Juz 6: An-Nisāʾ 148 to Al-Māʾidah 81
Section 6 of 16 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
5. Prohibitions and Punishments for the Jews | Verses: An-Nisa 4:160-162
In these verses, Allah (swt) explains the specific reasons why certain prohibitions were placed upon the Jews, and why divine punishment befell them throughout history. These prohibitions were not arbitrary but were direct consequences of their actions and transgressions:
فَبِظُلْمٍ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ هَادُواْ حَرَّمْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ طَيِّبَاتٍ أُحِلَّتْ لَهُمْ وَبِصَدِّهِمْ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ كَثِيرًا
“So, because of the transgression of those who became Jews, We prohibited for them good things which were made lawful for them earlier, and for their preventing (people) frequently from the way of Allah." (4:160)”
The verse clarifies that the dietary restrictions and prohibitions placed upon the Jews were not original to their law but came as a punishment for their wrongdoings. Prior to their transgressions, these foods were lawful for them, but Allah (swt) made them unlawful as a consequence of their persistent disobedience and their active prevention of others from following the way of Allah.
The prohibitions continued to multiply because of additional violations of their covenant with Allah (swt):
وَأَخْذِهِمُ الرِّبَا وَقَدْ نُهُواْ عَنْهُ وَأَكْلِهِمْ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ مِنْهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا
“And (We prohibited for them) their taking of Ribā (usury) while they were forbidden from it, and their devouring of the properties of people by false means. We have prepared, for the disbelievers among them, a painful punishment." (4:161)”
Here Allah (swt) highlights two additional major transgressions: their engagement in ribā (usury) despite its explicit prohibition, and their consumption of wealth through unlawful means. The Jews were clearly forbidden from practicing ribā in their own scriptures, yet many of them openly engaged in it, further demonstrating their disregard for divine commandments.
The phrase "devouring the properties of people by false means" refers to various forms of unjust financial exploitation, including bribery, embezzlement, and dishonest business practices that many among them had normalized. These economic injustices compounded their religious transgressions, making their punishment even more severe.
It is important to note that these verses are not a blanket condemnation of all Jewish people throughout history. Rather, Allah (swt) immediately distinguishes in the next verse between those who transgressed and those who remained steadfast in their faith:
لَّكِنِ الرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ مِنْهُمْ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَالْمُقِيمِينَ الصَّلاَةَ وَالْمُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ أُوْلَئِكَ سَنُؤْتِيهِمْ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
“But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge and the believers believe in what has been revealed to you and what has been revealed before you, and those who establish Salāh and give Zakāh and believe in Allah and in the Last Day. To them We shall give a great reward." (4:162)”
This verse provides a crucial balance by praising those Jews who remained faithful to true knowledge and belief. These individuals are characterized by several traits:
- They are rāsikhūn fil-'ilm (firmly grounded in knowledge)
- They believe in what was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
- They believe in previous divine revelations
- They establish prayer
- They give zakāh (obligatory charity)
- They maintain true belief in Allah (swt) and the Last Day
This demonstrates Allah's perfect justice – those who transgress face consequences, while those who remain faithful receive divine reward. The mention of believing in what was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) indicates that the righteous ones recognized the truth of his prophethood and the Quran, effectively "upgrading" to the final revelation as their own scriptures had foretold.
These verses serve as a reminder that divine punishment comes as a result of persistent disobedience and injustice, not as arbitrary restrictions. They also highlight that Allah (swt) always acknowledges and rewards those who remain true to faith and knowledge, regardless of their background.