Surah An-Nisa — Verse 160

Word Meanings:

• Bi-Zulmin (فَبِظُلْمٍ): Because of the injustice and wrongdoing.
• Alladhīna Hādū (الَّذِينَ هَادُوا): Those who embraced Judaism — the Jews.
• Tayyibāt (طَيِّبَاتٍ): Pure, wholesome and good things — specifically referring to certain foods that were lawful for them.
• Uḥillat (أُحِلَّتْ): Were made lawful/permissible.
• Bi-Ṣaddihim (بِصَدِّهِمْ): Because of their turning away and hindering (themselves and others).
• Sabīl Allāh (سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ): The path of Allah — His religion, the straight way of Islam and true guidance.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This noble verse reveals a profound divine wisdom: the severe restrictions placed upon the Children of Israel were not arbitrary punishments, but direct consequences of their own persistent wrongdoing. Allah, in His perfect justice, declares that because of the grave injustices committed by the Jews — their breaking of covenants, their rejection of Allah's signs, their slander against Maryam, and their monstrous claim of killing the Messiah — He made unlawful for them certain pure and wholesome foods that had previously been permitted to them. Among these were animals with undivided hooves, and the fat of cattle and sheep, except that which is carried on their backs or entrails.

Furthermore, the verse highlights a second cause: their persistent hindering of people from the path of Allah. They did not merely stray themselves; they actively blocked others from guidance, turning people away from the truth and making it their habit and second nature to obstruct good. This combination of personal transgression and leading others astray brought upon them these divine restrictions as a just recompense.

There is a profound lesson here for every believer: Allah's blessings are tied to obedience and gratitude. When a people persist in injustice and in turning others away from the truth, they risk losing the very comforts and blessings they once enjoyed. Yet, the beauty of Islam is that it came to lift these burdens. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent with a message that makes wholesome things lawful again, freeing humanity from the heavy restrictions that were a punishment for past nations. This is a mercy and a blessing we should cherish deeply — and a reminder to guard our own conduct, lest we lose what Allah has generously given us. Let us be among those who call to the path of Allah with wisdom and beauty, not among those who hinder others from it.