۞ كُلُّ ٱلطَّعَامِ كَانَ حِلًّا لِّبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ إِلَّا مَا حَرَّمَ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلُ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِۦ مِن قَبْلِ أَن تُنَزَّلَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةُ ۗ قُلْ فَأْتُوا۟ بِٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ فَٱتْلُوهَآ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ 93
Translations
All food was lawful to the Children of Israel except what Israel [i.e., Jacob] had made unlawful to himself before the Torah was revealed. Say, [O Muḥammad], "So bring the Torah and recite it, if you should be truthful."
Transliteration
Kullut-ta'amu kana hillal-li-bani Isra'ila illa ma harrama Isra'ilu 'ala nafsih min qabli an tunazzalat-Tawrahu. Qul fa'tu bi-Tawrah fatluh in kuntum sadiqin.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the Jewish claim that certain foods were forbidden to them from ancient times, establishing that all food was lawful (halal) for Bani Isra'il except what they themselves made unlawful before the revelation of the Torah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is commanded to challenge them to produce the Torah if they truly speak the truth, as the Qur'an contests their assertions about dietary restrictions not explicitly mentioned in the Torah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note this ayah refutes Jewish dietary claims that lacked scriptural basis and affirms the principle that permissibility is the default state of things.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Madinah in response to disputes with the Jews about dietary laws and their claims regarding prohibited foods. It appears in the broader context of Surah Ali 'Imran's discussion of the People of the Book and their disputes with Muslims, particularly addressing their false claims about religious requirements.
Related Hadiths
Related to the principle of the default permissibility of things, the hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him): 'Halal is clear and haram is clear, and between them are matters that are unclear' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, classified as Sahih). This supports the ayah's assertion that the burden of proof lies with those claiming restriction.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that unfounded religious restrictions without clear scriptural evidence should be questioned, and reminds Muslims to verify claims about religious law against authentic sources rather than accepting traditions based solely on inherited practice.
Related Ayahs
تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ ۗ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ يُرِيدُ ظُلْمًا لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
These are the verses of Allāh. We recite them to you, [O Muḥammad], in truth; and Allāh wants no injustice to the worlds [i.e., His creatures].
وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ نَافَقُوا۟ ۚ وَقِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا۟ قَـٰتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَوِ ٱدْفَعُوا۟ ۖ قَالُوا۟ لَوْ نَعْلَمُ قِتَالًا لَّٱتَّبَعْنَـٰكُمْ ۗ هُمْ لِلْكُفْرِ يَوْمَئِذٍ أَقْرَبُ مِنْهُمْ لِلْإِيمَـٰنِ ۚ يَقُولُونَ بِأَفْوَٰهِهِم مَّا لَيْسَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَكْتُمُونَ
And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allāh or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] battle, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allāh is most knowing of what they conceal -
ٱلَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا۟ لَكُمْ فَٱخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَـٰنًا وَقَالُوا۟ حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ
Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allāh, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ ٱلنَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُۥ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ
Our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to the Fire - You have disgraced him, and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers.