Surah Baqarah 89 and the False Waseela Claim

Investigation: The Claim of “Waseela” in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:89​

Research: Zaheer Salafi
Compiled by: Ayas Ahmad (Tahseen)

Some Barelvi scholars claim that in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 89, the Qur’an mentions that the Jews used to supplicate through the Waseela (means) of the Noble Prophet ﷺ. This claim is based on Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi’s translation “Kanz al-Iman” and Dawat-e-Islami’s exegesis “Khazain al-Irfan,” wherein the concept of “Waseela” has been inserted into the meaning of this verse.

However, when we examine the original Arabic text of the verse, its lexical analysis, and the statements of the exegetes, it becomes clear that this claim is not only beyond the words of the Qur’an but amounts to distortion in meaning.

Original Text of the Blessed Verse​

﴿وَكَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ يَسْتَفْتِحُونَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُم مَّا عَرَفُوا كَفَرُوا بِهِ﴾

[Surah Al-Baqarah: 89]

In this verse, the word يَسْتَفْتِحُونَ means “seeking victory,” i.e., the Jews used to supplicate to Allah for victory and help against the disbelievers.

Translation of Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi and Dawat-e-Islami​

“And before that, they used to seek victory over the disbelievers through his means.”

The addition of the words “through his means” is not present in the words of the verse. Rather, the translator has inserted his own belief into the verse, which falls under the category of semantic distortion.

Where Is the Problem?​

① The word “Waseela” is not mentioned in the verse.
② Nor is any of its synonyms present.
③ Nor does the context support this meaning.

It is merely an addition in translation that may mislead the masses into believing that the Qur’an endorses supplicating through the Prophet ﷺ as a means, whereas such endorsement is not established from this verse.

Correct Translation and Meaning​

According to the scholars, the meaning of this verse is:

“And before that (before the coming of the final Prophet), they (the Jews) used to pray to Allah for victory against the disbelievers. But when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it.”

A Fabricated Narration Presented to Justify Distortion of the Qur’an​

It is claimed that the Jews used to supplicate through the Prophet ﷺ as a means, and in this regard, a narration from Mustadrak al-Hakim is presented (Hadith: 3042).

Summary of the Narration:​

During their war against Ghatafan, the Jews of Khaybar used to supplicate:

“O Allah! We ask You through the unlettered Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whose coming You have promised…”

Defect in the Chain of Narration​

This narration is fabricated.

In its chain is Abdul Malik bin Harun ‘Antarah, who is a liar (kadhdhab) and abandoned (matruk) narrator.

① Imam Abu Hatim رحمه الله said:​

عَبْدُ الْمَلِكِ بْنُ هَارُونَ بْنِ عَنْتَرَةَ، فقال متروك الحديث

“Abdul Malik bin Harun bin ‘Antarah is abandoned in hadith.”

Reference: Al-Jarh wa al-Ta‘dil, Vol. 5, p. 374

② Imam Yahya bin Ma‘in رحمه الله said:​

عَبْدُ الْمَلِكِ بْنُ هَارُونَ بْنِ عَنْتَرَةَ، كذاب

“Abdul Malik bin Harun ‘Antarah is a liar.”

Reference: Tarikh Ibn Ma‘in: 1688

③ Imam Bukhari رحمه الله said:​

عَبْدُ الْمَلِكِ بْنُ هَارُونَ بْنِ عَنْتَرَةَ، كوفي منكر الحديث

“Abdul Malik bin Harun ‘Antarah, a Kufan, is munkar al-hadith.”

Reference: Al-Tarikh al-Kabir, Vol. 5, p. 436

④ Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal رحمه الله said:​

عَبْدُ الْمَلِكِ بْنُ هَارُونَ بْنِ عَنْتَرَةَ، ضعيف

“Abdul Malik bin Harun ‘Antarah is weak.”

Reference: Al-‘Ilal wa Ma‘rifat al-Rijal, Vol. 2

⑤ Imam Nasa’i رحمه الله said:​

متروك الحديث

“He is abandoned in hadith.”

Reference: Al-Du‘afa wa al-Matrukin, p. 166

Summary of the Research​

① There is no mention of “Waseela” in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:89.
② The word يَسْتَفْتِحُونَ means seeking victory directly from Allah.
③ Ahmad Raza Khan and Dawat-e-Islami inserted their belief into the translation.
④ The narration presented in support of this claim is chain-wise invalid and fabricated.
⑤ There is no authentic proof from the Qur’an or Hadith that the Jews used to supplicate through the Prophet ﷺ as a means.

Conclusion​

Distorting the Qur’an in order to prove the doctrine of “Waseela” is a grave misguidance.

The people of truth must understand the religion in light of the original texts, language, context, and authentic chains of narration, and they must inform the masses about misleading translations.