Question
In verse 82 of Surah Al-Maaidah the Christians are said to be the closest to the Muslims. Their scholars and monks are said to be devout and devoid of pride. To whom does the Qur‟aan refer? Please comment on these Christians and their scholars and monks.
Answer
The Nasaara mentioned in the Verse refer to the true Muslims who followed the Shariah of Nabi Isaa (Alayhis salaam). They were Muslims even before our Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) appeared on the scene. When the Message of the Qur'aan reached them, they immediately entered into the fold of Islam as the very next Verse confirms. Examples are the sincere Nasaara of Abysinnia which included King Najaashi. The Nasaara mentioned in this aayat do not refer to Christians who had rejected Islam.
Verses 82 and 83 of Surah Al-Maaidah states:
"When they (the Nasaara) hear what has been revealed to the Rasool (Muhammad - Sallallahu alayhi wasallam), you will see tears cascading from their eyes because of the Haqq (Truth) which they have recognized, saying: „Why should we not believe in Allah and in that which has come to us of the Truth, and we hope that Our Rabb shall enter us (into Jannat) with the pious people." Thus, Allah rewarded them with such Orchards (in Jannat) beneath which flow rivers wherein they shall dwell forever. That is the reward of the pious ones."
These verses refer specifically to king Najaashi and his followers. When the Sahaabi, Hadhrat Ja'far (Radhiyallahu anhu) recited some Verses of Surah Maryam to them, the king and his men broke down in crying. They shed tears in profusion.
The sincere scholars and monks among the early Nasaara had accepted Islam.
MAKTAB
SYLLABUS
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 26 No 08
- PDF page
- 6
Verbatim verified against the source PDF
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