Surah Al-Bayyina, (Arabic: البينة) the 98th chapter of the Quran, is a significant surah in the Islamic tradition. It provides insights into the nature of faith, the role of the final Prophet ﷺ, and the destinies of different groups based on their responses to divine guidance. The surah discusses the concept of clear evidence and its implications for believers and disbelievers alike.
A Debate on the Place of Revelation:
There is a scholarly debate regarding whether Surah Al-Bayyina is Meccan or Medinian. The majority opinion, supported by scholars like Ibn Atiyyah and others, is that it is Medinian. This view is reinforced by the fact that it addresses issues related to the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) in the context of Medina. However, there are also opinions, such as those of Ibn Zubair and Ata' ibn Yasar, suggesting that it may be Meccan. Ibn Kathir narrates a Hadith indicating that the surah was read to Ubayy ibn Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with him), a Medinian, which supports the view that it is Medinian.
Ubayy Ibn Kaab and the Revelation:
Ubayy ibn Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with him), an esteemed companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was one of the foremost reciters and scribes of the Qur'an during the Prophet's ﷺ time. The incident is as follows:
The Prophet ﷺ was told by Archangel Jibril (Gabriel) peace be upon him, that Allah ﷻ has instructed that Surah Al-Bayyina be recited specifically to Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him). According to a hadith reported by Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet ﷺ said to Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him):
"Indeed, Allah ﷻ has commanded me to recite to you Surah Al-Bayyina."
In amazement, Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him) asked, "Did Allah ﷻ name me for you?"
The Prophet ﷺ replied, "Yes."
Upon hearing this, Ubayy ibn Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with him) was so deeply moved that he began to weep.
This event highlighted the special status of Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him) in the Muslim community and the importance of Surah Al-Bayyina. It shows the closeness between Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him) and the Prophet ﷺ, and it emphasizes Allah's ﷻ recognition of his dedication to the Qur'an, as being specifically chosen by Allah ﷻ to hear the recitation of a surah from the Prophet ﷺ was an immense honor.
Order of Revelation:
The surah is connected to the surah that precedes it in the Quranic order, Surah Al-Qadr, As-Suyuti commented: "This surah explains why the previous one was revealed. When Allah ﷻ says, 'Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down,' it prompts the question: Why was it revealed? The answer is that the disbelievers would not abandon their disbelief until clear evidence was provided to them. This evidence is the Prophet from Allah ﷻ, reciting purified scriptures, which constitutes the revelation."
History:
Surah Al-Bayyina was revealed in response to the situation caused by the Jews and Christians of that time. According to Tafsir books, these communities were deeply ignorant about the true teachings they were supposed to follow from their prophets. This ignorance resulted from changes and distortions made by their ancestors in their scriptures. They had introduced ideas and practices that were not originally part of their teachings. This was either due to misunderstandings of what had been revealed to their prophets or because they had adopted new innovations that they mistakenly believed supported their faith, even though these innovations actually undermined it.
As time went on, this situation worsened. Each generation contributed to increasing the ignorance, making it harder to see and understand the clear signs and guidance from Allah ﷻ.
In addition to these communities, there were also idolaters among the Arabs and other nations who worshipped idols as their gods. They had become so accustomed to idol worship that it was difficult to persuade them to abandon it. They even claimed that this practice was part of the religion of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him.
There were sometimes debates between the polytheists and the Christians or between the polytheists and the Jews. The Jews would tell the polytheists that Allah ﷻ would send a prophet from among the Arabs, specifically from Mecca, and they described this prophet to them. They promised that they would support and assist him when he arrived.
However, when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was sent, the polytheists opposed, disobeyed, and became hostile towards him. They mistreated anyone who followed him and accepted his teachings. The Jews did not fulfill their earlier promise of support; instead, they claimed that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had not brought any new information and that his message was already mentioned in their scriptures. They argued that there was no reason to abandon their established beliefs to follow someone who had not brought anything better than what they already had.
Despite their earlier claims of support, the Jews even joined forces with the polytheists against Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In response to these disbelievers who denied clear truths and refused to acknowledge them, Surah Al-Bayyina was revealed.
Translation:
Verse 1: "The disbelievers from the People of the Book and the polytheists were not going to desist ˹from disbelief˺ until the clear proof came to them:"
Verse 2: "a messenger from Allah, reciting scrolls of ˹utmost˺ purity,"
Verse 3: "containing valuable commandments."
Verse 4: "It was not until this clear proof came to the People of the Book that they became divided ˹about his prophethood."
Verse 5: "They were only asked to worship God alone, making their faith sincerely His, and to establish prayer, and to pay the purifying alms, for that is the true religion."
Verse 6: "Those who reject the truth among the People of the Book and the idolaters, will suffer the Fire of Hell, to remain there eternally, forever. They are the worst of creatures,"
Verse 7: "while those who believe and do good deeds are the best of creatures."
Verse 8: "Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden, graced with flowing streams, remaining in them timelessly, forever and ever. God is well pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. All this is for whoever stands in awe of his Lord."
In Depth:
The first verse sets the context for the surah, stating that the disbelievers, whether from the People of the Scripture (i.e., Jews and Christians) or polytheists, will not abandon their disbelief until the clear proof (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his message) arrives. It emphasizes the stubbornness of the disbelievers, as is highlighted in several other surahs of the Quran, such as:
-
Surah Al-Imran (3:105): "And do not be like those who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And they will have a great punishment."
This verse addresses the division and disagreements that arose among the People of the Book after receiving divine guidance.
-
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:213): "Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed..."
This verse emphasizes that people originally followed a unified faith, but differences arose after prophets brought clear guidance.
-
Surah Ash-Shura (42:14): "And they did not become divided until after knowledge had come to them, out of jealous animosity between themselves..."
This verse highlights that divisions occurred among communities only after they received knowledge, pointing to internal conflicts.
Surah Al Bayyinah describes the characteristics of the believers, who are successful due to their faith and righteous actions, including prayer and zakah (charity). It establishes a contrast between the believers and disbelievers and confirms that those who believe and act righteously are the truly virtuous ones, reinforcing the qualities that distinguish the faithful. It describes the reward for the believers—eternal paradise with rivers flowing beneath it. It emphasizes the satisfaction of Allah ﷻ with the believers and their mutual contentment with each other. This is a promise for those who fear their Lord and follow His guidance.
The surah criticizes the disbelievers among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists by likening them to the worst of creatures. This metaphor highlights their rejection of divine guidance and their moral impurity. It warns of the punishment awaiting the disbelievers among the People of the Scripture and polytheists, describing their fate in Hell as eternal and highlighting their status as the worst of creatures due to their rejection of truth.
Lessons:
-
Instills Confidence and Pride: It fosters a sense of confidence and pride in the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, peace be upon him, and encourages Muslims to follow his example diligently.
-
The Necessity of Prophethood: The mission of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was essential to guide those who had strayed from the path and to bring clarity to those who were in error. They would not have been able to change without this prophetic mission.
-
Distinction of Knowledge: The differences among the People of the Book did not arise from ignorance but from the knowledge they received and the clear proof that came to them.
-
Unity of Religion: The essence of religion is one and its principles are clear and simple, which should not lead to division and disagreement.
-
Motivates to Seek Allah’s ﷻ Contentment: It inspires Muslims to strive for Allah's ﷻ contentment and to succeed both in this world and the Hereafter, aiming to be among the best of creatures.
-
Emphasizes Adherence to Religion: The surah emphasizes the importance of adhering to Allah’s ﷻ commands, performing prayers correctly, and following religious teachings faithfully.
-
Reinforcing Faith: As demonstrated by the Prophet’s ﷺ act of reading the surah to Ubayy ibn Ka'b. This act was not merely for learning but for affirming and solidifying faith.
The Levels of Creation:
In Surah Al Bayyinah, Allah ﷻ mentions the concept of those who are the best or the worst of His creations, the people who have certain characteristics. Imam Ahmad narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Shall I not tell you who the best of creation is?" They said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said, "A man who holds the reins of his horse in the cause of Allahﷻ, ready to ride whenever there is a call to battle." He then said, "Shall I not tell you who follows him in virtue?" They said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said, "A man among his sheep, who establishes prayer and gives zakat (charity)." Then he said, "Shall I not tell you who the worst of creation is?" They said, "Yes." He said, "The one who is asked in the name of Allah ﷻ and refuses to give."
To clarify the meaning of this hadith:
1. The Best of Creation: The Prophet ﷺ describes the best person as someone who is constantly prepared to serve in the cause of Allah ﷻ. This individual is portrayed as holding the reins of his horse, always ready to defend the faith or respond to a call for battle. This signifies someone dedicated, brave, and committed to serving Islam, often putting their life on the line for the sake of Allah ﷻ (See Surah Al Adiyat).
2. The Next Best in Virtue: After mentioning the warrior, the Prophet ﷺ talks about another person who is virtuous but in a different way. This person lives a simple, peaceful life, tending to his sheep, fulfilling his religious obligations like prayer and zakat (charity). Despite being removed from the busy city life or warfare, he remains devout and committed to his duties towards Allah ﷻ and society. This shows that even those who live simple lives away from major events can still be among the best if they are sincere in their worship and good deeds.
3. The Worst of Creation: Lastly, the Prophet ﷺ describes the worst kind of person—someone who is asked for help in the name of Allah ﷻ but refuses to give. This person is selfish and uncharitable, even when approached with the highest moral request, invoking the name of Allah ﷻ. Such a person lacks compassion and generosity, key traits expected of a believer.
Merits of Surah Al Bayyinah:
Like many surahs of the Holy Quran, Surah Al Bayyinah has special merits when read, and characteristic rewards:
- Rewards of Recitation:
On the merits of reciting Surah Al Bayyinah, there is a hadith from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that has said: "If people knew the blessings of this Surah (Bayyinah), they would leave their property and family to learn it”. Then someone asked: "O Messenger of Allah! What is the reward for reciting it?". The Prophet ﷺ answered: "Neither a hypocrite nor those in whose hearts contain doubt about Allah ﷻ recite it. By Allah ﷻ, the near-stationed angels have been reciting it from the time the heavens and the earth were created and do not languish in its recitation. There will be no servant who recites it at night, but that Allah ﷻ sends angels who protect him in his Faith and his present life and that seek forgiveness and mercy for him; and when on the day he recites it, he will be rewarded as much as what the day sheds light upon and what the night darkens.”
- Associations to the Best of Creation:
It is narrated from the Prophet ﷺ that he said: "Whoever recites this surah (Al-Bayyina) will be, on the Day of Judgment, a companion and close associate of the best of creation, and that is Ali (peace be upon him). And if it is written in a new vessel and a person suffering from facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) looks into it, they will be cured."
Translation and Pronunciation:
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like and subscribe to their channel.
