Verse of Permissibility (Āyat al-Taḥlīl)Meanings, Implications, and Guidances

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the verse of permissibility, which is the Almighty’s saying:
{“Today all good things have been made lawful for you… and [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you.”}

(Al-Mā’idah: 5).

The study aims to clarify the meanings and implications of the fifth verse of Sūrat al-Mā’idah, examine the usage and semantic scope of Qur’anic expressions within the verse, identify the rulings related to food and marriage derived from it, and highlight its rhetorical features and subtle linguistic nuances. The study adopts an inductive and analytical approach in interpreting the verse, drawing on classical exegesis works, Qur’anic sciences, and relevant linguistic sources to collect and analyze the material related to its meanings and implications.

The study finds that the naming of Qur’anic verses has been transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Companions, and the Successors. The earliest attribution of the term “Āyat al-Taḥlīl” traced in this study is to Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them). The study also demonstrates that examining titled verses contributes to deeper reflection on the Qur’an and a better understanding of its meanings. Furthermore, the verse explicitly permits marriage to chaste women from among the People of the Book.