يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ شَهَـٰدَةُ بَيْنِكُمْ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ ٱلْمَوْتُ حِينَ ٱلْوَصِيَّةِ ٱثْنَانِ ذَوَا عَدْلٍ مِّنكُمْ أَوْ ءَاخَرَانِ مِنْ غَيْرِكُمْ إِنْ أَنتُمْ ضَرَبْتُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَأَصَـٰبَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۚ تَحْبِسُونَهُمَا مِنۢ بَعْدِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ فَيُقْسِمَانِ بِٱللَّهِ إِنِ ٱرْتَبْتُمْ لَا نَشْتَرِى بِهِۦ ثَمَنًا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ ۙ وَلَا نَكْتُمُ شَهَـٰدَةَ ٱللَّهِ إِنَّآ إِذًا لَّمِنَ ٱلْـَٔاثِمِينَ 106
Translations
O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest - [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allāh if you doubt [their testimony, saying], "We will not exchange it [i.e., our oath] for a price [i.e., worldly gain], even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of [i.e., ordained by] Allāh. Indeed, we would then be of the sinful."
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu shahädatu baynikum idha hadara ahadakumu almawtụ hina alwasiyyati ithnani dha 'adlin minkum aw äkharan min ghayrikum in antum darabtum fi al-ardi fa-asäbatakum musibatu almawti tahbisunuhuma min ba'da alssalati fayuqsimäni billahi ini irtabtum lä nashtari bihi thanäan wa law käna dha qurbä wa lä naktumu shahädrata allah inna idhan laminü al-ätimina.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the legal requirement for witnesses during the making of a will when someone is near death, particularly for believers traveling who may face sudden death. Two just witnesses from among the believers are required, or alternatively two from outside their community if necessary. The witnesses are commanded to swear by Allah after the prayer that they will not sell their testimony for any price, even to a relative, and will not conceal Allah's testimony, lest they become among the sinners. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this regulation ensures the protection of the deceased's wishes and prevents corruption or falsification of wills.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the regulations on wills (wasiyyah) revealed in the Medinan period when the Islamic legal system was being established. The context addresses practical scenarios faced by the Muslim community, particularly during travels where death might occur suddenly far from home. This ayah follows the general laws of inheritance and precedes regulations on testimony, forming a cohesive legal framework for protecting the rights of the deceased and inheritors.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family,' which relates to the protection of family rights mentioned in will regulations (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized the importance of honest testimony: 'Avoid the seven deadly sins... bearing false witness' (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim), directly relevant to the sworn testimony of witnesses mentioned here.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that honesty and integrity in testimony are sacred trusts before Allah, transcending personal interests, family relations, or financial gain. In our modern context, it underscores the importance of transparent legal documentation and truthful witness-bearing in all matters, as accountability to Allah supersedes worldly concerns.