Tafsir of Al-Ma'idah 5:9

Al-Ma'idah (The Table Spread): Verse 9

Then He mentioned the promise to the believers, saying, the Exalted and Most High:

The forgiveness (maghfirah) means the removal of sins, just as He said: {Then Allah will change their evil deeds into good deeds} (Al-Furqan: 70).

The great reward (ajrun ʿaẓīm) is the attainment of recompense.

Regarding the phrase {lahum maghfiratunw wa ajrun ʿaẓīm} (for them is forgiveness and a great reward), there are several interpretations:

1. First: Since He first said, {Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds}, it is as if the question is implied: "And what has He promised them?" He then answered: {for them is forgiveness and a great reward}.
2. Second: The structure implies: Allah promised those who believe and do righteous deeds, and He said to them, "For you is forgiveness and a great reward."
3. Third: The word {waʿada} (promised) is treated as if it means {qāla} (said). The structure would then be: Allah said concerning those who believe and do righteous deeds, "For them is forgiveness and a great reward."
4. Fourth: The word {waʿada} (promised) applies to the entire clause {lahum maghfiratunw wa ajrun ʿaẓīm} (for them is forgiveness and a great reward); meaning, He promised them this entire combination.

If it is asked: Why was the promise mentioned instead of directly stating the promised thing? Wouldn't stating the promised thing be stronger?

We reply: No, stating that this promise is {waʿdu Allāh} (the promise of Allah) is stronger.

This is because He attributed this promise specifically to Allah, the Exalted, saying {waʿada Allāh}. The Deity is the One who is capable of all possibilities, knowledgeable of all things known, and independent of all needs. Therefore, it is impossible for Him to break His promise.

Breaking a promise can only occur due to:

1. Ignorance: Forgetting the promise.
2. Inability: Lacking the power to fulfill the promise.
3. Stinginess: Being prevented from fulfilling the promise by avarice.
4. Need: Requiring something that prevents fulfillment.

Since the Deity is purified from all these aspects, breaking His promise is impossible. Thus, announcing this promise is more emphatic and stronger than merely announcing the promised thing itself.

Furthermore, this promise brings joy to the believer before death, easing the agony of death. After death, it eases the stay in the darkness of the grave and the expanse of the Resurrection Field when facing those terrors.