Surah Al-Maaida 5:66 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 66
Arabic Text
وَلَوۡ اَنَّهُمۡ اَقَامُوۡا التَّوۡرٰٮةَ وَالۡاِنۡجِيۡلَ وَمَاۤ اُنۡزِلَ اِلَيۡهِمۡ مِّنۡ رَّبِّهِمۡ لَاَ كَلُوۡا مِنۡ فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَمِنۡ تَحۡتِ اَرۡجُلِهِمۡؕ مِّنۡهُمۡ اُمَّةٌ مُّقۡتَصِدَةٌ ؕ وَّكَثِيۡرٌ مِّنۡهُمۡ سَآءَ مَا يَعۡمَلُوۡنَ
Transliteration
Walaw annahum aqamoo attawratawal-injeela wama onzila ilayhim min rabbihimlaakaloo min fawqihim wamin tahti arjulihim minhum ommatunmuqtasidatun wakatheerun minhum saa mayaAAmaloon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Ma'idah 5:66 addresses the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab), specifically Jews and Christians, emphasizing that if they had truly upheld (aqamu) the Torah, the Gospel (Injil), and what was revealed to them from their Lord (including the Quran), they would have received abundant provision 'from above them and from beneath their feet' (min fawqihim wa min tahti arjulihim). According to classical Islamic scholarship, the Arabic term 'iqamah' signifies full establishment and implementation, not merely reading or believing, requiring complete adherence without addition, deletion, or distortion. The phrase 'from above and below' represents comprehensive sustenance and blessings from both heavenly sources (rain, divine mercy) and earthly sources (agricultural produce, mineral wealth). The verse concludes by acknowledging that among the People of the Book are 'a moderate community' (ummatun muqtasidah) who follow the right path, while many others perform evil deeds. Historical context shows this verse was revealed regarding the Jewish and Christian communities during Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ time, with authentic examples including figures like Najashi (Negus) of Ethiopia and Abdullah ibn Salam ؓ who embraced Islam while maintaining their righteous character.
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 66 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 66
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What does Al-Ma'idah 5:66 teach about the People of the Book following multiple scriptures?
Al-Ma'idah 5:66 teaches that if the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) had truly upheld (aqamu) the Torah, the Gospel, and what was revealed to them from their Lord (including the Quran), they would receive abundant provision from above and below. The verse emphasizes complete establishment and implementation of divine guidance, not merely reading or believing in these scriptures.
❓How does Allah promise provision to those who uphold the Torah, Gospel, and Quran?
Allah promises that those who properly establish the Torah, Gospel, and Quran would 'surely have eaten from above them and from beneath their feet' (la-akalu min fawqihim wa min tahti arjulihim). This refers to comprehensive sustenance and blessings from both heavenly sources like rain and divine mercy, and earthly sources like agricultural produce and mineral wealth.
❓What is meant by 'provisions from above and below' in this Quranic verse?
According to classical tafsir, 'provisions from above and below' signifies tremendous provision descending from the sky (rain, divine blessings) and growing from the earth (crops, minerals). It represents Allah's comprehensive care for those who follow His guidance properly, ensuring their material and spiritual needs are abundantly met through natural and supernatural means.
❓Who are the 'moderate community' among the People of the Book mentioned in this verse?
The 'moderate community' (ummatun muqtasidah) refers to those among the People of the Book who are on the right path and follow authentic guidance. Historical examples include figures like Najashi (Negus) the king of Ethiopia and Abdullah ibn Salam, who recognized the truth of Islam and embraced it while maintaining their righteous character.
❓Why does the Quran emphasize following Torah, Gospel, and Quran together?
The Quran emphasizes following all three scriptures because they form a continuum of divine revelation. According to Islamic teaching, the Torah and Gospel in their original, unaltered forms contained guidance that would naturally lead to accepting the Quran. True adherence to the authentic teachings of earlier scriptures would direct believers to follow the final revelation as the completion of divine guidance.
❓What are the conditions for receiving the divine blessings mentioned in this verse?
The conditions include: (1) True faith (iman) and God-consciousness (taqwa), (2) Proper establishment (iqamah) of the Torah, Gospel, and Quran without alteration or selective following, (3) Acting according to the complete guidance revealed from Allah, and (4) Avoiding the distortions and innovations that had been introduced into earlier scriptures.
❓How does religious moderation relate to divine provision in Islamic theology?
Religious moderation (iqtisad) in Islam represents the balanced middle path that Allah favors. The verse shows that among the People of the Book, there are moderate people who avoid extremes and follow authentic guidance. This moderation, combined with proper implementation of divine teachings, attracts Allah's blessings and provision as it reflects the natural order that Allah intended for human society.
❓What is the significance of 'establishing' versus just reading the scriptures?
The Arabic term 'aqamu' (establish) signifies complete implementation and making something stand upright without deviation. Unlike mere reading or believing, establishing scriptures means carrying out their instructions fully without additions, deletions, or distortions. It requires transforming the teachings into a practical way of life and social system, not just intellectual acceptance or ritual observance.
❓How does this verse address the relationship between worldly success and spiritual faithfulness?
This verse establishes that authentic spiritual faithfulness naturally leads to worldly prosperity and success. According to Islamic teaching, there is no contradiction between worldly advancement and spiritual devotion when both are pursued according to divine guidance. The verse promises that following Allah's complete system brings blessings in this world and the hereafter, uniting material and spiritual success.
❓What does this verse teach about Allah's universal mercy toward different religious communities?
The verse demonstrates Allah's universal mercy by acknowledging that among the People of the Book are righteous, moderate communities alongside those who do evil. It shows that Allah's guidance and blessings are available to all who sincerely seek and follow His teachings, regardless of their starting religious community, provided they embrace the complete truth without distortion or selective adherence.
Translations & Commentary
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