يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تُحَرِّمُوا۟ طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَآ أَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ 87
Translations
O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allāh has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed, Allāh does not like transgressors.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu la tuharrimu tayyibati ma ahlala allahu lakum wa la ta'tadu. Inna allaha la yuhibbu al-mu'tadin.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah prohibits believers from unnecessarily forbidding halal (permissible) things that Allah has made lawful, and warns against transgression in religious matters. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse addresses those who impose stricter restrictions than what Allah has ordained, cautioning against extremism and self-imposed prohibitions that lack scriptural basis. The ayah establishes the principle that only Allah has the authority to declare things forbidden, and believers must not exceed the boundaries He has set.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period within Surah Al-Ma'idah, which addresses detailed rulings and community conduct. The verse responds to the tendency of some believers to impose self-restrictions and ascetic practices beyond Islamic requirements, particularly regarding permissible foods and practices. It sits within a broader context of the surah clarifying the boundaries of halal and haram established by Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best religion is the easiest one' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, Aisha reported that the Prophet forbade certain companions from excessive fasting and self-denial, saying 'The most beloved deed to Allah is the one done consistently, even if it is small' (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers are reminded to embrace the mercy and ease (yusur) inherent in Islam rather than imposing unnecessary hardships through self-made restrictions; true piety lies in following Allah's clear boundaries, not in exceeding them through extremism or rigid asceticism.