قُلْ يَـٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ شَهِيدٌ عَلَىٰ مَا تَعْمَلُونَ 98
Translations
Say, "O People of the Scripture, why do you disbelieve in the verses of Allāh while Allāh is Witness over what you do?"
Transliteration
Qul ya ahla al-kitabi lima takfuruna bi-ayati Allahi wa-Allahu shahidun ala ma tamalun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad to address the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), questioning why they reject the clear signs of Allah despite their knowledge of scripture. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah highlights the willful rejection of truth by those who possessed knowledge, and that Allah bears witness to all their deeds—nothing is hidden from Him. The ayah serves as both a rebuke and a call to reflection, reminding the People of the Book of their accountability before Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the broader Medinan context of Surah Ali 'Imran, which frequently addresses the People of the Book regarding their resistance to Islamic teachings despite the similarities between Islamic monotheism and their own traditions. The specific context involves dialogue with the Jews and Christians of Medina who rejected the Qur'an despite recognizing many of its truths from their own scriptures.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). This relates to the theme of knowledge and responsibility before Allah. Additionally, the hadith about the People of the Book's resistance to truth is reflected in various narrations about the Prophet's interactions with Jewish and Christian scholars in Medina.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that possessing knowledge of truth does not excuse us from following it; rather, it increases our responsibility and accountability before Allah. We should reflect on how we respond to clear signs of truth in our lives, knowing that Allah is fully aware of our actions and intentions.