Tafsir Al-Bayyinah

Surah al-Bayyinah Overview Surah al-Bayyinah is a Medinan surah. “al-Bayyinah” means the clear evidence. This is a surah that describes the response of the unbelievers when they were presented with the proofs of Islam. And these unbelievers were the People of the Book (the Jews and Christians) and the idolaters. When the proof of Islam came, they started to be divided, bickering with each other. Fathers and children went about their own ways. Family relationships were cut off because some of the family members chose to embrace Islam while others were stubborn to be in their misled ways. And tribes fought with each other. What is the proof of Islam? It is the prophet and the Quran, both of which together make up the Proof. Before Islam, everyone held on strongly to tribal and familial sentiment. These ties were very strong such that even when one of their tribe or family members did wrong against other tribes and families, they would still have their tribe’s and family’s backs. When islam came, however, these false ties inevitably broke. When Islam came, the only truth that people hold on to is Islam. Therefore, everything must be decided according to the standards of Islam. Whenever there are people who do wrong things, even if they are Muslims, they will surely be judged and held responsible based on the laws of Islam. Truth does not side with anyone but itself. Whoever refuses to abide by the truth and keep on being stubborn in falsehood will surely be thrown into hell. Whereas, for those who have taqwā, they will enter Paradise. 1. The Disbelievers Were United Until the Proof of Islam Came. “The disbelievers from the People of the Book and the polytheists were not going to desist ˹from disbelief˺ until the clear proof came to them:” The unbelievers were once a united lot. Unfortunately, their unity was not based on truth. Instead, it was based on worldly utilitarianism. They were able to tolerate each other’s falsehood because this condition enabled them to flourish economically and in worldly wealth. However, when Islam came, it provided a new foundation on which people can unite. But because the conditions that Islam has set forth were opposing their beliefs, they started to be divided. 2. A Messenger Bringing a Holy Scripture. “a messenger from Allah, reciting scrolls of ˹utmost˺ purity,”

The proof intended by Allah in this surah refers to none other than the Prophet and the Quran. The Quran is a holy scripture because it came from Allah, brought by the noble Jibril, which guarantees the Quran’s being free from errors and falsehood. This holiness is then exemplified by the Prophet through his actions. 3. The Highly Valued Writings. “containing upright commandments.” The writings mentioned here are the unchanging laws, commandments, and prohibitions in the Quran. The Quran is an epistle which compiles in it all of the teachings that were revealed to the previous prophets. It is also the decisive criterion which puts all of the previous teachings in their proper places (muṣaddiqan limā bayna yadayhi wa mā khalfahum). All of the previous teachings were elaborated further in the Quran. 4. The People of the Book Were Also Divided. “It was not until this clear proof came to the People of the Book that they became divided ˹about his prophethood˺.” The People of the Book never quarrelled among themselves except after the coming of Islam. This is because when Islam came, they had no other choice but to acknowledge the truth of Islam, even though they did not want to. Consequently, they quarrelled among themselves on how to procure the best refutations to Islam. 5. They Were Ordered Only to Worship Allah, to Pray, And to Pay Alms. “even though they were only commanded to worship Allah ˹alone˺ with sincere devotion to Him in all uprightness, establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. That is the upright Way.” The People of the book were not even given a difficult commandment. They were only to acknowledge the truth of Islam; to worship Allah, to perform prayers, and to pay zakat. All of which would strip them from their status as the sole custodians and interpreter of God’s words. They did not want to acknowledge the Prophet because they wanted to keep the authority, power, and respect for themselves. 6. The Punishments for the Disbelievers. “Indeed, those who disbelieve from the People of the Book and the polytheists will be in the Fire of Hell, to stay there forever. They are the worst of ˹all˺ beings.”

These people are the worst of creations (sharr al-bariyyah). This is because they were stubborn to be in the darkness of falsehood, despite the presence of the light of truth as per presented to them. 7. The Rewards of the Believers. “Indeed, those who believe and do good—they are the best of ˹all˺ beings.” However, for those who, with their healthy minds and sound reasons, acknowledged the truth of Islam, they will be given an unlimited reward. And they are the best of creations (khayr al- bariyyah). 8. Allah is Pleased with Them. “Their reward with their Lord will be Gardens of Eternity, under which rivers flow, to stay there for ever and ever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. This is ˹only˺ for those in awe of their Lord.” Their reward is a heavenly residence in Paradise, in which they will reside for eternity. They are those who are satisfied (riḍā) with Islam, submitting themselves to Allah. And this submission is the real freedom in the truest sense of the word. As a result, Allah is also satisfied with them. Conclusion: Islam came to emancipate mankind from the slavery of their own ignorance. And it is based on this truth that they should be united. And bringer of truth is none other than the Quran and the Prophet as its mouthpiece.