Surah Al Baqarah Tafseer

The Hopes of the People of the Book

Allah tells;

وَقَالُواْ لَن يَدْخُلَ الْجَنَّةَ إِلاَّ مَن كَانَ هُوداً أَوْ نَصَارَى تِلْكَ أَمَانِيُّهُمْ

And they say, "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." These are their own desires.

Allah made the confusion of the Jews and the Christians clear, since they claim that no one will enter Paradise, unless he is a Jew or a Christian.

Similarly, Allah mentioned their claims in Surah Al-Ma'idah:

نَحْنُ أَبْنَاءُ اللَّهِ وَأَحِبَّاوُهُ

We are the children of Allah and His loved ones. (5:18)

Allah refuted this false claim and informed them that they will be punished because of their sins.

Previously we mentioned their claim that the Fire would not touch them for more than a few days, after which they would be put in Paradise. Allah rebuked this claim, and He said about this baseless claim,

تِلْكَ أَمَانِيُّهُمْ

(These are their own desires).

Abu Al-Aliyah commented,

"These are wishes that they wished Allah would answer, without basis."

Similar was stated by Qatadah and Ar-Rabi bin Anas.

Allah then said,

قُلْ

Say,

meaning, "Say O Muhammad:"

هَاتُواْ بُرْهَانَكُمْ

"Produce your Burhan..."

Abu Al-Aliyah, Mujahid, As-Suddi and Ar-Rabi bin Anas stated,

meaning, "Your proof."

Qatadah said that the Ayah means,

"Bring the evidence that supports your statement.

إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ

if you are truthful, (in your claim)."

Allah then said