وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ ۖ فَٱحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ ۚ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا ۚ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِى مَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمْ ۖ فَٱسْتَبِقُوا۟ ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ ۚ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ 48
Translations
And We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allāh has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allāh willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allāh is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.
Transliteration
Wa anzalna ilayka al-kitaba bil-haqqi musaddiqan lima bayna yadayhi min al-kitabi wa muhayminan alayhi. Fahkum baynahum bima anzala Allah wa la tattabi' ahwaahum amma jaaka min al-haqq. Likullin ja'alna minkum shir'atan wa minhajan. Wa law shaa Allah laja'alakum ummatan wahidatan wa lakin liyabluwakum fi ma atakum. Fastabiqul-khayrat. Ila Allah marji'ukum jami'an fayunabbiukum bima kuntum fihi takhtalifun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the Quran's role as a revealed scripture that confirms previous scriptures while serving as a guardian (muhaymin) over them, guiding humanity with divine truth. The Prophet Muhammad is commanded to judge by what Allah has revealed without yielding to the desires of those who deny the truth, as each community was given its own path and law (Sharia) as a test from Allah. The ayah emphasizes that while God could have made all people one nation, He permitted diversity to test humanity's righteousness, and ultimately all will return to Allah who will resolve their disputes on the Day of Judgment (Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari).
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina during the period when the Prophet was adjudicating disputes between various groups including Muslims, Jews, and Christians. It addresses the broader thematic context of Surah Al-Ma'idah, which deals with legal rulings, dietary laws, and the relationship between different faith communities within a multi-religious society.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I have been sent with the sword just before the Hour so that Allah alone is worshipped with no partners, and my sustenance is placed under the shade of my spear, and those who disobey me are humiliated with disgrace' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also related: 'Whoever judges by other than what Allah revealed, then those are the disbelievers' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1342), emphasizing the centrality of divine judgment in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims are reminded that adherence to divine guidance requires firm commitment to truth over societal pressures and personal preferences, understanding that diversity of beliefs exists as a test of character rather than a hindrance. The ultimate measure of righteousness lies in striving for goodness and remembering that all disputes will be resolved by Allah's perfect justice on the Day of Judgment, which should inspire ethical conduct in this life.