Tafsir of Al-Ma'idah 5:8

"Lest it lead you to sin" (لا يجرمنكم) The verb is constructed with the preposition ‘alā (implied), carrying the meaning of a verb that requires it. It is as if it were said: "Let it not incite you" (lā yaḥmilannakum).

It is also possible that the phrase "that you act unjustly" (أن تعتدوا) implies the preposition ‘alā (i.e., ‘alā an ta‘tadū), where the preposition is omitted along with an. An example of this is the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Whoever is referred to a wealthy person, let him accept the referral" (man utbi‘a ‘alā mali’in falyattabi‘), because it carries the meaning of "transferred" (uḥīla).

• Note: Shana’ān (hatred) is also read with a quiescent nūn (shan’ān), similar to the verbal noun lay’ān.

The meaning: Do not let your hatred for the polytheists incite you to abandon justice, such that you transgress against them by seeking vengeance or satisfying the grudges in your hearts through committing what is unlawful for you—such as mutilation, slander, killing children or women, breaking covenants, or anything similar.

"Be just; that is nearer to righteousness" (اعدلوا هو أقرب للتقوى) He first forbade them from letting hatred lead them to abandon justice. Then, he initiated a new sentence, explicitly commanding them to be just, as an emphasis and a strengthening of the command. Then, he initiated another sentence to mention the reason for the command to be just, which is his saying: "that is nearer to righteousness."

• Meaning: Justice is closer to righteousness and more deeply integrated into its nature.
• Or: It is closer to righteousness because it serves as a grace (luṭf) toward it.

There is a great warning here: If the obligation of justice toward the disbelievers—who are the enemies of God—is of such strength, then what must be the assumption regarding the obligation of justice toward the believers, who are His allies and beloved ones?

"For them is forgiveness and a great reward" (لهم مغفرة وأجر عظيم) This is an explanation of the promise after the preceding speech has been completed. It is as if it were said: "He promised them something," and it was asked: "What did He promise them?" The answer was: "For them is forgiveness and a great reward."

• Alternatively, it may imply an omitted verb of saying, meaning: "He promised them and said to them: 'For you is forgiveness...'"
• Or, it treats the word "promise" as a form of "saying," because a promise is a type of speech.
• Or, the "promise" is applied to the sentence "For them is forgiveness," just as "We left" (taraknā) was applied to the saying "Peace be upon Noah" (As-Saffat: 119). It is as if it were said: "He promised them this statement." When He who does not break His promise promises them this statement, He has promised them its content: forgiveness and a great reward.

They will receive this statement at the time of death and on the Day of Resurrection, finding joy and comfort in it, which will ease for them the agonies and terrors before they reach the reward.