أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ يَشْتَرُونَ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةَ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن تَضِلُّوا۟ ٱلسَّبِيلَ 44
Translations
Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, purchasing error [in exchange for it] and wishing you would lose the way?
Transliteration
Alam tara ila alladhina ootoo naseeban mina al-kitabi yashtaroona ad-dalala wa yureedoona an tadilloo as-sabeel
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah rebukes the People of the Book (primarily Jewish scholars of Medina) who knowingly distort and conceal the truth from the Torah and Gospel, then actively seek to lead Muslims astray from the right path. Ibn Kathir explains that these scholars 'bought falsehood' by choosing worldly gains and status over divine truth, and their desire to misguide others stems from envy and malice toward the Muslim community. Al-Tabari emphasizes that this refers to their deliberate suppression of prophecies about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) found in their scriptures.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina during the early Islamic period when the Muslim community was in direct contact with Jewish tribes and Christian communities. It addresses the historical reality of some Jewish scholars in Medina who, despite possessing knowledge of previous scriptures, rejected the message of Islam and attempted to undermine it. This forms part of Surah An-Nisa's broader discussion of the People of the Book's relationship with Islamic revelation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever hides knowledge when it is asked of him will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Judgment' (Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Abu Dawud). Also related: Surah 2:146 and the hadith in Sahih Bukhari about the People of the Book recognizing Prophet Muhammad as they recognize their own sons.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to be vigilant against those who knowingly spread falsehood and to seek knowledge from trustworthy sources rooted in divine guidance. It also reminds us that true knowledge must be coupled with sincere intention and righteousness, otherwise learning becomes a tool for deception rather than enlightenment.