وَإِن مِّنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ إِلَّا لَيُؤۡمِنَنَّ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ مَوۡتِهِۦۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ شَهِيدٗا ١٥٩
Wain min ahli alkitabi illa layuminanna bihi qabla mawtihi wayawma alqiyamati yakoonu AAalayhim shaheedan
And there is none from the People of the Scripture but that he will surely believe in Jesus before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection he will be against them a witness
فَبِظُلۡمٖ مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ حَرَّمۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ طَيِّبَٰتٍ أُحِلَّتۡ لَهُمۡ وَبِصَدِّهِمۡ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَثِيرٗا ١٦٠
Fabithulmin mina allatheena hadoo harramna AAalayhim tayyibatin ohillat lahum wabisaddihim AAan sabeeli Allahi katheeran
For wrongdoing on the part of the Jews, We made unlawful for them [certain] good foods which had been lawful to them, and for their averting from the way of Allah many [people]
وَأَخۡذِهِمُ ٱلرِّبَوٰاْ وَقَدۡ نُهُواْ عَنۡهُ وَأَكۡلِهِمۡ أَمۡوَٰلَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡبَٰطِلِۚ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ مِنۡهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمٗا ١٦١
Waakhthihimu alrriba waqad nuhoo AAanhu waaklihim amwala alnnasi bialbatili waaAAtadna lilkafireena minhum AAathaban aleeman
And [for] their taking of usury while they had been forbidden from it, and their consuming of the people's wealth unjustly. And we have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful punishment
لَّـٰكِنِ ٱلرَّـٰسِخُونَ فِي ٱلۡعِلۡمِ مِنۡهُمۡ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ مِن قَبۡلِكَۚ وَٱلۡمُقِيمِينَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَۚ وَٱلۡمُؤۡتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِ أُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ سَنُؤۡتِيهِمۡ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمًا ١٦٢
Lakini alrrasikhoona fee alAAilmi minhum waalmuminoona yuminoona bima onzila ilayka wama onzila min qablika waalmuqeemeena alssalata waalmutoona alzzakata waalmuminoona biAllahi waalyawmi alakhiri olaika sanuteehim ajran AAatheeman
But those firm in knowledge among them and the believers believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you. And the establishers of prayer [especially] and the givers of zakah and the believers in Allah and the Last Day - those We will give a great reward
۞إِنَّآ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ كَمَآ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰ نُوحٖ وَٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۦۚ وَأَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰٓ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسۡمَٰعِيلَ وَإِسۡحَٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَ وَٱلۡأَسۡبَاطِ وَعِيسَىٰ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُونُسَ وَهَٰرُونَ وَسُلَيۡمَٰنَۚ وَءَاتَيۡنَا دَاوُۥدَ زَبُورٗا ١٦٣
Inna awhayna ilayka kama awhayna ila noohin waalnnabiyyeena min baAAdihi waawhayna ila ibraheema waismaAAeela waishaqa wayaAAqooba waalasbati waAAeesa waayyooba wayoonusa waharoona wasulaymana waatayna dawooda zabooran
Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And we revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]
وَرُسُلٗا قَدۡ قَصَصۡنَٰهُمۡ عَلَيۡكَ مِن قَبۡلُ وَرُسُلٗا لَّمۡ نَقۡصُصۡهُمۡ عَلَيۡكَۚ وَكَلَّمَ ٱللَّهُ مُوسَىٰ تَكۡلِيمٗا ١٦٤
Warusulan qad qasasnahum AAalayka min qablu warusulan lam naqsushum AAalayka wakallama Allahu moosa takleeman
And [We sent] messengers about whom We have related [their stories] to you before and messengers about whom We have not related to you. And Allah spoke to Moses with [direct] speech
رُّسُلٗا مُّبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ لِئَلَّا يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ حُجَّةُۢ بَعۡدَ ٱلرُّسُلِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمٗا ١٦٥
Rusulan mubashshireena wamunthireena lialla yakoona lilnnasi AAala Allahi hujjatun baAAda alrrusuli wakana Allahu AAazeezan hakeeman
[We sent] messengers as bringers of good tidings and warners so that mankind will have no argument against Allah after the messengers. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise
لَّـٰكِنِ ٱللَّهُ يَشۡهَدُ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ إِلَيۡكَۖ أَنزَلَهُۥ بِعِلۡمِهِۦۖ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَشۡهَدُونَۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ شَهِيدًا ١٦٦
Lakini Allahu yashhadu bima anzala ilayka anzalahu biAAilmihi waalmalaikatu yashhadoona wakafa biAllahi shaheedan
But Allah bears witness to that which He has revealed to you. He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels bear witness [as well]. And sufficient is Allah as Witness
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَصَدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ قَدۡ ضَلُّواْ ضَلَٰلَۢا بَعِيدًا ١٦٧
Inna allatheena kafaroo wasaddoo AAan sabeeli Allahi qad dalloo dalalan baAAeedan
Indeed, those who disbelieve and avert [people] from the way of Allah have certainly gone far astray
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَظَلَمُواْ لَمۡ يَكُنِ ٱللَّهُ لِيَغۡفِرَ لَهُمۡ وَلَا لِيَهۡدِيَهُمۡ طَرِيقًا ١٦٨
Inna allatheena kafaroo wathalamoo lam yakuni Allahu liyaghfira lahum wala liyahdiyahum tareeqan
Indeed, those who disbelieve and commit wrong [or injustice] - never will Allah forgive them, nor will He guide them to a path
إِلَّا طَرِيقَ جَهَنَّمَ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدٗاۚ وَكَانَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٗا ١٦٩
Illa tareeqa jahannama khalideena feeha abadan wakana thalika AAala Allahi yaseeran
Except the path of Hell; they will abide therein forever. And that, for Allah, is [always] easy
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدۡ جَآءَكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِٱلۡحَقِّ مِن رَّبِّكُمۡ فَـَٔامِنُواْ خَيۡرٗا لَّكُمۡۚ وَإِن تَكۡفُرُواْ فَإِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمٗا ١٧٠
Ya ayyuha alnnasu qad jaakumu alrrasoolu bialhaqqi min rabbikum faaminoo khayran lakum wain takfuroo fainna lillahi ma fee alssamawati waalardi wakana Allahu AAaleeman hakeeman
O Mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve - then indeed, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is Allah Knowing and Wise
يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ لَا تَغۡلُواْ فِي دِينِكُمۡ وَلَا تَقُولُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡحَقَّۚ إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُۥٓ أَلۡقَىٰهَآ إِلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ وَرُوحٞ مِّنۡهُۖ فَـَٔامِنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦۖ وَلَا تَقُولُواْ ثَلَٰثَةٌۚ ٱنتَهُواْ خَيۡرٗا لَّكُمۡۚ إِنَّمَا ٱللَّهُ إِلَٰهٞ وَٰحِدٞۖ سُبۡحَٰنَهُۥٓ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُۥ وَلَدٞۘ لَّهُۥ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلٗا ١٧١
Ya ahla alkitabi la taghloo fee deenikum wala taqooloo AAala Allahi illa alhaqqa innama almaseehu AAeesa ibnu maryama rasoolu Allahi wakalimatuhu alqaha ila maryama waroohun minhu faaminoo biAllahi warusulihi wala taqooloo thalathatun intahoo khayran lakum innama Allahu ilahun wahidun subhanahu an yakoona lahu waladun lahu ma fee alssamawati wama fee alardi wakafa biAllahi wakeelan
O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs
لَّن يَسۡتَنكِفَ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ أَن يَكُونَ عَبۡدٗا لِّلَّهِ وَلَا ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ ٱلۡمُقَرَّبُونَۚ وَمَن يَسۡتَنكِفۡ عَنۡ عِبَادَتِهِۦ وَيَسۡتَكۡبِرۡ فَسَيَحۡشُرُهُمۡ إِلَيۡهِ جَمِيعٗا ١٧٢
Lan yastankifa almaseehu an yakoona AAabdan lillahi wala almalaikatu almuqarraboona waman yastankif AAan AAibadatihi wayastakbir fasayahshuruhum ilayhi jameeAAan
Never would the Messiah disdain to be a servant of Allah, nor would the angels near [to Him]. And whoever disdains His worship and is arrogant - He will gather them to Himself all together
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَٰتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمۡ أُجُورَهُمۡ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضۡلِهِۦۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَنكَفُواْ وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ فَيُعَذِّبُهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمٗا وَلَا يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيّٗا وَلَا نَصِيرٗا ١٧٣
Faamma allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati fayuwaffeehim ojoorahum wayazeeduhum min fadlihi waamma allatheena istankafoo waistakbaroo fayuAAaththibuhum AAathaban aleeman wala yajidoona lahum min dooni Allahi waliyyan wala naseeran
And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty. But as for those who disdained and were arrogant, He will punish them with a painful punishment, and they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or helper
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدۡ جَآءَكُم بُرۡهَٰنٞ مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ وَأَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكُمۡ نُورٗا مُّبِينٗا ١٧٤
Ya ayyuha alnnasu qad jaakum burhanun min rabbikum waanzalna ilaykum nooran mubeenan
O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱعۡتَصَمُواْ بِهِۦ فَسَيُدۡخِلُهُمۡ فِي رَحۡمَةٖ مِّنۡهُ وَفَضۡلٖ وَيَهۡدِيهِمۡ إِلَيۡهِ صِرَٰطٗا مُّسۡتَقِيمٗا ١٧٥
Faamma allatheena amanoo biAllahi waiAAtasamoo bihi fasayudkhiluhum fee rahmatin minhu wafadlin wayahdeehim ilayhi siratan mustaqeeman
So those who believe in Allah and hold fast to Him - He will admit them to mercy from Himself and bounty and guide them to Himself on a straight path
يَسۡتَفۡتُونَكَ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يُفۡتِيكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡكَلَٰلَةِۚ إِنِ ٱمۡرُؤٌاْ هَلَكَ لَيۡسَ لَهُۥ وَلَدٞ وَلَهُۥٓ أُخۡتٞ فَلَهَا نِصۡفُ مَا تَرَكَۚ وَهُوَ يَرِثُهَآ إِن لَّمۡ يَكُن لَّهَا وَلَدٞۚ فَإِن كَانَتَا ٱثۡنَتَيۡنِ فَلَهُمَا ٱلثُّلُثَانِ مِمَّا تَرَكَۚ وَإِن كَانُوٓاْ إِخۡوَةٗ رِّجَالٗا وَنِسَآءٗ فَلِلذَّكَرِ مِثۡلُ حَظِّ ٱلۡأُنثَيَيۡنِۗ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ أَن تَضِلُّواْۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمُۢ ١٧٦
Yastaftoonaka quli Allahu yufteekum fee alkalalati ini imruon halaka laysa lahu waladun walahu okhtun falaha nisfu ma taraka wahuwa yarithuha in lam yakun laha waladun fain kanata ithnatayni falahuma alththuluthani mimma taraka wain kanoo ikhwatan rijalan wanisaan falilththakari mithlu haththi alonthayayni yubayyinu Allahu lakum an tadilloo waAllahu bikulli shayin AAaleemun
They request from you a [legal] ruling. Say, "Allah gives you a ruling concerning one having neither descendants nor ascendants [as heirs]." If a man dies, leaving no child but [only] a sister, she will have half of what he left. And he inherits from her if she [dies and] has no child. But if there are two sisters [or more], they will have two-thirds of what he left. If there are both brothers and sisters, the male will have the share of two females. Allah makes clear to you [His law], lest you go astray. And Allah is Knowing of all things
Why it was revealed
Verse 159 is understood to mean that every Jew and Christian will believe in Jesus (ﷺ) before they die, either at the time of his descent near the end of times or at the moment of death when the truth becomes clear. Verse 176, the final verse of Surah An-Nisa, was revealed in response to a question from Jabir ibn 'Abdullah about the inheritance of a person who dies leaving no parents or children (kalalah). The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked about this matter repeatedly, and the revelation clarified the inheritance shares for siblings in such a case.
Historical context
The final verses of Surah An-Nisa address the theological claims of the Jewish and Christian communities in Medina and beyond. The Jews were accused of transgression, usury, and consuming wealth unjustly—practices that the Quran identifies as violations of their own scripture. The Christians were accused of 'excess' (ghuluww) in their religion, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity and the deification of Jesus. The ruling on kalalah inheritance was a practical response to a specific question about the inheritance of siblings when there are no parents or children, reflecting the comprehensive legal framework of the Medinan surah.
Themes of the passage
The passage opens with the assertion that all People of the Scripture will believe in Jesus (ﷺ) before their death, and he will be a witness against them on the Day of Judgment. The Jews are reprimanded for their wrongdoing: their unlawful consumption of good things, their taking of usury, and their devouring of people's wealth unjustly. However, those among them who are firm in knowledge and believers in what has been revealed to Muhammad (ﷺ) and the previous prophets, who establish prayer and give zakah, will receive a great reward.
The passage then affirms the unity of prophethood: the revelation to Muhammad (ﷺ) is of the same kind as that given to Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the tribes, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and David received the Psalms. Some messengers are named, others not; Moses is singled out for direct speech. The messengers were sent as bringers of good news and warnings, so that people would have no excuse.
Allah Himself bears witness to the revelation, and the angels bear witness. The passage then issues a general call to humanity: believe in the Messenger, for that is good for you; if you disbelieve, it does not harm Allah, for to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and earth. The People of the Scripture are specifically addressed: do not exaggerate in your religion, and only say truth about Allah.
Jesus is a messenger of Allah, His word, and a spirit from Him; he is not divine. Do not say 'Three'—Allah is One, exalted above having a son. Jesus and the angels are never too proud to be servants of Allah; those who disdain worship and are arrogant will be punished. The passage concludes with the ruling on kalalah inheritance: if a man dies leaving no child but has a sister, she gets half; if two sisters, they get two-thirds; if there are siblings of both genders, the male gets the share of two females.
Reading the passage closely
The passage uses a pattern of accusation and affirmation. The Jews are accused of wrongdoing, but then an exception is made for those among them who are 'firm in knowledge' (rasikhoon fi al-'ilm) and believers. The revelation to Muhammad (ﷺ) is placed in the context of a long chain of prophetic revelations, affirming continuity and legitimacy. The list of prophets creates a sense of shared heritage, with direct speech to Moses singled out as a special honor.
The general call to humanity is followed by a specific address to the People of the Scripture, warning against excess and affirming the true position of Jesus (ﷺ). The declaration that Jesus and the angels are servants of Allah is a powerful theological statement. The final verse on inheritance, while legal, is presented as a divine clarification to prevent error, ending with the affirmation that Allah is Knowing of all things, closing the surah on a note of divine omniscience.
What the scholars said (tafsir)
Ibn Kathir in 'Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim' explains that verse 159 refers to the return of Jesus (ﷺ) before the Day of Judgment, when all People of the Scripture will believe in him. He reports the hadith that Jesus will descend, break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizyah, and then all Jews and Christians will believe in him. He also comments on verse 161, noting that the Jews were forbidden usury but practiced it, and they consumed people's wealth unjustly, leading to divine punishment.
Al-Tabari in 'Jami' al-Bayan' provides extensive discussion on the concept of 'rasikhoon fi al-'ilm' (firm in knowledge), explaining that they are those who possess deep understanding of the divine revelations and remain steadfast in faith. Al-Qurtubi in 'Al-Jami' li Ahkam al-Quran' focuses on the theological implications of verse 171, 'do not say three,' explaining that this is a categorical prohibition of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and a clear affirmation of absolute monotheism.
He also discusses the term 'kalimatu-hu' (His word) and 'roohun minhu' (a spirit from Him) in reference to Jesus, explaining that these are honorific terms and do not imply divinity. On the kalalah verse (176), al-Qurtubi provides detailed legal analysis, explaining that the term 'kalalah' refers to a person who dies leaving neither parents nor children, and the verse establishes the inheritance shares of siblings. Ibn Hazm in 'Al-Muhalla' discusses the legal implications of the kalalah verse, noting that it is one of the most complex inheritance rulings in the Quran and requires careful interpretation.
The great scholar Ibn Taymiyyah, in his 'Majmu' al-Fatawa', discusses the concept of 'ghuluww' (excess) in religion, warning against both exaggeration and neglect in religious matters.
Living it: spiritual practices
The call to believe in Allah and His messengers (v. 171) is the foundation of faith. The daily affirmation of the shahadah—'La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadun rasul Allah'—is the practical embodiment of this belief. The practice of sending salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and all the prophets, as in the Durood Ibrahim, is a way of honoring the prophetic lineage mentioned in verse 163. The warning against excess (ghuluww) in religion (v.
171) is the basis for the prophetic teaching to maintain balance in worship and avoid extreme asceticism or elaborate innovations. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Do not exaggerate in your religion, for those who exaggerated before you were destroyed' (Sunan al-Nasa'i). The final verse on inheritance reminds believers of the importance of fulfilling financial obligations and distributing wealth justly, which is a spiritual act of trust and obedience.
Why it matters today
The warning against 'excess in religion' (v. 171) is critically relevant in modern contexts where religious extremism, sectarian fanaticism, and rigid literalism can lead to violence and division. The verse calls for a balanced, moderate, and compassionate practice of faith. The affirmation of Jesus (ﷺ) as a messenger of Allah, His word, and a spirit from Him provides a framework for interfaith dialogue with Christians: affirming Jesus' importance while rejecting his divinity.
The verse is a basis for respectful engagement while maintaining theological distinctiveness. The call to believe in all prophets without discrimination (v. 152) is a foundation for interfaith dialogue with Jews and Christians, recognizing the shared prophetic tradition. The command to avoid usury (riba) is a direct challenge to the global financial system based on interest, encouraging Muslims to seek ethical, interest-free alternatives. The inheritance verses (v. 176) demonstrate the precision and justice of Islamic law, ensuring fair distribution of wealth even in complex family situations.
Practical application
Apply verse 170 by actively reflecting on the truth brought by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and strengthening your faith through study and practice. Apply verse 171 by avoiding extremism in your religious practice: do not be overly rigid or overly lenient; maintain balance and seek knowledge. In your conversations about other religions, especially Christianity, speak truthfully and respectfully, affirming that Jesus (ﷺ) is a great prophet but not divine. Apply verse 176 by ensuring your will and inheritance arrangements are compliant with Islamic law, and if you have complex family situations, consult knowledgeable scholars for guidance. In your financial dealings, avoid any transactions involving riba (usury) and seek halal, ethical alternatives.
Reflect
Reflection: Think of a situation where you might have been guilty of 'excess' in religion—either being overly harsh and judgmental toward others, or being overly lax and neglectful. How can the guidance of verse 171 help you find the balanced middle path? Challenge: This week, study the life of one of the prophets mentioned in verse 163 (e.g., Job, Jonah, or Solomon) by reading their story in the Quran and reflecting on the lessons for your own life. Additionally, if you have financial matters involving inheritance, debts, or investments, take one concrete step to ensure they are in compliance with Islamic principles, such as writing a proper will or consulting a knowledgeable advisor.
Coming next
Tomorrow, we begin a new surah, Al-Maidah (The Table Spread), with the first section (Sec 1/8), verses 1-15. This surah is the final great Medinan revelation, addressing contracts, dietary laws, the perfection of the religion, the completion of Allah's favor, and the duty of the believers to maintain justice and covenant.