Surah 3

Then whoever disputes with you concerning him [‘Îsâ (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you [i.e. ‘Îsâ (Jesus) being a slave of Allâh, and having no share in Divinity], say: (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves - then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allâh upon those who lie."

Verily! This is the true narrative [about the story of ‘Îsâ (Jesus)], and Lâ ilâha illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh, the One and the Only True God, Who has neither a wife nor a son). And indeed, Allâh is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

And if they turn away (and do not accept these true proofs and evidence), then surely, Allâh is All-Aware of those who do mischief.

Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh[12]. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims."

O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrâhîm (Abraham), while the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense?

Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge? It is Allâh Who knows, and you know not.

Ibrâhîm (Abraham) was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanîfa (Islâmic Monotheism - to worship none but Allâh Alone) and he was not of Al-Mushrikûn (See V.2:105)[13].

Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrâhîm (Abraham) are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and those who have believed (Muslims). And Allâh is the Walî (Protector and Helper) of the believers.

A party of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) wish to lead you astray. But they shall not lead astray anyone except themselves, and they perceive not.

O people of the Scripture! (Jews and Christians): "Why do you disbelieve in the Ayât of Allâh, [the Verses about Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم present in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] while you (yourselves) bear witness (to their truth)."

O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): "Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?"[14]

And a party of the people of the Scripture say: "Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the believers (Muslims), and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back.

And believe no one except the one who follows your religion. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Verily! Right guidance is the Guidance of Allâh" and do not believe that anyone can receive like that which you have received, otherwise they would engage you in argument before your Lord. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "All the bounty is in the Hand[15] of Allâh; He grants to whom He wills. And Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower."

He selects for His Mercy (Islâm and the Qur’ân with Prophethood) whom He wills and Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.

Among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is he who, if entrusted with a Qintâr (a great amount of wealth, etc.), will readily pay it back; and among them there is he who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you constantly stand demanding, because they say: "There is no blame on us to betray and take the properties of the illiterates (Arabs)." But they tell a lie against Allâh while they know it.

Yes, whoever fulfils his pledge and fears Allâh much; verily, then Allâh loves those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2).

Verily, those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allâh’s Covenant and their oaths, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter (Paradise). Neither will Allâh speak to them, nor look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they shall have a painful torment.

And verily, among them is a party who distort the Book with their tongues (as they read), so that you may think it is from the Book, but it is not from the Book, and they say: "This is from Allâh," but it is not from Allâh; and they speak a lie against Allâh while they know it.

It is not (possible) for any human being to whom Allâh has given the Book and Al-Hukm (the knowledge and understanding of the laws of religion) and Prophethood to say to the people: "Be my worshippers rather than Allâh’s." On the contrary (he would say): "Be you Rabbâniyyûn (learned men of religion who practise what they know and also preach others), because you are teaching the Book, and you are studying it."

Nor would he order you to take angels and Prophets for lords (gods)[16]. Would he order you to disbelieve after you have submitted to Allâh’s Will? (Tafsir At-Tabarî).