Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Bayyinah is a Madani surah that speaks about the coming of clear guidance from Allah through the Messenger Muhammad and the Qur’an. The surah explains that the disbelievers among the People of the Scripture and the idolaters continued in disbelief until the clear proof came to them. It also describes the difference between those who reject the truth and those who believe and perform righteous deeds, and it explains the final outcome of both groups.
The Coming of the Clear Proof (Verses 1–3)
Allah says:
“Those who disbelieve from among the People of the Scripture and the idolators, were not going to leave until there came to them the Bayyinah.
A Messenger from Allah reciting purified pages,
Wherein are upright Books.”
(Qur’an 98:1–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the People of the Scripture refers to the Jews and Christians, while the idolaters include those who worship idols and false gods. They would not abandon their disbelief until the clear evidence came to them.
The “clear evidence” refers to the Messenger of Allah and the Qur’an that he recited. The Qur’an contains pure and noble pages that carry the correct and upright teachings from Allah.
The Division of the People of the Scripture (Verse 4)
Allah says:
“And the People of the Scripture differed not until after there came to them the Bayyinah.”
(Qur’an 98:4)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the People of the Scripture began to divide and differ only after the truth had already become clear to them. Even though the evidence had been established, they disputed and disagreed concerning their religion.
This division occurred after knowledge had already come to them.
The Command to Worship Allah Alone (Verse 5)
Allah says:
“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, making religion purely for Him alone, Hunafa’, and that they perform Salah and give Zakah, and that is the right religion.”
(Qur’an 98:5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the command given to the people was to worship Allah alone with sincerity. They were to avoid associating partners with Him and to devote their religion entirely to Him.
The verse also commands the establishment of prayer and the giving of zakah. These acts of worship represent obedience to Allah and kindness toward others.
This is the true and upright religion.
The Punishment of the Disbelievers (Verse 6)
Allah says:
“Verily, those who disbelieve from among the People of the Scripture and idolators, will abide in the fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures.”
(Qur’an 98:6)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that those who rejected the messages of Allah and opposed His messengers will enter the Fire of Hell. They will remain in it forever without any escape.
Because they rejected the truth after it had become clear to them, Allah describes them as the worst of creation.
The Reward of the Believers (Verses 7–8)
Allah says:
“Verily, those who believe and do righteous good deeds, they are the best of creatures.
Their reward with their Lord is Eternal Gardens, underneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein forever, Allah will be pleased with them, and they well-pleased with Him. That is for him who fears his Lord.”
(Qur’an 98:7–8)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that those who believe in Allah and perform righteous deeds are the best of creation. They will receive their reward from Allah on the Day of Judgment.
Their reward will be eternal gardens in Paradise where rivers flow beneath them. They will remain there forever.
The greatest honor for them is that Allah will be pleased with them, and they will be pleased with Him. This reward is for those who fear Allah and worship Him sincerely.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah al-Bayyinah (98).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah al-Bayyinah.