وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَجِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ 50
Translations
And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allāh and obey me.
Transliteration
Wa-musaddiqan li-ma bayna yadayya min al-Tawrah wa-li-uhilla lakum ba'da alladhi hurrama 'alaykum wa-ji'tukum bi-ayatin min rabbikum fa-ttaqū al-Laha wa-ati'ūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, Prophet 'Isa (Jesus) affirms his role as confirming the Torah that preceded him, while also clarifying that he comes with divine permission to permit certain things that were forbidden to the Children of Israel. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this refers to relaxations in dietary laws and other regulations that were stringent under the Mosaic law. The ayah emphasizes 'Isa's divine authority and calls the people to piety and obedience to him as a messenger from Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ali 'Imran (3:50), which is a Medinan chapter revealed after the Prophet Muhammad's migration to Medina. It appears within the narrative of 'Isa's birth and mission as recounted by Mary to the people. The broader context addresses the relationship between the previous scriptures and the message of 'Isa, emphasizing continuity with prior revelation while introducing new mercies and concessions for his followers.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet Muhammad said, 'I was sent to perfect noble character and to complete good deeds,' which echoes the theme of 'Isa coming to build upon the Torah rather than abrogate it entirely. Additionally, the Qur'an itself in Surah 5:46 states that 'Isa was given the Injil (Gospel) as a confirmation of the Torah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that true religious progression respects and builds upon prior divine guidance while bringing necessary mercies suited to each community's circumstances. For modern readers, it underscores the importance of recognizing the continuity of God's message through different prophets and responding to divine guidance with piety and sincere obedience.