Surah Ali 'Imran 3:4
سُورَةُ آلِ عِمۡرَانَ · Medinan · Verse 4 of 200
مِن قَبْلُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌۭ شَدِيدٌۭ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌۭ ذُو ٱنتِقَامٍ
Translation
earlier as a guide for people and He has sent down the distinction [between right and wrong]. Those who deny God’s revelations will suffer severe torment: God is almighty and capable of retribution.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse, a continuation of the previous one, lays down fundamental truths about Allah's revelations and the consequences for those who reject them. Allah Himself is speaking here, confirming the Qur'an as the ultimate truth, and then referencing the earlier scriptures: the Torah given to Musa (Moses) and the Gospel to Isa (Jesus). The tone is one of divine authority, establishing a clear line between guidance and misguidance, followed by a stern warning.
The Gradual & The Complete
The Qur'an uses two distinct Arabic verbs for "sending down" revelation: `نَزَّلَ` (nazzala) and `أَنزَلَ` (anzala). In the preceding verse, Allah says He `nazzala` (sent down gradually) the Qur'an. Here, for the Torah and Gospel, the verb `anzala` (sent down completely) is used. As al-Zamakhshari points out, this linguistic choice reflects a profound truth. The Qur'an was revealed piecemeal over 23 years, a gradual process, while the Torah and Gospel were revealed in their entirety at once. This distinction in verb forms subtly highlights the unique nature of each divine book. Allah states these earlier books were `هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ` (hudan lin-nas), meaning "guidance for all people" of their time.
The Criterion
Following the mention of the Torah and Gospel, Allah says `وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ` (wa anzala al-Furqan), "and He sent down the Criterion." What does `al-Furqan` mean here? Scholars have offered various interpretations. Some, like al-Zamakhshari, suggest it refers to all heavenly books, or specifically the Zabur (Psalms of David), or even a repetition of the Qur'an to emphasize its unique role. However, al-Razi's preferred view offers a deep insight for the Wording lens: `al-Furqan` refers to the *miracles* that accompanied the revelation of these books. These miracles served as the ultimate proof, a "Criterion" that unequivocally separated the genuine divine message from the fabrications of imposters. They provided the clear distinction between truth and falsehood.
The Mighty Avenger
The verse concludes with a powerful warning: `إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ` (inna al-ladheena kafaroo bi-ayaati Allahi lahum 'adhabun shadeedun), meaning "Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah, for them is a severe punishment." The word `شَدِيدٌ` (shadeed) emphasizes the intensity and harshness of this punishment. Allah then reinforces this warning by declaring, `وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انتِقَامٍ` (wallahu Azeezun Dhu Intiqam), "and Allah is Mighty, Possessor of Retribution."
The choice of these Divine Names is crucial. `العَزِيزُ` (al-Azeez) signifies Allah's absolute dominance and strength, the One who cannot be overpowered, as al-Razi explains. This name points to His perfect *ability* to enact punishment. Following it with `ذُو انتِقَامٍ` (Dhu Intiqam), "Possessor of Retribution," further clarifies that He is also the One who *acts* on this power. Ibn Ashur highlights the word `ذُو` (dhu, meaning "possessor of"), which implies that Allah's retribution is a deliberate choice, an act of justice for the sake of order and consequence, rather than an impulsive emotional reaction. It underscores that His punishment is not only severe but also perfectly measured and executed by His overwhelming might.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
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