The Jews of Medina claimed to be the “children of Allah#surahalmaidah #jewsandchristians

Translation: Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 17: “Certainly they disbelieve who say, ‘Indeed, Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary.’ Say, ‘Then who could prevent Allah at all if He had intended to destroy the Messiah, the son of Mary, or his mother, or everyone on the earth?’ And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah is over all things competent.” Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 18: “But the Jews and the Christians say, ‘We are the children of Allah and His beloved ones.’ Say, ‘Then why does He punish you for your sins? Rather, you are human beings from among those He has created. He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills. And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, and to Him is the [final] destination These verses from Surah Al-Ma’idah address significant theological misconceptions held by Jews and Christians, emphasising Allah’s oneness, justice, and supreme authority. Verse 17 refutes the Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him), asserting that he was a human prophet and a creation of Allah. It also highlights Allah’s omnipotence by challenging those who equate creation with the Creator. Verse 18 confronts the claims of both Jews and Christians who saw themselves as inherently superior and chosen by Allah. It clarifies that such favouritism holds no basis in Islam; Allah’s mercy and justice are universal, and His forgiveness is not tied to lineage or affiliation. Together, these verses affirm core Islamic principles: monotheism, accountability, and the universal scope of Allah’s mercy and justice. Theological Debates in Medina: These verses were revealed during the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) time in Medina, where interactions with Jewish and Christian communities were frequent. Both groups had unique claims that Islam sought to clarify and address: Christians and the Divinity of Jesus: Christian delegations, such as the one from Najran, came to discuss their theological beliefs with the Prophet (peace be upon him). They held the belief that Jesus (peace be upon him) was the son of God or divine in nature. Verse 17 was revealed to categorically reject this notion, affirming Allah’s supreme dominion and the human status of Jesus and his mother, Maryam (peace be upon them). Jews and the Concept of Being ‘Chosen People’: The Jews of Medina claimed to be the “children of Allah” and His beloved, using this belief to justify a sense of superiority over others. Verse 18 was revealed to challenge this perspective, asserting that being part of Allah’s creation entails accountability, not immunity from sin or punishment. These verses aimed to correct theological misconceptions, emphasise the universality of Islam’s message, and establish that salvation and divine favour are based on faith, piety, and deeds, not ethnicity or heritage.