What specific foods does Quran 6:146 say were forbidden to the Jews?

Quran 6:146 states that Allah forbade the Jews every animal with an uncloven hoof, and the fat of cattle and sheep, except for the fat on their backs, entrails, or what is mixed with bone. [2]

Why were these specific foods forbidden to the Jews according to the Quran?

The Quran explains that these dietary restrictions were a 'recompense for their rebellion' and 'injustice'. [1] This was a punishment for their transgressions, which included serious sins like murdering prophets and consuming usury. [2]

What does 'every animal of uncloven hoof' mean in Quran 6:146?

According to Islamic commentators like Ibn Kathir, this refers to animals whose hooves are not parted, such as camels, ostriches, ducks, and geese. [3] This was one of the specific dietary laws imposed on the Children of Israel as a punishment.

Foods Forbidden to Jews in the Quran

foods forbidden to Jews

Explore Verses Related to foods forbidden to Jews

🕋Al-An'am6:146

At a Glance

According to Quran 6:146 and its classical exegesis, the prohibition of certain foods for the Jews was a divine recompense for their transgressions. Specifically, Allah forbade them animals with uncloven hooves (like camels and ostriches) and the fat of cattle and sheep, with some exceptions. Classical commentators such as Ibn Kathir clarify that this was not a universal law from the beginning but a punitive measure for their rebellion, which included grave sins. This verse distinguishes these specific prohibitions from the general dietary laws in Islam, highlighting Allah's justice and the consequences of disobedience.

📖 Quranic Context

Serves as a divine sign and a historical lesson about the consequences of disobedience.

Illustrates Allah's justice and sovereignty in legislating laws, and the consequences of rebellion against His commands.

References: Referenced specifically in 6:146.

💭 Theological Perspective

Highlights the human tendency towards transgression and the subsequent need for divine law and guidance.

Demonstrates that dietary laws can be a form of divine recompense and a test for a nation's submission.

Serves as a reminder for Muslims to adhere to divine commandments to avoid similar punitive measures.

📜 Hadith Perspective

There is a scholarly consensus that these specific prohibitions were a punishment for the Jews' transgressions, such as murdering prophets and consuming Riba (usury). [1]

💎 Deeper Insights

The specificity of the prohibited fats (excluding what is on the back, entrails, or mixed with bone) highlights not only the punitive nature of the law but also Allah's perfect knowledge and precision in His commandments, making the restriction a clear and undeniable sign.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari

The verse's concluding statement, 'And indeed, We are truthful,' serves as a direct rebuttal to the Jewish claims at the time that these prohibitions were self-imposed by Jacob (Israel) and not a divine punishment, thus correcting a historical and theological falsehood.

— Ibn Jarir al-Tabari