Fourth Argument: Revelation of Verse on Stoning to Death and Equal Retaliation
Some Sunni scholars say the reason behind the revelation of the Verse of Proclamation is: God commanded His Messenger to announce whatever sent upon him on stoning to death and equal retaliation. Since the Jews wanted to be exempted from the rules on stoning to death and equal retaliation mentioned in the Old Testament, they sent someone to the Prophet (PBUH) to ask his opinion about these two rules. Gabriel appeared to the Prophet (PBUH) and brought God’s rule on these issues.[1]
They say verses 41-43, brought before this verse in Maidah Chapter, are solid evidences for this claim.
Response:
First, this argument is without historical evidence and is in contrast with the narrations of all companions of the Prophet (PBUH).
Second, the text of theses verses suffice to reject their reasoning because the Jews had been weakened at the time this verse was revealed in the final days of the prophetic mission, so they had no danger for the Prophet (PBUH).
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Relevant references:
- Suyuti, Jalal al-Din, Al-Durr Al-Manthur Fi Tafsir Bil-Ma'thur (The Scattered Pearls: Intertextual Exegesis), Dar al-Fekr, Beirut, 1420 Lunar Year
- Fakhr Razi, Mohammad bin Hossein, Tafsir Kabir (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Dar al-Ehya, Beirut, 1422 Lunar Year
- Ibn Kathir, Ismail, Al-Bidayah wa'an-Nihayah (The Beginning and the End), Al-Maktab al-Asriyah, Beirut, 1422 Lunar Year
- Tabari, Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Jarir, Tarikh al-Umam wa al-Muluk (History of Nations and Kings), often referred to as Tarikh al-Tabari, Dar al-Tabligh al-Eslamiyah, First Edition, 1418 Lunar Year
[1] Umdatul Qari, Vol. 18, P. 209; Tafsir Maalimul-Tanzil, Vol. 2, P.51; Mafatih al-Ghayb, Vol. 12, P. 48
Other links:
Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s Covenant
Hypocrites a Source of Concern for Prophet Muhammad on the Day of Ghadir Khum
Leadership of Imam Ali (A.S) in the Qur’an
