Juz 7: Al-Māʾidah 82 to Al-Anʿām 110
Section 2 of 17 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
2. The Christian Delegation from Abyssinia | Verses: Al-Ma'idah 5:82-86
The seventh juz begins with a remarkable account of a group of Christians who responded to the truth of the Quran with sincere faith. This follows from the end of the sixth juz, which discussed the attitudes of both Jews and Christians toward believers, noting that many Christians show greater sympathy toward Muslims.
إِذَا سَمِعُوا مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ تَرَىٰ أَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُوا مِنَ الْحَقِّ ۖ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ
“When they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognized. They say, 'Our Lord, we have come to believe, so record us along with the witnesses.'" (5:83)”
These verses describe a delegation from Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) who encountered the Quran. When they heard its recitation, they were so overcome with emotion that their eyes welled up with tears, their beards becoming wet with weeping. This powerful response demonstrates how the Quran touches hearts that are open to truth. The verses that moved them resonated with their natural disposition (fitrah) and aligned with truths they already recognized but perhaps had not fully articulated.
Their response is particularly noteworthy in their exclamation:
وَمَا لَنَا لَا نُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا جَاءَنَا مِنَ الْحَقِّ" –
“And why should we not believe in Allah and in the truth that has come to us?" This rhetorical question reveals the simplicity and clarity of faith when one approaches revelation without prejudice or arrogance. They recognized that belief was the natural, logical response to the truth they had encountered.”
Allah then describes the reward for their sincere faith:
فَأَثَابَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِمَا قَالُوا جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ جَزَاءُ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“So because of what they said, Allah has awarded them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they shall live forever. That is the reward of those who do good." (5:85)”
The term Jannah (gardens) used here is significant. It shares its root with words like "jinn" (the unseen beings) and "junoon" (insanity), all of which involve the concept of being veiled or covered. In Paradise, these gardens are lushly covered with greenery, creating an environment of overwhelming beauty that appeals to the heart. Paradise is predominantly characterized by its outdoor splendor rather than its buildings, emphasizing the natural beauty of Allah's creation.
Immediately following this description of reward, Allah presents a contrast:
وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَكَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَحِيمِ
“As for those who disbelieve and deny Our signs, they are the people of the Fire." (5:86)”
This brief mention of punishment for disbelievers exemplifies the Quranic balance between encouragement (targhib) and warning (tarhib). The Quran never discusses rewards at length without reminding readers of consequences, ensuring a balanced perspective on accountability before Allah.
This account of the Christians from Abyssinia teaches us that when one approaches the Quran with an open heart, humble attitude, and genuine desire for truth, its message resonates deeply and can lead to profound transformation. Their story stands as a testimony to the universal appeal of the Quran across cultural and religious boundaries.