Interpretation of Verses 48 and 49 of Surah Al-Ma'idah: Reflections on Divine Justice and Prophetic Responsibilities
Excerpt from the Lectures of Nokounam (Session 1085)
Preface
Surah Al-Ma'idah, like a radiant lamp in the sky of divine guidance, encompasses verses that serve as a beacon of justice, wisdom, and prophetic responsibilities. Verses 48 and 49 of this Surah, emphasising the implementation of divine ordinances, abstention from carnal temptations, and vigilance against trials, call the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) to exercise equitable judgment. This writing, by reflecting upon these verses, undertakes an in-depth examination of the concepts of infallibility, justice, and the role of revealed scriptures in human guidance. Furthermore, through a critical perspective on social and historical matters, including the impact of political power on ethics and human conduct, it endeavours to establish a meaningful link between the Holy Qur'an and contemporary challenges. These reflections, employing clear and dignified language, aim to pave the way for a deeper understanding of Qur'anic knowledge.
Part One: Explanation of the Verses and Common Themes
وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ ۖ فَاحْكُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ ۚ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنْكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا ۚ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَٰكِنْ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُمْ ۖ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ ۚ إِلَى اللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ [Al-Ma'idah: 48]
And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it and guarding over them. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a clear way. And if Allah had willed, He would have made you one nation, but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.
وَأَنِ احْكُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ وَاحْذَرْهُمْ أَنْ يَفْتِنُوكَ عَنْ بَعْضِ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ ۖ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ أَنْ يُصِيبَهُمْ بِبَعْضِ ذُنُوبِهِمْ ۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِنَ النَّاسِ لَفَاسِقُونَ [Al-Ma'idah: 49]
And judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their desires, and beware of them lest they tempt you away from some of what Allah has revealed to you. But if they turn away, then know that Allah only intends to afflict them with some of their sins. And indeed, many among the people are defiantly disobedient.
Key Point: Verses 48 and 49 of Surah Al-Ma'idah emphasise the implementation of divine rulings (bima anzal Allah) and avoidance of influence by carnal desires (wala tattabi' ahwa'ahum). These verses summon the Prophet (peace be upon him) to administer just judgment and maintain independence against social pressures.
These verses, like stars in the sky of guidance, underscore two foundational principles: firstly, the execution of justice based on divine ordinances, and secondly, abstention from carnal temptations and social turmoil. These two principles, like wings, assist the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) in the path of equitable judgment and prevent him from faltering before desires and trials.
Verses 48 and 49 of Surah Al-Ma'idah, by stressing the implementation of divine laws and avoidance of carnal desires, chart a roadmap for just judgment. These verses invite the Prophet (peace be upon him) to preserve independence against social pressures and remain vigilant against trials, as if appointing him a steadfast guardian against storms of desires and sedition.
Part Two: Critique of Infallibility and the Role of Reason in Approaching Religious Texts
Reason as the Criterion for Criticism and Acceptance
In this perspective, reason is akin to a luminous torch, serving as the criterion for acceptance or critique of the Holy Qur'an. There exists no red line against rational inquiry. Should any portion of the Qur'an appear incompatible with
