وَقَالَتِ ٱلْيَهُودُ لَيْسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيْسَتِ ٱلْيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ وَهُمْ يَتْلُونَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ مِثْلَ قَوْلِهِمْ ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُوا۟ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ 113
Translations
The Jews say, "The Christians have nothing [true] to stand on," and the Christians say, "The Jews have nothing to stand on," although they [both] recite the Scripture. Thus do those who know not [i.e., the polytheists] speak the same as their words. But Allāh will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.
Transliteration
Wa qalat al-yahūdu laysat an-nasārā 'alā shay'in wa qālat an-nasārā laysat al-yahūdu 'alā shay'in wa hum yatlūn al-kitāb. Kadhalika qāla alladhīna lā ya'lamūn mithla qawlihim. Fa-allāhu yahkum baynahum yawma al-qiyāmah fīmā kānū fīhi yakhtalifūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah rebukes the mutual rejection between Jews and Christians, each claiming the other possesses no valid faith, despite both reciting the scriptures. Ibn Kathir notes that this verse exposes their arrogance and ignorance—they follow their desires rather than truth, speaking without knowledge like those devoid of understanding. The verse concludes that Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment regarding their disputes, emphasizing that ultimate truth lies with Allah alone.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina during the period when the Prophet ﷺ engaged with Jewish and Christian communities. It addresses the sectarian disputes prevalent in Arabia and reflects the broader Medinan context of interfaith interactions. The ayah is part of a sequence discussing the People of the Book and their claims to exclusive salvation.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3435) where the Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best day is Friday' relates to the theme of truth-seeking and following guidance. More directly, the hadith about 'seventy-three sects' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2641) addresses sectarianism and false claims to truth, echoing this ayah's critique of unfounded religious disputes.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims should guard against arrogance in faith and avoid dismissing others based on mere tribalism or inherited beliefs; instead, we must seek truth with knowledge and humility, knowing that Allah alone is the ultimate judge of sincerity and righteousness. This ayah reminds us that salvation cannot be claimed through group affiliation alone, but requires genuine submission to Allah's guidance.