وَإِذْ أَوْحَيْتُ إِلَى ٱلْحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ أَنْ ءَامِنُوا۟ بِى وَبِرَسُولِى قَالُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَٱشْهَدْ بِأَنَّنَا مُسْلِمُونَ 111
Translations
And [remember] when I inspired to the disciples, "Believe in Me and in My messenger [i.e., Jesus]." They said, "We have believed, so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims [in submission to Allāh]."
Transliteration
Wa-idh awhaitu ila al-hawariyyina an aminuu bi wa-bi-rasuli qalu amanna wa-shahad bi-anna-na muslimun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to when Allah revealed to the disciples (Hawariyyun) of Jesus to believe in Allah and His messenger (Jesus). The disciples immediately affirmed their belief and testified to their submission to Allah. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this demonstrates the immediate acceptance and sincere faith of the Hawariyyun, who recognized Jesus as Allah's messenger and pledged their complete obedience and surrender to Allah's will.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the context of Surah Al-Ma'idah's discussion of Jesus (Isa) and his disciples. It is part of a passage (5:111-115) wherein Allah reminds the disciples of the favors He bestowed upon them and their mission. The surah was revealed in Madinah and addresses various aspects of Christian-Muslim theological differences, emphasizing the monotheistic message of Jesus and his disciples.
Related Hadiths
While no single hadith directly quotes this verse, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain numerous hadiths about the followers of the prophets and their faith (iman). The theme of bearing witness (shahada) is extensively covered in hadiths about the Kalimah Shahada, such as those in Sahih Muslim regarding the testimony of faith.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true faith requires both inner belief in Allah and His messengers and public testimony to that belief through submission and obedience. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of not only believing privately but also openly acknowledging one's faith and commitment to following the guidance of Allah and His messengers.