposes the irrationality of opposing someone for believing in God and His revelations, highlighting that the only objection People of the Book have against Muslims is their unwavering faith in Allah and acceptance of all divine scriptures. This verse establishes that Muslim belief in the continuity and unity of divine revelation should be celebrated, not criticized, and that opposition to such comprehensive faith stems from spiritual rebellion rather than legitimate theological concerns.
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 59 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 59
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the main message of Al-Ma'idah 5:59 regarding People of the Book?
Al-Ma'idah 5:59 presents Allah's direct challenge to Christians and Jews who criticize Muslims, asking rhetorically: 'Do you resent us for any reason other than that we believe in Allah, in what has been sent down to us, and in what was sent before us?' The verse exposes that their only objection to Muslims is their comprehensive faith in all divine revelations, while pointing out that 'most of you are rebellious (fasiq)' - meaning they have deviated from Allah's commandments.
❓Why do the People of the Book resent Muslims according to this verse?
According to Al-Ma'idah 5:59, the People of the Book resent Muslims solely because of their belief in Allah and acceptance of all divine revelations - including the Quran, Torah, and Injil (Gospel). The verse reveals that their resentment stems not from any legitimate theological concern, but from their opposition to the Islamic principle of believing in the unity and continuity of divine revelation across all authentic scriptures.
❓What does 'fasiq' mean in the context of this verse?
In Al-Ma'idah 5:59, the term 'fasiq' (فاسقون) refers to those who are 'rebellious' or 'defiantly disobedient' to Allah's commandments. According to classical tafsir, it describes People of the Book who have deviated from the straight path and transgressed against divine guidance. The verse uses this term to explain one reason for their resentment - that corrupt individuals naturally oppose righteousness, as seeing others on the right path reminds them of their own deviation.
❓How does this verse address religious criticism and interfaith relations?
Al-Ma'idah 5:59 addresses religious criticism by exposing its irrationality - showing that opposing someone for believing in God and His revelations has no legitimate basis. The verse demonstrates that comprehensive faith in all divine scriptures should be celebrated, not criticized. It establishes a framework for interfaith dialogue by highlighting that Muslim belief in the Torah, Gospel, and Quran represents unity rather than division in divine revelation.
❓What is the significance of Muslims believing in all divine revelations?
The verse emphasizes that Muslim belief in all divine revelations (Torah, Gospel, and Quran) represents the fulfillment of God's complete guidance to humanity. This comprehensive faith demonstrates that Islam does not reject previous scriptures but acknowledges them as part of the same divine message. According to the tafsir, this unified approach to revelation should naturally earn respect rather than resentment, as it honors all authentic divine guidance sent to different communities throughout history.
❓How does this verse defend the Islamic faith against criticism?
Al-Ma'idah 5:59 defends Islam by using a rhetorical question that exposes the baselessness of criticism against Muslim beliefs. The verse shows that faith in Allah and divine revelations is inherently praiseworthy, making any opposition to such belief irrational. It shifts the focus from defending Islamic beliefs to questioning why anyone would resent comprehensive faith in God and His guidance, thereby putting critics in the position of having to justify their opposition to belief itself.
❓What psychological insight does this verse provide about opposition to righteousness?
According to the tafsir cited in the source, Al-Ma'idah 5:59 reveals a fundamental psychological truth: corrupt individuals (fasiq) naturally resent righteous people because seeing others on the straight path reminds them of their own deviation. The verse explains that when someone abandons principles, they seek to drag others down with them rather than reform themselves. This creates perpetual conflict between those committed to divine guidance and those who have abandoned it.
❓How does this verse relate to the broader themes of Surah Al-Ma'idah?
Al-Ma'idah 5:59 fits within the surah's broader theme of addressing relationships between Muslims and People of the Book. The verse comes in a context where Allah is clarifying the boundaries of these relationships, explaining why certain attitudes and behaviors from Christians and Jews should be understood and responded to appropriately. It contributes to the surah's guidance on maintaining Islamic identity while engaging with other faith communities, emphasizing that Muslim comprehensive faith should be a source of strength, not compromise.
❓What practical guidance does this verse offer for modern interfaith relations?
Al-Ma'idah 5:59 provides practical guidance by teaching Muslims to respond to religious criticism with confidence and clarity. Instead of becoming defensive, the verse models how to address criticism by exposing its irrationality and redirecting focus to fundamental questions about faith itself. It encourages Muslims to present their comprehensive belief in all divine revelations as a strength that honors the entire tradition of monotheistic guidance, while maintaining awareness that opposition may stem from spiritual rather than intellectual concerns.
Translations & Commentary
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