Surah Al-Maaida 5:65 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 65
Arabic Text
وَلَوۡ اَنَّ اَهۡلَ الۡـكِتٰبِ اٰمَنُوۡا وَاتَّقَوۡا لَكَفَّرۡنَا عَنۡهُمۡ سَيِّاٰتِهِمۡ وَلَاَدۡخَلۡنٰهُمۡ جَنّٰتِ النَّعِيۡمِ
Transliteration
Walaw anna ahla alkitabi amanoowattaqaw lakaffarna AAanhum sayyi-atihimwalaadkhalnahum jannati annaAAeem
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:65 presents Allah's conditional promise to the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab), specifically Jews and Christians: 'If only the People of the Book had believed and been mindful of Allah, We would have certainly absolved them of their sins and admitted them into the Gardens of bliss.' This verse was revealed in the historical context of Jewish leaders in Madinah, particularly Nabbash ibn Qays and Finhas of Banu Qaynuqa, who made blasphemous statements claiming 'Allah's hand is tied up' (meaning Allah became miserly) after experiencing economic hardship following their rejection of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. According to authentic Islamic scholarship, the verse establishes fundamental principles: true belief (iman) combined with God-consciousness (taqwa) leads to complete divine forgiveness (kaffarna 'anhum sayyi'atihim) and entry into the highest levels of Paradise (Jannat an-Na'im). The tafsir emphasizes that Islam offers a comprehensive worldview integrating spiritual devotion with worldly engagement, where righteousness brings both temporal and eternal success. Classical commentators including Ibn Abbas explain this as Allah's infinite generosity refuting any anthropomorphic limitations, while the conditional nature ('law anna' - if only) emphasizes human free will and responsibility in choosing faith over worldly interests.
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 65 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 65
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What conditions does Allah set for forgiving the People of the Book in Al-Ma'idah 5:65?
According to Al-Ma'idah 5:65, Allah sets two fundamental conditions for the People of the Book (Jews and Christians): true belief (iman) and God-consciousness (taqwa). The verse states: 'If only the People of the Book had believed and been mindful of Allah, We would have certainly absolved them of their sins and admitted them into the Gardens of bliss.' These conditions require genuine faith in Islamic teachings combined with practical righteousness and fear of Allah in daily life.
❓What is the historical context behind the revelation of Al-Ma'idah 5:65?
This verse was revealed in response to specific incidents involving Jewish leaders in Madinah, particularly Nabbash ibn Qays and Finhas, the chief of the Jewish tribe of Banu Qaynuqa. Initially wealthy, these Jewish communities rejected Prophet Muhammad's call to preserve their communal hegemony and financial interests. As divine punishment, their material circumstances deteriorated, leading them to blasphemously claim that 'Allah's hand is tied up' (meaning Allah had become miserly). The verse refutes this accusation and establishes Allah's infinite generosity.
❓Who are the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) in Islamic terminology?
Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book) refers specifically to Jews and Christians in Islamic terminology. They are called this because they received revealed scriptures - the Torah (Tawrah) and the Gospel (Injil) respectively. Islamic scholars explain that this designation acknowledges their status as recipients of divine revelation, though Islam teaches that these scriptures were later altered and that the Quran serves as the final, preserved revelation confirming and correcting previous scriptures.
❓What does taqwa (God-consciousness) mean in practical Islamic terms?
Taqwa, often translated as God-consciousness or piety, encompasses both fear of Allah and love-based obedience to His commands. In practical terms, it means being constantly aware of Allah's presence, avoiding sins and prohibitions, fulfilling religious obligations, treating others with justice and compassion, and making decisions based on divine guidance rather than personal desires. Classical scholars describe it as creating a protective barrier between oneself and Allah's displeasure through righteous actions and avoiding what Allah has forbidden.
❓What are the Gardens of Bliss (Jannat an-Na'im) mentioned in the verse?
Jannat an-Na'im (Gardens of Bliss) refers to the highest levels of Paradise in Islamic theology. The term 'Na'im' signifies complete comfort, luxury, and spiritual bliss beyond human comprehension. According to Islamic scholarship, these gardens represent the ultimate reward for those who achieve true faith and righteousness, featuring eternal happiness, perfect physical and spiritual satisfaction, closeness to Allah, and freedom from all forms of suffering, pain, or want.
❓How does Islam integrate faith with worldly life according to this verse's commentary?
The tafsir of this verse emphasizes Islam's comprehensive worldview that integrates spiritual devotion with worldly engagement. Unlike systems that separate religion from practical life, Islam teaches that true faith (iman) and righteousness (taqwa) lead to success in both this world and the hereafter. The commentary explains that proper Islamic practice brings material blessings and prosperity while maintaining spiritual purity, making humans trustees (khalifah) on Earth responsible for both spiritual development and constructive worldly activity.
❓What does the conditional nature of this promise ('if only') teach about human free will?
The conditional phrasing 'law anna' (if only) in the verse emphasizes human free will and responsibility in choosing between faith and worldly interests. Islamic scholars explain that Allah doesn't force belief upon anyone but provides clear guidance and consequences. The conditional nature teaches that divine forgiveness and Paradise are available to all, but require human choice and effort. It demonstrates that Allah's mercy is abundant, but humans must actively choose the path of faith and righteousness to receive these blessings.
❓How does this verse address divine attributes and refute anthropomorphic concepts?
The verse implicitly refutes the Jewish accusation that 'Allah's hand is tied up' by emphasizing Allah's infinite capacity for forgiveness and generosity. Classical commentators like Ibn Abbas explain that this blasphemous statement was metaphorical, attributing miserliness to Allah. The verse's promise of complete forgiveness and Paradise entry demonstrates Allah's unlimited mercy, power, and resources. It establishes that Allah's attributes are perfect and beyond human limitations, rejecting any anthropomorphic understanding of divine nature.
❓What lessons does this verse offer for contemporary interfaith relations?
This verse provides a framework for respectful interfaith dialogue by acknowledging the People of the Book's status as recipients of divine revelation while clearly stating Islamic positions. It demonstrates that Islam recognizes the spiritual heritage of Jews and Christians but calls them to embrace the final revelation. The verse teaches that divine mercy is available to all who sincerely seek truth, regardless of their religious background, emphasizing the importance of genuine belief and righteous conduct over mere religious affiliation.
❓What does classical Islamic scholarship say about the relationship between divine wisdom and material provision?
According to the tafsir, Allah's distribution of material provision follows His infinite wisdom rather than human expectations or demands. The commentary explains that Allah extends means for some and restricts them for others according to His knowledge of what is truly beneficial. The verse teaches that material circumstances are connected to spiritual conduct - those who follow divine guidance receive both spiritual and temporal blessings, while those who reject faith may face constraints as divine warnings or tests.
Translations & Commentary
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