Surah Al-Maaida 5:78 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-Maaida, Ayah 78
Arabic Text
لُعِنَ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡا مِنۡۢ بَنِىۡۤ اِسۡرَآءِيۡلَ عَلٰى لِسَانِ دَاوٗدَ وَعِيۡسَى ابۡنِ مَرۡيَمَؕ ذٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُوۡا يَعۡتَدُوۡنَ
Transliteration
LuAAina allatheena kafaroo min baneeisra-eela AAala lisani dawoodawaAAeesa ibni maryama thalika bima AAasawwakanoo yaAAtadoon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-Maidah 5:78 delivers a sobering historical warning: 'Those who disbelieved among the Children of Israel were cursed by the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary. That was because they disobeyed and habitually transgressed.' This verse establishes divine precedent for consequences of persistent rebellion against prophetic guidance. The Arabic phrase 'lu'ina allatheena kafaroo' (those who disbelieved were cursed) refers specifically to those among Bani Israel who rejected faith after receiving clear guidance. The phrase 'ala lisan Dawud wa Isa ibn Maryam' (by the tongue of David and Jesus) indicates that these curses were pronounced through divine revelation given to these prophets, documented in the Zabur (Psalms) and Injil (Gospel). According to classical Islamic scholarship, this includes multiple instances where both prophets condemned the religious hypocrisy and moral corruption of their contemporary Israelite communities. The dual causation 'bima asaw wa kanoo ya'tadoon' (because they disobeyed and habitually transgressed) identifies two specific patterns: 'asyan' (disobedience) refers to direct violation of divine commands, while 'i'tida' (transgression) indicates crossing established boundaries and oppressing others. Ibn Abbas reported that they were cursed in all four revealed books - Torah, Gospel, Psalms, and Quran - demonstrating the severity and consistency of divine judgment. The historical context reveals that these communities initially followed their prophets but gradually adopted practices contradicting divine guidance, including ritual hypocrisy, social injustice, and ultimately rejecting subsequent prophetic missions. This verse serves as a stern warning to all religious communities that claiming prophetic heritage provides no immunity from divine accountability when accompanied by persistent disobedience and transgression against divine law and human rights.
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 78 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-Maaida Ayah 78
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Why were the Children of Israel cursed by David and Jesus in Al-Maidah 5:78?
They were cursed because of their persistent disobedience (asyan) to divine commands and habitual transgression (i'tida) against divine boundaries. The verse specifically mentions 'bima asaw wa kanoo ya'tadoon' - they disobeyed Allah's commands and habitually crossed the limits He set, oppressing others and violating divine law.
❓What was the reason for the divine curse mentioned in this verse?
The divine curse resulted from two specific patterns of behavior: persistent disobedience to Allah's commands and habitual transgression against divine boundaries. These included religious hypocrisy, social injustice, and ultimately rejecting subsequent prophetic missions despite receiving clear divine guidance.
❓How does this verse serve as a warning to modern believers?
This verse warns that claiming prophetic heritage or religious identity provides no immunity from divine accountability. When persistent disobedience and transgression accompany religious claims, divine justice follows regardless of ancestral connections to prophets or sacred traditions.
❓What does 'ala lisan Dawud wa Isa ibn Maryam' mean in this context?
This phrase means 'by the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary,' indicating that these curses were pronounced through divine revelation given to these prophets. According to Ibn Abbas, they were cursed in the Zabur (Psalms), Injil (Gospel), and other revealed books, demonstrating consistent divine judgment across scriptures.
❓Which specific prophets cursed the disobedient Israelites and why?
David (Dawud) and Jesus (Isa) specifically pronounced divine curses on the rebellious Israelites through their respective revelations. David condemned them in the Psalms for their corruption and hypocrisy, while Jesus denounced their rejection of divine guidance and moral transgression in his teachings.
❓What historical events led to this divine curse on Bani Israel?
The curse followed a pattern where Israelite communities initially followed their prophets but gradually adopted practices contradicting divine guidance. This included ritual hypocrisy, social injustice, oppression of the weak, corruption of religious teachings, and ultimately rejecting prophetic missions sent for their guidance.
❓How should Muslims learn from this Quranic warning about the Children of Israel?
Muslims should recognize that religious identity alone does not guarantee divine favor. The key lesson is maintaining consistent obedience to divine commands, avoiding transgression against others, supporting justice, and remaining receptive to prophetic guidance rather than falling into the same patterns of disobedience and transgression.
❓What is the significance of curses being pronounced through prophets' tongues?
When prophets pronounce divine curses, it represents the ultimate rejection by Allah after exhausting all opportunities for guidance and repentance. It demonstrates that even those closest to divine revelation - the prophets themselves - were compelled by divine command to declare judgment upon persistently rebellious communities.
❓What does the phrase 'kanoo ya'tadoon' teach about persistent transgression?
The phrase 'kanoo ya'tadoon' (they habitually transgressed) indicates that this was not occasional wrongdoing but a consistent pattern of crossing divine boundaries. It teaches that persistent, habitual transgression leads to spiritual hardening and eventual divine rejection, emphasizing the importance of repentance and course correction.
Translations & Commentary
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