Katika sehemu ya kwanza ya sūrah hii, Mwenyezi Mungu huwakumbusha Waislamu agano lao Naye na huwaagiza wakumbuke daima neema alizowajaalia Yeye alipokubali agano lao na kuwafunga nalo. Ukumbusho huu ni kuwatia moyo zaidi watimize ahadi zao na kujihadhari na kuvunja agano la Mwenyezi Mungu. Sehemu hii mpya inaeleza misimamo tofauti ya makundi ya wale waliopewa wahyi wa kimungu hapo awali kuhusu agano lao na Mwenyezi Mungu. Sehemu hii inaeleza adhabu iliyowapata jamii zilizotangulia kutokana na kuvunja maagano yao. Hili ni ukumbusho kwa jumuiya ya Waislamu, likionyesha kwamba sheria ya Mwenyezi Mungu haishindwi kamwe na haina upendeleo. Pia inadhihirisha hali halisi ya watu wa wahyi wa awali na msimamo wao kuhusu Uislamu. Hivyo inawawezesha Waislamu kuwatambua na kuzikabili hila zao za kuidhuru Uislamu, ambazo wanazipanga kwa hila chini ya kisingizio cha kufuata mafundisho ya dini zao. Kwa kweli, walikuwa wameigeuzia kisogo imani yao na kuvunja ahadi zao kwa Mwenyezi Mungu.

In the first passage of this sūrah, God reminds the Muslims of their covenant with Him and directs them to always remember the blessings He has bestowed on them when He accepted their covenant and bound them to it. The reminder serves as further encouragement to them to fulfil their pledges and to beware of breaking God’s covenant. This new passage outlines the attitudes different groups of those formerly given Divine revelations had taken towards their covenants with God. The passage explains what punishment befell earlier communities as a result of their violation of their covenants. This serves as a reminder to the Muslim community, pointing out that God’s law never fails and admits no favouritism. It also reveals the true nature of the people of earlier revelations and their attitude towards Islam. It, thus, enables the Muslims to see through them and to counter their wicked designs against Islam which they treacherously work out under the guise of following the teachings of their religions. In truth, they had turned their backs on their faith and violated their pledges to God.

Kifungu hiki kwanza kinaeleza agano ambalo Mungu alilifanya na wafuasi wa Musa, alipowaokoa kutoka utumwani nchini Misri, na jinsi walivyolivunja agano hilo baadaye. Kwa sababu hiyo, walilaaniwa na kukataliwa na Mungu. Pia walinyimwa baraka zake na uongofu wake. Kinarejelea pia agano ambalo Mungu alilifanya na wale waliodai kuwa Wakristo. Kwa sababu ya kufuata njia kinyume na agano lao na Mungu, mbegu za uadui zilipandwa miongoni mwao. Uhasama kati ya madhehebu yao mbalimbali utaendelea hadi Siku ya Hukumu. Kifungu hicho pia kinarejelea mwenendo wa Wayahudi walipokataa kwa woga kuingia Ardhi Takatifu, ingawa Mungu alikuwa amewaahidi kwamba ardhi hiyo ingekuwa yao wenyewe.

This passage firstly discusses the covenant God made with the followers of Moses, when He saved them from subjugation in Egypt and their subsequent violations of this covenant. As a result, they were cursed and rejected by God. They were also denied His blessings and guidance. It also refers to the covenant God made with those who claimed to be Christians. As a result of their following a course contrary to their covenant with God, the seeds of enmity were sewn among them. Hostility among their different sects will continue until the Day of Judgement. The passage also refers to the attitude of the Jews when they cowardly refused to enter the Holy Land, although God had promised them that they would have it for themselves.

Hakika Mwenyezi Mungu alifanya agano na Wana wa Israeli, na tukawateua miongoni mwao viongozi kumi na wawili. Mwenyezi Mungu alisema: Nitakuwa pamoja nanyi. Ikiwa mtashika Sala zenu, mtatoa Zaka, mtawaamini Mitume wangu na kuwasaidia, na mtamkopesha Mwenyezi Mungu mkopo mzuri, nitazisamehe dhambi zenu na kukuingizeni katika Bustani zinazopita mito chini yake. Lakini yeyote miongoni mwenu atakayekufuru baada ya hayo, bila shaka amepotea njia iliyo sawa. Basi kwa sababu ya kuvunja agano lao, tuliwalaani na tukayafanya mioyo yao kuwa migumu. Wao hupotosha maneno kutoka mahali pake, na wamesahau sehemu kubwa ya yale waliyokumbushwa. Wala hutaacha kuona khiyana kutoka kwao, isipokuwa wachache miongoni mwao. Lakini wasamehe na uwavumilie, kwani Mwenyezi Mungu huwapenda wanaofanya wema.

Indeed, God made a covenant with the Children of Israel and We appointed among them twelve captains. God said: I shall be with you. If you attend to your prayers, practise regular charity, believe in My messengers and support them and offer up to God a generous loan, I shall forgive you your sins and admit you into gardens through which running waters flow. But any of you who, after this, rejects the faith will indeed have strayed from the right path. Then for having broken their covenant, We rejected them and caused their hearts to harden. They now distort the meaning of [revealed] words, taking them out of their context. Moreover, they have forgotten much of what they have been told to bear in mind. From all but a few of them you will always experience treachery. But pardon them, and forbear. God loves those who do good.

Na kadhalika kwa wale waliosema, “Sisi ni Wakristo,” nao pia tuliwachukulia ahadi thabiti, lakini wao pia wamesahau sehemu kubwa ya yale waliyokumbushwa kuyakumbuka. Kwa hiyo, tumewaletea miongoni mwao uadui na chuki zitakazodumu hadi Siku ya Kiyama. Mwenyezi Mungu atawaonyesha wazi yale waliyokuwa wakiyafanya. (Aya 12-14)

Likewise, from those who said, “We are Christians, “We have accepted a firm covenant, but they, too, have forgotten much of what they had been told to bear in mind. Therefore, We have given rise among them to enmity and hatred to last until the Day of Resurrection. God will make clear to them what they have done. (Verses 12-14)

Agano ambalo Mwenyezi Mungu alilolikubali kutoka kwa Wana wa Israili lilibainisha sharti maalum na kuweka adhabu fulani endapo lingevunjwa. Baada ya kueleza mazingira yaliyopelekea agano hili kuthibitishwa, sura inataja masharti yake, hali zake na adhabu zake. Lilikuwa ni agano lililofanywa na wakuu kumi na wawili wa Waisraeli, wakiwakilisha makabila yote kumi na mawili yanayotokana na Yakobo, au Israili. Kila kabila lilitokana na mmoja wa wana wa Yakobo. Masharti ya agano yameelezwa kama ifuatavyo: "Mwenyezi Mungu akasema: 'Mimi nitakuwa pamoja nanyi. Mkitekeleza sala zenu, mkatoa zaka, mkaamini Mitume Wangu na kuwasaidia, na mkamkopesha Mwenyezi Mungu mkopo mwema, nitawasamehe dhambi zenu na kuwaingiza katika bustani zipitazo chini yake mito.

Hakika wamevunja agano lao na Mungu; waliwaua manabii wao bila haki yoyote, na walipanga njama za kumuua na kumsulubisha Isa (amani iwe juu yake)

They have indeed broken their covenant with God; they killed their prophets for no legitimate reason, and they plotted to kill and crucify Jesus (peace be upon him)

la mwisho wa Manabii wao. Pia waliharibu Maandiko yao yaliyoteremshwa, yaani Taurati, na wakaacha sheria zake. Walichukua msimamo wa uadui dhidi ya Nabii wa mwisho wa Manabii wote, Muhammad ﷺ. Walipanga njama dhidi yake, wakamsaliti, na wakachukua msimamo usio na maelewano wa uadui dhidi ya ujumbe wake, bila kusita kuvunja mkataba walioufanya naye. Matokeo yake, Mungu aliwanyima mwongozo Wake na akawakataa. Mioyo yao ilifanywa kuwa migumu ili wasiweze tena kupokea mwongozo wa Kimungu: “Basi kwa sababu ya kuvunja kwao agano lao, Tuliwalaani na tukafanya mioyo yao kuwa migumu. Sasa wanapotosha maana ya [maneno yaliyoteremshwa], wakiyatoa katika muktadha wake. Zaidi ya hayo, wamesahau sehemu kubwa ya yale waliyoambiwa wayakumbuke.” (Aya ya 13)

the last of their Prophets. They also distorted their revealed Scriptures, i.e. the Torah, and abandoned its laws. They adopted a hostile attitude towards the last of all Prophets, Muĥammad (peace be upon him). They schemed against him and betrayed him and adopted an uncompromising attitude of hostility towards his message, not hesitating to violate the treaty they signed with him. As a result, God denied them His guidance and rejected them. Their hearts were caused to harden so that they could no longer be the recipients of Divine guidance: “Then for having broken their covenant, We rejected them and caused their hearts to harden. They now distort the meaning of [revealed] words, taking them out of their context. Moreover, they have forgotten much of what they have been told to bear in mind.” (Verse 13)

Hakika, Mwenyezi Mungu husema kweli. Hizi zilikuwa sifa bainifu za Waisraeli: laana iliyo wazi katika nyuso zao na iliyokita mizizi katika tabia yao mbaya, ugumu wa moyo usioacha nafasi ya tabasamu la huruma, na matendo yasiyojali hisia za binadamu. Wanaweza kuonekana wapole wanapokuwa na jambo la kuogopa au maslahi ya kulinda, au wanapojaribu kupanda mbegu za fitina miongoni mwa watu, lakini ugumu wao bado utajitokeza, ukionyesha kwamba ndani kabisa ya mioyo yao ni wakatili, hawana huruma. Tabia yao ya msingi ilikuwa hivyo hivyo kiasi kwamba waligeuza maneno yaliyofunuliwa na kuyatoa nje ya muktadha wake. Waligeuza Kitabu chao kilichofunuliwa na kukiwasilisha kwa mwanga tofauti na ule aliopewa Musa (amani iwe juu yake). Walifanya hivyo kwa njia zaidi ya moja. Waliongeza kwenye Kitabu chao mengi yaliyotumikia malengo yao ya hila, na kuwapa uhalali wa kidini wa kufuatilia malengo yao maovu, ambayo waliyahusisha kwa uongo na Mwenyezi Mungu. Pia walitafsiri kauli za asili zilizobaki katika Kitabu chao kulingana na chuki zao, ili ziendane na mipango yao maovu.

Mungu pia anamhusu Mtume Wake (rehema na amani ziwe juu yake) na jumuiya ya Waislamu, kwamba alichukua agano thabiti kutoka kwa wale waliojiita Wakristo, lakini nao pia hawakutimiza agano lao na wakapata matokeo yake: “Na kadhalika, kutoka kwa wale waliosema, ‘Sisi ni Wakristo’, Tulichukua agano thabiti, lakini nao pia wamesahau sehemu kubwa ya yale waliyokumbushwa kuyashika.

God also relates to His Messenger (peace be upon him) and to the Muslim community that He accepted a covenant from those who described themselves as Christians, but they, too, were unfaithful to their covenant and suffered the consequences: “Likewise, from those who said, ‘We are Christians’, We have accepted a firm covenant, but they, too, have forgotten much of what they had been told to bear in mind.

Kwa hiyo, Tumewaletea uadui na chuki miongoni mwao hadi Siku ya Kiyama. Mwenyezi Mungu atawaambia yale waliyokuwa wakiyafanya. (Aya ya 14)

Therefore, We have given rise among them to enmity and hatred to last until the Day of Resurrection. God will make clear to them what they have done.” (Verse 14)

Vivyo hivyo, kutoka kwa wale waliosema: "Sisi ni Wakristo", Tulichukua ahadi thabiti kutoka kwao. Kauli hii inatuonyesha kwamba walidai tu kuwa Wakristo bila kuyapa matendo yao uzito unaostahili. Kiini cha ahadi yao kilikuwa kuamini umoja wa Mungu. Hata hivyo, ni katika jambo hili hasa ambapo upotofu uliingia katika historia ya Ukristo. Ni kipengele hiki cha msingi katika ahadi yao ndicho kilichosahaulika katika yale waliyoagizwa. Kilipoachwa kusahaulika, kila aina ya upotofu ilikuwa inawezekana, na uhasama ulizuka kati ya madhehebu na makanisa mengi yasiyohesabika ya Ukristo, ya kale na mapya, kama tutakavyoeleza hivi karibuni lakini kwa ufupi. Mungu anatuambia kwamba uhasama na chuki yao vitaendelea hadi Siku ya Kiyama. Zaidi ya hayo, watapata adhabu ya Akhera, wakati ambapo wataonyeshwa picha wazi ya yale waliyoyatenda katika maisha haya.

This verse begins with a particularly significant description: “Likewise, from those who said: ‘We are Christians’, We have accepted a firm covenant.” This mode of expression tells us that they simply professed to be Christians without giving practical credence to their claims. The essence of their covenant was to believe in God’s oneness. Yet it was in regard to this very issue that deviation crept into the history of Christianity. It is this central clause in their covenant which became the forgotten part of what they had enjoined. When it was forgotten, every deviation became possible and enmity broke out between the numberless sects and churches of Christianity, old and new, as we will shortly but briefly explain. God tells us that their enmity and hatred will continue until the Day of Resurrection. Moreover, they will suffer the punishment of the Hereafter, at the time when they will be shown a clear image of what they have done in this life.

Watu wale waliopokea wahyu zamani walipata shida kubwa kukubali kwamba Nabii asiyekuwa miongoni mwao awaite wamnyenyekee Mwenyezi Mungu. Nabii huyu alitoka kwa taifa la watu wasiojua kusoma na kuandika, ambao walikuwa wakiwadharau kwa sababu hawakuwa na elimu ya kusoma, ilhali wao wenyewe walikuwa na Maandiko ya Kimungu. Mwenyezi Mungu alitaka kuwapa heshima kubwa watu hao wasiojua kusoma, na kwa hiyo akamchagua miongoni mwao mtu ambaye angekuwa Nabii wa mwisho kuliko wote. Pia akawapa ujumbe Wake wa mwisho, ulioelekezwa kwa binadamu wote. Aliwafundisha watu hao wasiojua kusoma hadi wakawa watu wenye kiwango cha juu zaidi cha maarifa duniani. Mabadiliko haya yaliwafanya kuwa watu wenye imani za hali ya juu zaidi, mfumo wa maisha wenye uthabiti na usahihi zaidi, mfumo na sheria kamili zaidi, muundo wa kijamii ulio imara zaidi, na kiwango cha juu zaidi cha maadili. Yote haya yalikuwa sehemu ya neema ambayo Mwenyezi Mungu aliwapa alipoichagua Uislamu kuwa dini yao. Watu hao wasiojua kusoma wasingeweza kutamani kuwa viongozi wa ubinadamu bila neema hii waliyopokea kutoka kwa Mwenyezi Mungu. Kwa kweli, hawakuwahi kuwa na kitu cha kutoa kwa ubinadamu, wala hawatakuwa nacho, isipokuwa kile ambacho dini yao inawapa.

Those people who received revelations in the past found it rather hard to accept that a Prophet who did not belong to them should call on them to submit themselves to God. This Prophet belonged to a nation of illiterate people whom they used to despise, on account of their being unlettered while they themselves had Divine Scriptures. God wanted to bestow a great honour on those unlettered people and, therefore, He chose from among them the individual who was to become the last of all Prophets. He also gave them His final message, addressed to all mankind. He taught those unlettered people to become the ones with the highest standard of knowledge on earth. This transformation made them the ones with the highest beliefs, the most consistent and sound way of life, the most complete system and legal code, the soundest social set-up and the most sublime standard of morality. All this was part of the grace God bestowed on them when He chose Islam to be their faith. Those unlettered people could not have aspired to be the guides for humanity without this grace they received from God. Indeed, they never had and will never have anything to offer humanity except for what their faith gives them.

Katika hotuba hii ya Mwenyezi Mungu kwa watu wa Maandiko yaliyotangulia, imedhihirishwa wazi kwamba wanaitwa kukubali Uislamu, kumwamini Muhammad ﷺ na kumsaidia, kwa kuwa hili limekuwa sehemu ya agano Alilolichukua kutoka kwao. Wanaambiwa wazi kwamba Mungu Mwenyewe ni shahidi kwamba Nabii huyu asiyejua kusoma wala kuandika ni Mjumbe Wake kwao pia, na kwa Waarabu na kwa wanadamu wote. Hakuna shaka kwamba ujumbe wake alipewa na Mungu, na hakuna dai linaloweza kukubalika kwamba ujumbe wake ulielekezwa kwa Waarabu peke yao; kwa hakika, umeelekezwa pia kwa watu wa wahyi uliotangulia: “Enyi watu wa wahyi uliotangulia, Mjumbe wetu amekujieni kukubainishieni mengi ya mliyokuwa mkiyaficha katika Maandiko, na kukusameheni mengi.” (Aya ya 15) Amekutumia Mjumbe, na kazi yake ni kukufungulieni mambo ili myaone kama yalivyo kweli. Hivyo mnaweza kuona jinsi anavyoyaweka wazi yale mliyopanga kuyaficha katika ukweli wa msingi wa wahyi mliopewa.

Kisha inaelezwa asili ya kile alichopewa Mtume wa mwisho, nafasi ambayo kimekusudiwa kuchukua katika maisha ya mwanadamu, na athari yake ya kivitendo: “Kimekujieni kutoka kwa Mwenyezi Mungu nuru na Kitabu kinachobainisha.” (Aya ya 15) Labda hakuna kitu kinachoeleza asili ya Qur’ani na ujumbe wa Kimungu wa Uislamu kwa usahihi na ukamilifu zaidi kuliko kusema kwamba ni “nuru”. Katika moyo wake wa ndani kabisa, katika kila jambo la maisha yake, katika tathmini yake ya mambo, matukio na watu, muumini hutambua mara tu anapokubali ukweli wa imani kwamba ana nuru inayomfanya kila kitu kiwe wazi kwake. Kila kitu kinang’aa mbele yake. Hakuna tena kinachomchanganya; hakuna tena kusitasita kabla ya kufanya uamuzi mzito; hasafiri tena njia isiyo na alama na hayuko tena katika shaka kuhusu mwelekeo wake. Lengo lake la mwisho liko wazi. Njia yake kuelekea huko ni nyoosha, na ana uhakika wa hatua zake.

The nature of what the last Messenger has been given, the role it is destined to play in human life and its practical effect are then explained: “There has come to you from God a light and a clear Book.” (Verse 15) Perhaps nothing expresses the nature of the Qur’ān and the Divine message of Islam more accurately and comprehensively than stating that it is “a light”. In his heart of hearts, in everything in his life, in his evaluation of things, events and people, a believer realises as soon as he accepts the truth of faith that he has a light that makes everything clear to him. Everything brightens up in front of him. No longer is he confused about anything; no longer does he suffer any hesitation before taking a serious decision; no longer is he travelling an unmarked road and no longer is he uncertain of his direction. His ultimate goal is clear. His way towards it is straight and he is certain of his footsteps.

Sifa mbili zinaelezea ujumbe uliotolewa kwa Mtume mtukufu ﷺ: "nuru na kitabu kilicho wazi." Mungu ameridhia kuchagua kujisalimisha, yaani Uislamu, kuwa dini kwa wanadamu. Yeyote anayefuata yale ambayo Mungu ameridhia kumchagulia na kuyakubali kwa furaha, Mungu atamwongoza "kwenye njia za amani." Maelezo haya yana ukweli na usahihi mkubwa kiasi gani! Kile ambacho imani hii inakipa maisha kwa ujumla ni amani, kwa maana pana ya neno hili. Ni amani ndani ya mtu binafsi, jamii na dunia nzima. Ni amani na dhamiri yake, na akili na mwili wake. Ni amani ndani ya nyumba na familia, katika jamii na umma, na pamoja na ubinadamu kwa ujumla.

Two qualities describe the message which was given to the noble Messenger: “a light and a clear book” It has been God’s pleasure to choose self-surrender, or Islam, as a religion for mankind. Anyone who follows what God has been pleased to choose for him and accepts it with pleasure will be guided by God “to the paths of peace”. How true and accurate this description is. What this faith imparts to life as a whole is peace, in the broadest sense of the term. It is peace within the individual, the community and the whole world. It is peace with one’s conscience, with one’s mind and body. It is peace within the home and family, society and the community and with humanity at large.

Hakika wale waliokufuru ni wale wanaosema: "Mwenyezi Mungu ndiye Al-Masihi, mwana wa Maryamu." Sema: Ni nani angeweza kumzuia Mwenyezi Mungu kwa njia yoyote, kama angetaka kumwangamiza Al-Masihi, mwana wa Maryamu, na mama yake, na kila aliyeko duniani? Ufalme wa mbingu na ardhi na vyote vilivyo baina yake ni wa Mwenyezi Mungu. Yeye huumba anachokitaka, na Mwenyezi Mungu ana uwezo juu ya kila kitu. (Aya ya 17)

Unbelievers indeed are they who say: “God is the Christ, son of Mary.” Say: Who could have prevailed with God in any way had it been His will to destroy the Christ, son of Mary, and his mother, and everyone on earth? To God belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. He creates what He wills and God has power over all things. (Verse 17)

Ujumbe ambao Isa (amani iwe juu yake) alioufikisha kama alivyopewa na Mola wake ulikuwa ujumbe wa umoja kamili wa Mungu, ule ambao umetolewa kwa kila Mtume.

The message Jesus (peace be upon him) conveyed as given to him by his Lord was the message of God’s absolute oneness which has been given to every messenger.

Kujisalimisha kikamilifu kwa Mungu peke yake kama Mungu pekee na Bwana wa ulimwengu kulikuwa ndiyo msimamo uliochukuliwa na kila mtume. Hata hivyo, imani hii safi baadaye ilipotoshwa baada ya wapagani kuukubali Ukristo, wakihifadhi baadhi ya athari za imani zao za zamani za kipagani ambazo walikuwa na hamu ya kuziingiza katika imani inayotegemea umoja wa Mungu. Kadiri muda ulivyopita, imani hizi potofu zikawa sehemu muhimu ya dini nzima.

Total submission to God alone as the only God and the Lord of the universe was the attitude adopted by every messenger. This clear faith, however, later became distorted after pagans adopted Christianity, retaining some traces of their old pagan beliefs which they were keen to introduce into the faith based on God’s oneness. As time passed, these deviant beliefs became an integral part of the whole faith.

Imani hizi potofu hazikuanzishwa kwa wakati mmoja. Mabaraza ya kanisa yaliziingiza kwa vipindi tofauti tofauti, hadi hatimaye yakazaa mchanganyiko huu wa kipekee wa hadithi za kubuni na dhana zenye kuchanganya, ambao hata wale wanaoufuata na kujaribu kuutolea tafsiri ya kimantiki wanashindwa kuufafanua.

These deviant beliefs were not introduced all at the same time. Ecclesiastical councils introduced them at different intervals until they eventually produced this singularly confusing mixture of legends and concepts that defies even those of its advocates who try to give a logical interpretation of it.

Dhana ya msingi ya umoja wa Mungu ilihubiriwa baada ya Yesu (amani iwe juu yake)

Ujumbe wa mwisho unatoa hukumu ya mwisho juu ya suala hili lote, huku Mjumbe wa mwisho akiwatangazia watu waliopokea wahyi zamani kweli ya dini ya Mungu: "Hakika wamekufuru wale wanaosema: 'Mungu ndiye Masihi, mwana wa Mariamu.'" (Aya ya 17) "Hakika wamekufuru wale wanaodai kwamba Mungu ni mmoja wa Utatu." (Aya ya 73) Juhudi zinafanywa hapa kuwashawishi wasikilize sauti ya akili, maumbile safi na ukweli: "Sema: Ni nani awezaye kumzuia Mungu kwa lolote, iwapo angependa kumwangamiza Masihi, mwana wa Mariamu, na mama yake, na kila aliye duniani?" (Aya ya 17) Hii inaonyesha tofauti isiyo na shaka wala kupingika kati ya Mungu, asili yake, mapenzi yake na utawala wake kwa upande mmoja, na asili ya Nabii Isa (amani iwe juu yake), mama yake, na viumbe vyote kwa upande mwingine. Tofauti hii ni wazi na kamili. Mungu ni mmoja; hakuna chochote kinachofanana Naye; mapenzi yake ni ya kweli; mamlaka yake ni kamili; hakuna awezaye kufanya chochote kubadili mapenzi yake iwapo angetaka kumwangamiza Masihi, mwana wa Mariamu, mama yake, na kila aliye duniani. Yeye, Mtukufu zaidi, ndiye Mmiliki na Muumba wa kila kitu, ilhali vyote vingine ni viumbe: "Ufalme wa mbingu na ardhi, na vyote vilivyomo baina yao, ni wa Mungu. Huumba anachotaka, na Mungu ana uwezo juu ya kila kitu." (Aya ya 17)

The final message gives the ultimate ruling on this whole issue, with the final Messenger declaring to the people who received revelations in former times the true nature of the Divine faith: “Unbelievers indeed are they who say: ‘God is the Christ, son of Mary.‘“ (Verse 17) “Unbelievers indeed are those who claim that God is one of a Trinity.” (Verse 73) An effort is made here to persuade them to listen to the voice of reason, upright nature and fact: “Say: Who could have prevailed with God in any way had it been His will to destroy the Christ, son of Mary, and his mother, and everyone on earth?” (Verse 17) This represents an absolute and undeniable distinction between God, His nature, will and dominion on the one hand and the nature of Jesus (peace be upon him); his mother and all beings on the other. The difference is clear and total. God is single; nothing is like Him; His will is absolute; His authority is total; no one can do anything to reverse His will should He desire to destroy the Christ, son of Mary, his mother and everyone on earth. He, the most glorious owns and creates everything, while all else are created: “To God belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. He creates what He wills and God has power over all things.” (Verse 17)

Dini ya Kiislamu kwa hivyo inajitokeza kwa wote katika mwanga wake halisi: rahisi, wazi, moja kwa moja.

The Islamic faith thus appears to all in its true light: simple, clear, straightforward.

Uwazi wake unaonekana zaidi ukilinganisha na dhana zote potofu, hadithi za kizushi na imani za kipagani ambazo zimeingia katika imani ya sehemu ya wale waliopewa wahyi wa awali. Sifa ya kwanza bainifu ya imani ya Kiislamu inajitokeza wazi, kwani inaeleza bila chembe yoyote ya utata hali halisi ya Uungu, pamoja na utumwa na unyenyekevu kwa Mwenyezi Mungu. Inatenganisha misimamo hii miwili kwa uwazi kabisa.

Kisha sura hiyo inataja dai jingine lililotolewa na Mayahudi na Wakristo: "Mayahudi na Wakristo wanasema: 'Sisi ni watoto wa Mungu na wapenzi Wake.'" (Aya ya 18)

The sūrah then mentions another claim pressed by the Jews and Christians: “Both the Jews and the Christians say: ‘We are God’s children and His loved ones.‘“ (Verse 18)

Wanadai kwamba kuna aina fulani ya uzazi ambayo ni ya Mungu. Ikiwa uzazi huu si wa kimwili, basi ni wa kiroho. Vyovyote ilivyo, unaweka shaka katika dhana ya upweke wa Mungu na unapunguza utengano thabiti kati ya nafasi ya Mungu na ile ya waja Wake. Ukweli ni kwamba utengano huu ni wa lazima kwa uwazi wa imani na mpangilio sahihi wa maisha ya binadamu. Ni muhimu ili ibada yote ielekezwe kwa Mungu na viumbe Vyake vyote. Hivyo, wanakuwa na mamlaka moja ya kutunga sheria inayowawekea maadili, viwango, sheria na mifumo yao, bila mkanganyiko wa mamlaka unaotokana na mchanganyiko wa sifa na nafasi. Jambo hili si suala la imani potofu tu, bali pia ni suala la matokeo yake ambayo bila shaka yatauharibu maisha kwa ujumla.

They allege that some sort of parenthood belongs to God. If this fatherhood is not a physical one, then it is spiritual. Whatever it is, it throws an element of doubt on the concept of God’s oneness and detracts from the decisive separation between the position of God and that of His servants. The fact is that this separation is necessary for the clarity of faith and the proper order of human life. It is essential so that all worship is addressed to God by all His creation. They, thus, have a single legislative authority which sets for them their values, standards, laws and systems, with no confusion of authority resulting from a jumble of qualities and positions. It is not merely a question of deviant beliefs, but a question of their consequences that are bound to corrupt life as a whole.

Kama matokeo ya kimantiki ya dai lao kwamba wao ni watoto wa Mungu na wapenzi Wake, Wayahudi na Wakristo walidai kwamba Yeye hangewaadhibu kwa dhambi zao, na kwamba wangekaa Jahannamu kwa siku chache tu, au la kabisa. Kwa maneno rahisi, hii ina maana kwamba haki ya Mungu haitekelezwi ipasavyo, na kwamba Yeye anawapendelea sehemu ya waja Wake kwa kuwaruhusu kueneza ufisadi duniani bila kuwaadhibu kama anavyowaadhibu wengine wanaofanya hivyo. Je, tunaweza kuwaza aina ya maisha ya ufisadi yanayoweza kutokana na dhana kama hiyo?

As a logical consequence of their claim that they are the children of God and His loved ones, the Jews and Christians claimed that He would not punish them for their sins, and that they would not be in Hell for more than a few days, if at all. This means in plain terms that God’s justice is not administered properly and that He favours a section of His servants by allowing them to spread corruption on earth without punishing them as He punishes others who would do the same. Can we imagine the sort of corrupt life that may result from such a concept?

Katika sehemu hii ya sura, tunaelezewa mtazamo wa Wana wa Israeli kwa Mtume wa Mwenyezi Mungu aliyetumwa kwao, Musa (amani iwe juu yake). Musa alikuwa mkombozi wao aliyewaongoza kutoka Misri kuelekea nchi takatifu ambayo Mungu aliwapangia.

At this point in the sūrah, the attitude of the Children of Israel towards God’s Messenger sent to them, Moses (peace be upon him), is given. Moses was their saviour who led them out of Egypt towards the holy land God had assigned to them.

Sūrah hii pia inaonyesha mtazamo wao kuhusu ahadi waliyofanya na Mola wao, jinsi walivyoivunja, na jinsi walivyoadhibiwa kwa kuivunja.

The sūrah also exposes their attitude to the covenant they made with their Lord and how they violated it and were punished for that violation.

Musa akawaambia watu wake: "Enyi watu wangu, kumbukeni neema ya Mwenyezi Mungu juu yenu alipowainua manabii miongoni mwenu, akawafanya wafalme, na akawapa yale ambayo hakuwapa yeyote miongoni mwa umma wengine. Enyi watu wangu, ingieni katika ardhi takatifu ambayo Mwenyezi Mungu ameiandikia kwenu. Wala msirudi nyuma, kwani mtageuka kuwa wenye hasara." Wakasema: "Ee Musa, katika ardhi hiyo kuna watu wenye nguvu sana, na hatutaingia humo kamwe mpaka wao watoke humo. Wakitoka humo, basi sisi tutaingia." Wakasema watu wawili miongoni mwa wale waliomcha Mwenyezi Mungu, ambao Mwenyezi Mungu amewaneemesha: "Ingieni kwao kwa lango hilo. Mkishaliingia, mtakuwa washindi. Na mtegemee Mwenyezi Mungu ikiwa ni wenye kuamini kweli." Wakasema: "Ee Musa, hatutaingia kamwe maadamu wao wamo humo. Nenda wewe na Mola wako mkapigane; sisi tutakaa hapa." Akasema: "Ee Mola wangu, sina mamlaka isipokuwa juu ya nafsi yangu na ndugu yangu. Basi tutenganishe sisi na watu hawa mafasiki." Akasema: "Hakika ardhi hiyo itakatazwa kwao kwa miaka arobaini, watakuwa wakitangatanga katika ardhi. Basi usihuzunike kwa ajili ya watu hawa mafasiki." (Aya 20-26)

And so Moses said to his people: `My people, remember the favours which God has bestowed upon you when He raised up prophets among you, made you kings and granted you what He has not granted to any other community. My people, enter the holy land which God has assigned to you. Do not turn your back, for then you will be lost.’” “Moses,” they answered, `mighty people dwell in that land, and we will surely not enter it unless they depart from it. If they do depart, then we will enter.” Thereupon two men who were God-fearing and on whom God had bestowed His grace said: “Go in upon them through the gate. As soon as you enter it, you shall be victorious. In God you should place your trust, if you are true believers.” They said, “Moses, we will never go in so long as they are in it. Go forth, then, you and your Lord, and fight, both of you. We shall stay here.” “Lord, “he said, `I am master of none but myself and my brother. Do, then, draw a dividing line between us and these wrongdoing folk.” He replied, “This land shall, then, be forbidden to them for forty years, during which they will wonder aimlessly on earth. Do not grieve for these wrongdoing folk.” (Verses 20-26)

Tabia ya Waisraeli inajitokeza hapa waziwazi, bila kujificha. Walikuwa wanakabiliwa na hatari, hivyo majaribio yote ya kujionyesha kuwa jasiri yaliachwa. Hata ahadi ya Mungu kwao ya kulifanya nchi hii kuwa yao haikutosha kuwachochea. Walitaka zawadi rahisi zaidi, bila kulazimika kulipa gharama yoyote. Ilipaswa kuwajia kutoka mbinguni, kama vile mana na kware zilivyoteremshwa kwao wale. "Katika nchi hiyo wamo watu wenye nguvu, nasi hatutaingia humo kamwe mpaka wao waondoke humo. Wakiondoka, basi tutaingia" (Aya ya 22).

The Israelite nature appears here unmasked, without cosmetics. They were facing danger and, therefore, all attempts to put on a brave face were abandoned. Not even God’s promise to them to make this land theirs was sufficient to motivate them. They wanted an easier prize, without having to pay any price. It should come to them from heaven just as manna and quails were sent down for them to eat. “Mighty people dwell in that land, and we will surely not enter it unless they depart from it. If they do depart, then we will enter” (Verse 22)

Hata hivyo, ushindi haupatikani kwa namna hii kama Wayahudi walivyotaka wakati walipokuwa hawana imani: "Basi wakasema watu wawili miongoni mwa wale waliokuwa wakimcha Mungu, ambao Mungu alikuwa amewaneemesha: 'Ingieni kwao kwa lango; mara mtakapoliingia, hakika mtashinda. Na mtegemee Mungu tu, ikiwa ni waumini wa kweli.'" (Aya 23)

Victory, however, does not come in this manner as the Jews wanted when they were devoid of faith: “Thereupon two men who were God- fearing and on whom God had bestowed His grace said: ‘Go in upon them through the gate. As soon as you enter it, you shall be victorious. In God you should place your trust, if you are true believers.’” (Verse 23)

Thamani ya kuwa na imani na kuwa mchamungu inaonekana wazi kabisa. Hawa walikuwa watu wawili waliomcha Mungu, na kumcha Mungu kuliwafanya wasiogope kabisa walipokabiliana na watu wenye nguvu. Walikuwa na ujasiri wote uliohitajika kuondoa hatari ya kufikirika. Walitoa ushuhuda huu, wakisisitiza umuhimu wa imani na wakati wa mtihani na shida. Walitaka kuonyesha maana ya kumcha Mungu peke yake wakati watu wanaogopana wao kwa wao. Mungu hauweki hisia mbili za hofu katika moyo wa mtu mmoja: kumcha Yeye na kuwaogopa wanadamu. Mtu anayemcha Mungu hamwogopi mwingine yeyote.

The value of having faith and of being God-fearing appears very clearly. These were two men who feared God, and being God-fearing made them totally fearless when they confronted mighty people. They had all the courage needed to dispel the imaginary danger. They made this testimony, highlighting the importance of faith and the time of trial and difficulty. They wanted to show what it meant to fear God alone at times when people fear each other. God does not combine the two feelings of fear in any one man’s heart: fearing Him and fearing human beings. A person who fears God fears no one else.