إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِمَآ أَرَىٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَلَا تَكُن لِّلْخَآئِنِينَ خَصِيمًا 105
Translations
Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], the Book in truth so you may judge between the people by that which Allāh has shown you. And do not be for the deceitful an advocate.
Transliteration
Inna anzalna ilayka al-kitaba bil-haqq litahkuma bayna an-nasi bima araaka Allah. Wa la takun lil-khainina khaseema.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad with truth as its foundation, empowering him to judge between people according to what Allah has shown him through divine revelation. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse grants the Prophet judicial authority based on divine guidance, while simultaneously warning him not to become an advocate (helper/defender) for those who commit treachery or betrayal. Al-Qurtubi notes that the prohibition against supporting the unfaithful reflects the principle that justice must never be compromised for personal relationships or loyalties.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period when the Prophet had established himself as judge and arbiter among the Muslim community and the various tribes of Medina. The specific context relates to disputes that arose among the people, and this verse clarifies that the Prophet's judicial decisions must be grounded in the Qur'an and divine wisdom, not in human bias or favoritism toward those guilty of treachery.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When the judge strives to make a judgment and is correct, he receives two rewards, and when he strives but errs, he receives one reward.' (Sahih Bukhari 7188). Related to justice: 'The most beloved of people to Allah on the Day of Resurrection and the nearest to Him will be a just ruler' (Tirmidhi 1329).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true justice must be founded on divine guidance rather than personal interest, and that integrity demands we never compromise our principles by supporting wrongdoers, regardless of relationship or proximity. For modern contexts, it teaches that leadership and decision-making should always prioritize truth and fairness over loyalty to individuals engaged in dishonest conduct.
Related Ayahs
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا سَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِمْ نَارًا كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتْ جُلُودُهُم بَدَّلْنَـٰهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا
Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses - We will drive them into a fire. Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allāh is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.
إِن يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ إِنَـٰثًا وَإِن يَدْعُونَ إِلَّا شَيْطَـٰنًا مَّرِيدًا
They call upon instead of Him none but female [deities], and they [actually] call upon none but a rebellious Satan,
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَكُم بُرْهَـٰنٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكُمْ نُورًا مُّبِينًا
O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.
وَلَا تَهِنُوا۟ فِى ٱبْتِغَآءِ ٱلْقَوْمِ ۖ إِن تَكُونُوا۟ تَأْلَمُونَ فَإِنَّهُمْ يَأْلَمُونَ كَمَا تَأْلَمُونَ ۖ وَتَرْجُونَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَرْجُونَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا
And do not weaken in pursuit of the enemy. If you should be suffering - so are they suffering as you are suffering, but you expect from Allāh that which they expect not. And Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.