Salam,

I want to suggest that a "Tafsir" thread be opened where we can discuss meaning of Quranic verses from interpretations by learned scholars such as Ibn Kathir, Yusuf Ali and so on. It can be just like the daily hadith thread already existing.

It is very important for us to do this, seeing that the non muslims are hell bent on deliberately misinterpreting Quranic verses. You may think it is a minor issue, but it is a well thought out, evil plan designed to cause doubt in the minds of less learned Muslims, so we should be proactive rather than reacting to their evil lies.

"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just, that is nearer to Taqwa; and have Taqwa of Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do."

[Soorah al-Maa'idah (5):8]


Imam Ibn Kathir

Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Volume 3

Allah said,

"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah…"

meaning, in truth for the sake of Allah, not for the sake of people or for fame, "as just witnesses" observing justice and not transgression.

It is recorded in the Two Sahihs that An-Nu`man bin Bashir said, "My father gave me a gift, but `Amrah bint Rawahah, my mother, said that she would not agree to it unless he made Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, as a witness to it. So, my father went to Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, to ask him to be a witness to his giving me the gift. Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, asked,

‘Have you given the like of it to everyone of your offspring?’

He replied in the negative. Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said,

‘Have Taqwa of Allah and treat your children equally.’

And said:

‘I shall not be witness to injustice.’

My father then returned and took back his gift."


Allah said:

"and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice."

The Ayah commands: Do not be carried away by your hatred for some people to avoid observing justice with them. Rather, be just with every one, whether a friend or an enemy.

This is why Allah said,

"Be just: that is nearer to Taqwa"

this is better than if you abandon justice in this case.

Although Allah said that observing justice is ‘nearer to Taqwa’, there is not any other course of action to take, therefore ‘nearer’ here means ‘is’.

Allah said in another Ayah,

"The dwellers of Paradise will, on that Day, have the best abode, and have the fairer of places for repose."


Some of the female Companions said to `Umar, "You are more rough and crude than the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam.", meaning you are rough, not that the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam is rough at all.


Allah said next,

"and have Taqwa of Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do."

And consequently, He will reward or punish you according to your actions, whether good or evil.

Hence Allah’s statements afterwards,

"Allah has promised those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, that for them there is forgiveness"

for their sins,"and a great reward." which is Paradise, that is part of Allah’s mercy for His servants.

They will not earn Paradise on account of their good actions, but rather on account of His mercy and favor, even though they will qualify to earn this mercy on account of their good actions. Allah has made these actions the cause and path that lead to His mercy, favor, pardon and acceptance. Therefore, all this is from Allah Alone and all thanks are due to Him.

Allah said next,

"And they who disbelieve and deny our Ayat are those who will be the dwellers of the Hell-fire."

This only demonstrates Allah’s perfect justice, wisdom and judgment, He is never wrong, for He is the Most Wise, Most Just and Most Able.