Surah Al-Ma'ida 5:108 — translation and meaning
المائدة · Verse 108 / 120 · Page 125
ۗ ۗ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَن يَأْتُوا بِالشَّهَادَةِ عَلَى وَجْهِهَا أَوْ يَخَافُوا أَن تُرَدَّ أَيْمَانٌ بَعْدَ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاسْمَعُوا وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ
Word by Word
Transliteration
Zaalika adnaaa ai yaatoo bishshahaadati 'alaa wajhihaaa aw yakhaafooo an turadda aimaanum ba'da aimaanihim; wattaqul laaha wasma'oo; wallaahu laa yahdil qawmal faasiqeen
Translation
That is more likely that they will give testimony according to its [true] objective, or [at least] they would fear that [other] oaths might be taken after their oaths. And fear Allah and listen; and Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.
Verse interpretation (Tafsir)
These various oaths to be taken by the witnesses after the prayer (when you doubt their testimony) and the rejection of their testimony increases the likelihood that they will testify in the way required by the sacred law, without them distorting the facts deceitfully. Witnesses are more likely to give true testimony for fear that they will be disgraced if the heirs give conflicting testimony. Be mindful of Allah by not lying or being deceitful in your testimony and oath. Listen to what you are instructed to do and obey. Allah does not guide those who go against Him.
Source: Al-Mukhtasar Tafsir — Tafsir Center for Quranic Studies.
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