سُوْرَةُ المَآئِدَةِ
Surah Al-Maaida (5) — Ayah 5
ٱلْيَوْمَ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتُ ۖ وَطَعَامُ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ حِلٌّ لَّكُمْ وَطَعَامُكُمْ حِلٌّ لَّهُمْ ۖ وَٱلْمُحْصَنَـٰتُ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ وَٱلْمُحْصَنَـٰتُ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ إِذَآ ءَاتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ مُحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَـٰفِحِينَ وَلَا مُتَّخِذِىٓ أَخْدَانٍ ۗ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِٱلْإِيمَـٰنِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُۥ وَهُوَ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِنَ ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ ﴿5﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Made lawful to you this day are At-Tayyibât [all kinds of Halâl (lawful) foods, which Allâh has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits)]. The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to them. (Lawful to you in marriage) are chaste women from the believers and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) before your time when you have given their due Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage), desiring chastity (i.e. taking them in legal wedlock) not committing illegal sexual intercourse, nor taking them as girl-friends. And whosoever disbelieves in Faith [i.e. in the Oneness of Allâh and in all the other Articles of Faith i.e. His (Allâh’s) Angels, His Holy Books, His Messengers, the Day of Resurrection and Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments)], then fruitless is his work; and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
ٱلْيَوْمَ
al-yawma
This day
أُحِلَّ
uḥilla
are made lawful
لَكُمُ
lakumu
for you
ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتُ ۖ
l-ṭayibātu
the good things
وَطَعَامُ
waṭaʿāmu
and (the) food
ٱلَّذِينَ
alladhīna
(of) those who
أُوتُوا۟
ūtū
were given
ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ
l-kitāba
the Book
حِلٌّۭ
ḥillun
(is) lawful
لَّكُمْ
lakum
for you
وَطَعَامُكُمْ
waṭaʿāmukum
and your food
حِلٌّۭ
ḥillun
(is) lawful
لَّهُمْ ۖ
lahum
for them
وَٱلْمُحْصَنَـٰتُ
wal-muḥ'ṣanātu
And the chaste women
مِنَ
mina
from
ٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ
l-mu'mināti
the believers
وَٱلْمُحْصَنَـٰتُ
wal-muḥ'ṣanātu
and the chaste women
مِنَ
mina
from
ٱلَّذِينَ
alladhīna
those who
أُوتُوا۟
ūtū
were given
ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ
l-kitāba
the Book
مِن
min
from
قَبْلِكُمْ
qablikum
before you
إِذَآ
idhā
when
ءَاتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ
ātaytumūhunna
you have given them
أُجُورَهُنَّ
ujūrahunna
their bridal due
مُحْصِنِينَ
muḥ'ṣinīna
being chaste
غَيْرَ
ghayra
not
مُسَـٰفِحِينَ
musāfiḥīna
being lewd
وَلَا
walā
and not
مُتَّخِذِىٓ
muttakhidhī
ones (who are) taking
أَخْدَانٍۢ ۗ
akhdānin
secret lovers
وَمَن
waman
And whoever
يَكْفُرْ
yakfur
denies
بِٱلْإِيمَـٰنِ
bil-īmāni
the faith
فَقَدْ
faqad
then surely
حَبِطَ
ḥabiṭa
(are) wasted
عَمَلُهُۥ
ʿamaluhu
his deeds
وَهُوَ
wahuwa
and he
فِى
fī
in
ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ
l-ākhirati
the Hereafter
مِنَ
mina
(will be) among
ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ
l-khāsirīna
the losers
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 5)➊ {وَ طَعَامُ الَّذِيْنَ اُوْتُوا الْكِتٰبَ حِلٌّ لَّكُمْ ……:} The food of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), which includes their slaughtered animals, is lawful for Muslims, provided that they have not slaughtered in the name of anyone other than Allah and have actually performed proper slaughter. Cutting off the head with a knife or machine, or killing the animal by immersing it in very hot water or by electric current, is not considered slaughter, because with these methods the flowing blood (dam masfuh) does not fully drain from the body, which is forbidden. Therefore, eating the meat of such an animal is not permissible. If proper slaughter has been performed, then it is acceptable. Regarding eating the slaughtered meat of the People of the Book, there is a hadith that after the conquest of Khaybar, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was presented with a gift of goat meat (from a Jewish woman) in which poison had been mixed, and he ate some of it. [ بخاری، المغازی، باب الشاۃ التی سمت للنبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم بخیبر : ۴۲۴۹ ] Similarly, some Companions also ate the fat that was obtained from the Jews at Khaybar. [ مسلم، الجہاد، باب جواز الأکل من طعام الغنیمۃ …… : ۱۷۷۲ ] However, those things that are forbidden in our Shariah, such as carrion, blood, pork, etc., are also forbidden to eat at their tables, and even sitting at such tables is not permissible, nor is it permissible to use their utensils. However, if no other utensils are available and there is a necessity, then they may be used after thoroughly washing and cleaning them.
➋ {وَ الْمُحْصَنٰتُ مِنَ الَّذِيْنَ اُوْتُوا الْكِتٰبَ …… :} That is, it is permissible to marry them, even if they remain on their religion, but with the condition that they are chaste and not of a free-spirited and promiscuous type, who can even destroy a person's faith. According to the majority, here {”الْمُحْصَنٰتُ“} means this, so that the two calamities of disbelief and adultery are not combined in them. For further details, see Surah Al-Baqarah (2:221).
➌ {وَ مَنْ يَّكْفُرْ بِالْاِيْمَانِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهٗ …… :} In this, it is warned that marrying women of the People of the Book is only permissible, not preferable, and whoever avails himself of this permission should be cautious about his faith, lest he be influenced by his non-Muslim wife and lose his faith and morals.
➋ {وَ الْمُحْصَنٰتُ مِنَ الَّذِيْنَ اُوْتُوا الْكِتٰبَ …… :} That is, it is permissible to marry them, even if they remain on their religion, but with the condition that they are chaste and not of a free-spirited and promiscuous type, who can even destroy a person's faith. According to the majority, here {”الْمُحْصَنٰتُ“} means this, so that the two calamities of disbelief and adultery are not combined in them. For further details, see Surah Al-Baqarah (2:221).
➌ {وَ مَنْ يَّكْفُرْ بِالْاِيْمَانِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهٗ …… :} In this, it is warned that marrying women of the People of the Book is only permissible, not preferable, and whoever avails himself of this permission should be cautious about his faith, lest he be influenced by his non-Muslim wife and lose his faith and morals.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
5. 1 The slaughter of the People of the Book will only be lawful if blood has flowed from it. That is, their machine-slaughtered meat is not lawful because in it the fundamental condition of blood flowing is missing.
5. 2 Along with the permission to marry women of the People of the Book, there is firstly the condition of chastity, which nowadays is common among most women. Secondly, it is then stated that whoever disbelieves after having faith, his deeds are wasted. This is intended as a warning that if there is a risk of losing faith by marrying such a woman, it would be a very great loss, and nowadays marrying women of the People of the Book poses severe dangers to faith, which needs no explanation. While it is obligatory to protect faith, one cannot put an obligation at risk for the sake of something merely permissible. Therefore, its permissibility will remain impractical as long as both of the aforementioned conditions are not absent. Moreover, nowadays the People of the Book are, in fact, completely alienated from their religion, rather even disinterested and rebellious. In this state, can they really be counted among the People of the Book? And Allah knows best.
5. 2 Along with the permission to marry women of the People of the Book, there is firstly the condition of chastity, which nowadays is common among most women. Secondly, it is then stated that whoever disbelieves after having faith, his deeds are wasted. This is intended as a warning that if there is a risk of losing faith by marrying such a woman, it would be a very great loss, and nowadays marrying women of the People of the Book poses severe dangers to faith, which needs no explanation. While it is obligatory to protect faith, one cannot put an obligation at risk for the sake of something merely permissible. Therefore, its permissibility will remain impractical as long as both of the aforementioned conditions are not absent. Moreover, nowadays the People of the Book are, in fact, completely alienated from their religion, rather even disinterested and rebellious. In this state, can they really be counted among the People of the Book? And Allah knows best.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
5. Today all pure things have been made lawful for you, and the food of the People of the Book is lawful for you, and your food [24] is lawful for them. Also, chaste believing women are lawful for you, as well as chaste women from those who were given the Book before you—provided you give them their dowries, intending marriage, not illicit relations or secret affairs. And whoever rejects faith in favor of disbelief, his deeds will be in vain, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.
[24]
Under What Conditions is the Food of the People of the Book Permissible?
The food of the People of the Book is permissible under the same conditions as mentioned above. That is, the name of Allah must be pronounced over the slaughtered animal, the item must be pure, and there must not be any forbidden items such as alcohol or pork, etc., on their table. And if such items are present on their table, then not only is it impermissible to eat with them, but even using their utensils is not allowed unless they are thoroughly washed and purified, and that too only if it is out of necessity. As for those who are not from the People of the Book, it is neither permissible to eat their slaughtered animals nor to eat with them. Also, animals that are not slaughtered but whose throats are cut with a saw or killed by some other method, or if the name of Allah is not pronounced at the time of slaughter, then it is not permissible to eat the meat of such animals. Furthermore, it is also worth considering that in the time of the Prophet, the Jews and Christians at least had faith in Allah and the Last Day, but nowadays, most of the Westerners who call themselves Christians are naturalists, atheists, or are averse to religion. How can the food of such people be considered permissible for Muslims, since in the present era there is no difference between them and those who are not from the People of the Book?
[25]
Marriage with a Woman from the People of the Book:
The conditions for marrying women from the People of the Book are the same as for Muslim women. That is, the purpose of marriage should not be mere lust, but it should be on a permanent basis, the marriage should be formally announced, and their dowry should be given to them. However, marriage with a woman from the People of the Book is only permissible when there is no fear of temptation. For example, if a person, after marrying a beautiful woman from the People of the Book, is inclined towards her religion, then in such a case, marriage is absolutely not permissible, as is evident from the words at the end of this verse:
﴿وَمَنْ يَّكْفُرْ بالْاِيْمَانِ﴾
In view of this danger, it is better to avoid marrying women from the People of the Book as much as possible. And if there is such a state of compulsion that not marrying would lead to temptation, then there is no harm in marrying.
[24]
Under What Conditions is the Food of the People of the Book Permissible?
The food of the People of the Book is permissible under the same conditions as mentioned above. That is, the name of Allah must be pronounced over the slaughtered animal, the item must be pure, and there must not be any forbidden items such as alcohol or pork, etc., on their table. And if such items are present on their table, then not only is it impermissible to eat with them, but even using their utensils is not allowed unless they are thoroughly washed and purified, and that too only if it is out of necessity. As for those who are not from the People of the Book, it is neither permissible to eat their slaughtered animals nor to eat with them. Also, animals that are not slaughtered but whose throats are cut with a saw or killed by some other method, or if the name of Allah is not pronounced at the time of slaughter, then it is not permissible to eat the meat of such animals. Furthermore, it is also worth considering that in the time of the Prophet, the Jews and Christians at least had faith in Allah and the Last Day, but nowadays, most of the Westerners who call themselves Christians are naturalists, atheists, or are averse to religion. How can the food of such people be considered permissible for Muslims, since in the present era there is no difference between them and those who are not from the People of the Book?
[25]
Marriage with a Woman from the People of the Book:
The conditions for marrying women from the People of the Book are the same as for Muslim women. That is, the purpose of marriage should not be mere lust, but it should be on a permanent basis, the marriage should be formally announced, and their dowry should be given to them. However, marriage with a woman from the People of the Book is only permissible when there is no fear of temptation. For example, if a person, after marrying a beautiful woman from the People of the Book, is inclined towards her religion, then in such a case, marriage is absolutely not permissible, as is evident from the words at the end of this verse:
﴿وَمَنْ يَّكْفُرْ بالْاِيْمَانِ﴾
In view of this danger, it is better to avoid marrying women from the People of the Book as much as possible. And if there is such a state of compulsion that not marrying would lead to temptation, then there is no harm in marrying.
