Juz 7: Al-Māʾidah 82 to Al-Anʿām 110
Section 10 of 17 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
11.Jesus and the Day of Judgment | Verses: Al-Ma'idah 5:109-120
The concluding passages of Surat Al-Ma'idah turn our attention to one of the most significant scenes of the Day of Judgment, focusing on the testimony of Messengers, particularly Prophet Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him). This powerful discourse serves as a correction to distorted Christian beliefs about Jesus while also reminding believers of accountability before Allah (swt).
Allah (swt) begins by describing how all messengers will be gathered on the Day of Judgment:
يَوْمَ يَجْمَعُ اللَّهُ الرُّسُلَ فَيَقُولُ مَاذَا أُجِبْتُمْ قَالُوا لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ
“(Be mindful of) the Day when Allah will gather the messengers and will say, 'What was the response you received?' They will say, 'We have no knowledge. Surely You alone have the full knowledge of all that is unseen.'”
This profound response from the messengers highlights their humility and complete submission to Allah's knowledge. Despite being the chosen messengers, they acknowledge their limited knowledge compared to Allah's omniscience. This sets the stage for the specific dialogue with Prophet Isa (peace be upon him).
The discourse then shifts specifically to Isa (peace be upon him), as Allah (swt) addresses him regarding the divine favors bestowed upon him and his mother, Maryam (Mary):
إِذْ قَالَ اللَّهُ يَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ اذْكُرْ نِعْمَتِي عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَتِكَ إِذْ أَيَّدتُّكَ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ
“When Allah will say, 'O Isa, son of Maryam, remember My blessing upon you and upon your mother, when I supported you with the Holy Spirit.'”
Allah (swt) reminds Isa (peace be upon him) of the miracles granted to him – speaking in the cradle as an infant and as a mature man, being taught the Book, wisdom, Torah, and Injeel (Gospel), and performing extraordinary miracles. These included forming birds from clay and breathing life into them, healing the blind and lepers, and even reviving the dead – all by Allah's permission. Additionally, Allah (swt) protected him from the hostile Children of Israel who sought to harm him despite witnessing these clear signs.
The most critical part of this dialogue comes when Allah (swt) asks Isa (peace be upon him) about the false worship attributed to him:
وَإِذْ قَالَ اللَّهُ يَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ أَأَنتَ قُلْتَ لِلنَّاسِ اتَّخِذُونِي وَأُمِّيَ إِلَٰهَيْنِ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ
“And when Allah will say, 'O Isa, son of Maryam, did you say to the people: Take me and my mother as gods beside Allah?'”
The response of Isa (peace be upon him) is a powerful affirmation of tawhid (Divine Oneness):
سُبْحَانَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِي أَنْ أَقُولَ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِحَقٍّ
“Pure are You, it was not for me to say what I had no right to say.”
This eloquent denial establishes the truth that Isa (peace be upon him) never claimed divinity. He further explains that had he made such a claim, Allah would have known it, as Allah knows what is in his heart while he does not know what is in Allah's knowledge. He affirms that he only conveyed what Allah commanded him to convey – worship of Allah alone, his Lord and their Lord.
The response of Isa (peace be upon him) concludes with a deeply moving supplication:
إِن تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ وَإِن تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
“If You punish them, they are Your servants; and if You forgive them, You are the Mighty, the Wise.”
This beautiful expression of submission demonstrates the perfect adab (etiquette) of a prophet before Allah (swt). He acknowledges Allah's complete right to punish those who disobeyed, yet also affirms Allah's power to forgive from a position of strength and wisdom, not weakness.
Allah (swt) concludes this powerful discourse by announcing that those who were truthful will benefit from their truthfulness, for them will be Gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. Allah will be pleased with them, and they with Him. This is the ultimate success.