Translation
We (God) indeed revealed the Torah containing guidance and light (knowledge), by which prophets, who submitted (to God), rendered judgment for the followers of Jewish faith; as did the rabbis and the scholars—(they were all) entrusted to preserve what God had revealed of the Book of God and they were to bear witness over it. Therefore, do not fear people but fear Me (God), and do not misinterpret the message for earthly gains. Deniers of truth are those who fail to judge (act) according to what God had revealed. We (God) prescribed for them: life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and similar to the wound inflicted (Exodus 21:23, Jewish law of retaliation). But for anyone who forgives and forgoes, such act will atone his sins. And whoever does not judge (act) according to God’s revelations, he is deemed an unbeliever.
We made Jesus, the son of Mary, to come after them, confirming that which was in the Torah, and revealed to him the Gospel (Bible), which also contained guidance and light (knowledge). It verified what remained of the Torah and served as a guidance and as an admonition for those who were mindful and responsible. So let the people of the Gospel judge (and act) according to what God had revealed in it. Those who do not do so are deemed oppressors. 309
We have revealed to you (Prophet Mohammad) the book (the Qur’an) establishing the truth, verifying all books that came before it, and making it a guardian (preserving and encompassing this truth). So, (as we commanded other prophets before), judge (and act) between and among these people (of the book and your own followers) based on what God has revealed, not deviating from it, which is their desire. For every group (of people) We (God) have allowed different rules and different ways of life (as they opted for). If God had willed, He could have made all into a single community, but He wanted to test each group in what they find themselves. Therefore, compete for goodness (no matter who you are or what faith you subscribe to). Since to God all of you will return, He will then inform you in all that you were differing (on earth, so that you will at last see and agree on the truth, though it is in front of you even now and you still could not come to terms).
It is imperative that you judge among people based on what God has conveyed in revelation and not be swayed by the errant views of some of them. Be cautious, lest some of them tempt you to deviate from parts of what God has conveyed in revelations. If (at the end) they do move away from the truth, then it is because God desires to afflict them with their own sins, since many of them have already transgressed. What is it they want—judgment of ignorance? Who is better than God as a judge for those who have firm faith and conviction in truth? 310
Interpretation
309 Just as Muslims, Jews and Christians have been gifted by God with revelations in the Torah and the Bible. The Qur’an came to confirm all previous Books of Revelations and to preserve an enduring collection of guidance and light (knowledge) for all generations to come—this guidance and light has been the main message in all revealed books. All people who have received revelations are required to study, deliberate, comprehend, and implement these ideas and laws in their personal, social, and spiritual existence on this planet and in this life. Failure to do so or to somehow corrupt these ideas and rules with one’s errant views deliberately is tantamount to lack of faith, lack of justice, lack of civility, and lack of conviction in truth.
310 Even though the guidance and the light that shines in these Books of Revelations, the respective followers (including the Muslims) created their own narrow interpretations and injected their own cultural norms, historical biases, personal temptations, and errant views to limit the full and honest exploration, implementation, and ongoing adaptations of this foundational guidance and these laws. God could have made us all adhere to the truth message but gave us our freedom of choice, allowing us to explore and find our own ways of life. The prudent choice for us is not to fight, not to blame one another, but to compete in doing good for one another despite our differences so that we can build a global society of peace and harmony. God, to Whom we all belong and to Whom we will be eventually gathered, will enlighten us on our differences. Until then, God wants us to do good however we express our faith and be just and peacefully coexist.
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REFLECTION
In our world today, where there is so much misunderstanding, hate, and violence against people within the same faith and across different faiths or ideologies, it is critical that we use our common sense, our innate desire to love one another, our capacity for compassion, and our aspiration for life, freedom, and happiness to build a peaceful world. As the Qur’an says, we need to accept our differences as the will of God and converge on our common goal of goodness for all as our major challenge and opportunity to prove our worth to one another and to our Creator.
ACTION
Muslims in particular need to rise above the superficial differences between Sunnis and Shias and the national and ethnic diversity among the 1.6 billion Muslims and accept, as God has asked them to accept, the way Jews and Christians exercise their faith as a God-given right and God’s allowance for our human freedom of choice, so that Muslims can unite and work hand in hand with people of other faiths (especially those who follows the ways of Abraham—Jews and Christians) in making this world a better place where every human being has dignity, safety, and freedom to choose.