Sura-5 [Al Maida Medina 112]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:

وَكَيْفَ يُحَكِّمُونَكَ وَعِندَهُمُ التَّوْرَاةُ ...

5:43. But why do they come to thee for decision, when they have (their own) laws before them?

C749. This is a searching question as to the motive of the Jews in bringing their cases for decision to the Prophet. They came either;

- to ridicule whatever he said, or

- to deceive him as to facts and snatch a favourable decision which was against equity.

If their own Law did not suit their selfish interests, they sometimes twisted it. But Muhammad was always inflexible in his justice.

... فِيهَا حُكْمُ اللّهِ...

Therein is the (plain) command of Allah;

... ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّوْنَ مِن بَعْدِ ذَلِكَ وَمَا أُوْلَـئِكَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٤٣﴾

yet even after that, they would turn away.

For they are not (really) People of Faith.

C.73 (The running Commentary, in Rhythmic Prose)

(6:44-86)

True justice accords with Allah's Law.

Follow not men’s selfish desires,

But Allah's Will, which was revealed

To Moses and Jesus, and now to Muhammad.

Take not for friends and protectors

Those in whose hearts is a disease-

To whom religion is a mockery

Or a plaything-who worship evil.

Proclaim the Truth of Allah, and be

Not afraid. Eschew their inequities,

Which were denounced by David,

And Jesus. But recognize with justice

Those who are sincere and humble,

Though they may be themselves

Not of your flock, if they witness to Truth.

Other versions:

5: 43

Asad But how is it that they ask thee for judgment seeing that they have the Torah, containing God’s injunctions - ……….

Yusuf Ali But why do they come to thee for decision when they have (their own) laws before them? Therein is the (plain) command of Allah; yet even after that they would turn away. For they are not (really) people of faith.

Pickthall How come they unto thee for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah hath delivered judgment (for them)? Yet even after that they turn away. Such (folk) are not believers.

Transliteration Wa kaifa yuhakkimu_naka wa'indahumut taura_tu fiha_ hukmulla_hi summa yatawallauna mim ba'di za_lik(a), wa ma_ ula_'ika bil mu'minin(a).

[[ Ali’s note - 749 This is a searching question as to the motive of the Jews in bringing their cases for decision to the Prophet. They came either (1) to ridicule whatever he said, or (2) to deceive him as to facts and snatch a favorable decision which was against equity. If their own Law did not suit their selfish interests, they sometimes twisted it. But Muhammad was always inflexible in his justice. (5.43) ]]