Surah Al-Maidah — Verse 108

Word Meanings:

• Adnā (أَدْنَى): Closer or more likely to achieve the desired outcome.
• ʿAlā wajhihā (عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهَا): In its true and proper form, without distortion, alteration, or treachery.
• Turaddu (تُرَدَّ): To be returned or redirected, meaning the oath is turned back against the false swearer.
• Fāsiqīn (الْفَاسِقِينَ): Those who defiantly disobey Allah's commands and deviate from His path.

Explanation of the Verse:

This noble verse concludes the divine ruling regarding the testimony of two witnesses during a journey when death approaches—specifically when the testators are non-Muslims and no Muslim witnesses are available. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, prescribes that such witnesses must swear their oath after the prescribed prayer, and if doubts arise about their honesty, their testimony may be rejected and the oath returned to the rightful claimants.

This divine legislation is designed to achieve two profound objectives. First, it makes it far more likely that the witnesses will deliver their testimony truthfully and accurately, exactly as they received it, without any alteration, omission, or betrayal. When a person knows that their oath is taken seriously before Allah and that they will be held accountable, their conscience is awakened, and they are compelled toward honesty.

Second, this ruling instills a healthy fear in the hearts of potential false witnesses—the fear that their false oath may be returned against them. If the heirs of the deceased swear an oath contradicting the witnesses' testimony, the truth will be exposed, and the liars will be publicly disgraced in this world before facing accountability in the Hereafter. This dual deterrent—fear of divine punishment and fear of public exposure—serves as a powerful safeguard for justice.

The verse then calls upon all believers: "And fear Allah and listen." This is a direct and heartfelt appeal to every soul—to be conscious of Allah in all matters, especially in testimony and oaths. Do not consume people's wealth through false oaths, do not distort the truth for worldly gain, and listen to these divine admonitions with hearts ready to accept and obey. Listening here means more than hearing with the ears; it means listening with the ears of the heart, with full acceptance and submission.

The verse concludes with a profound warning: "And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people." Those who persist in sin, who corrupt their testimony, who swear falsely, and who turn away from Allah's commands—such people are deprived of divine guidance. They may wander in the darkness of their own desires, but the light of Allah's guidance will not reach their hearts until they repent and return to Him.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, contemplate the beauty of Islamic legislation! Even in the most sensitive matters of testimony and justice, Islam establishes a system that protects truth, upholds justice, and safeguards people's rights. This verse demonstrates that Islam is not merely a religion of rituals but a complete way of life that governs every aspect of human interaction with wisdom and fairness.

The fear of Allah is the foundation of all virtue. When a believer internalizes that Allah sees everything and knows everything, they become incapable of falsehood. Let this verse inspire you to be among those who uphold truth in all circumstances, knowing that Allah's guidance is reserved for those who purify their hearts and obey His commands.

And remember, Allah's mercy is vast. Even if you have fallen into sin or falsehood, the door of repentance is always open. Return to your Lord, seek His forgiveness, and He will guide you to the straight path. For indeed, Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient, but He welcomes with open arms those who turn back to Him in sincere repentance.