وَبِكُفْرِهِمْ وَقَوْلِهِمْ عَلَىٰ مَرْيَمَ بُهْتَـٰنًا عَظِيمًا 156
Translations
And [We cursed them] for their disbelief and their saying against Mary a great slander
Transliteration
Wa bikufrihim wa qawlihim 'ala Maryama buhtan 'aziman
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the disbelief of the Jews and their grave slander against Mary (Maryam), the mother of Jesus, accusing her of immoral conduct. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this represents one of the major transgressions of those who rejected faith, combining both kufr (disbelief) and spreading false accusations against a righteous woman. The Quran condemns such slander as 'buhtan azim' (a tremendous falsehood), highlighting how defamation of the innocent is among the gravest sins, particularly when directed at those of exemplary character.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah An-Nisa's discussion of the Children of Israel and their rejection of the prophets. It specifically addresses the historical accusation made by some Jews against Mary's chastity, which is also referenced in other parts of the Quran (Surah Maryam 19:27-28). The revelation context serves to defend Mary's honor and condemn the spreading of false rumors as a form of disbelief and moral corruption.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized the gravity of slander, stating that spreading false accusations is among the gravest sins (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that spreading false accusations and slander against others, especially against the virtuous and innocent, is a grave sin linked to disbelief itself. Muslims are obligated to protect people's reputations, verify information before spreading it, and recognize that defending the honor of others is a matter of faith and moral integrity.
Related Ayahs
إِنَّ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِى ٱلدَّرْكِ ٱلْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ نَصِيرًا
Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper -
وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ مُّحِيطًا
And to Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And ever is Allāh, of all things, encompassing.
وَأَخْذِهِمُ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ وَقَدْ نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَأَكْلِهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْبَـٰطِلِ ۚ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ مِنْهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا
And [for] their taking of usury while they had been forbidden from it, and their consuming of the people's wealth unjustly. And We have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.
لَّـٰكِنِ ٱللَّهُ يَشْهَدُ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكَ ۖ أَنزَلَهُۥ بِعِلْمِهِۦ ۖ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَشْهَدُونَ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ شَهِيدًا
But Allāh bears witness to that which He has revealed to you. He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels bear witness [as well]. And sufficient is Allāh as Witness.