Tafsir & Commentary
The Table Spread (المائدة) · Medinan
وَتَرَىٰ كَثِيرًا مِّنْهُمْ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْعُدْوَٰنِ وَأَكْلِهِمُ ٱلسُّحْتَ ۚ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ62
5:62
Translation — Sahih International
And you see many of them hastening into sin and aggression and the devouring of [what is] unlawful. How wretched is what they have been doing.
Transliteration
Wa tara kathiran minhum yusāri'ūn fil-ithm wa al-'udwān wa aklihim al-suḥt. La-bi'sa mā kānū ya'malūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah condemns the behavior of certain people (referring to the hypocrites and those who rejected truth) who eagerly rush toward sin, transgression, and consuming unlawful wealth (suḥt). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that suḥt specifically refers to earnings through haram means—such as bribery, usury, theft, and fraud—and that this ayah exposes how some people actively compete in wrongdoing rather than righteousness. The concluding statement emphasizes Allah's strong disapproval of such deeds.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This ayah appears in the Medinan context of Surah Al-Ma'idah, which addresses the behavior of hypocrites and those who reject Allah's guidance despite clear signs. It follows discussions about the People of the Book and those who claim faith while their actions contradict Islamic principles. The broader context concerns the moral corruption of certain communities during the Prophet's time.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those with the best character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Whoever is patient during hardship and refrains from haram earnings, Allah will grant him honor' - a principle reinforced through various hadith collections emphasizing the prohibition of ill-gotten wealth.
Themes
Key Lessons
This ayah warns believers to be vigilant against the subtle trap of gradually accepting unlawful practices and to compete instead in righteousness. It reminds us that Allah sees not only our outward actions but also our eagerness and intention—encouraging Muslims to audit their sources of income and ensure all earnings are lawfully and ethically obtained.