Another Interpretation of Sura Ma'idah; verse 33

Abstract

This research uses descriptions and anaiysis of documents (i.e. verses, traditions, religious decrees, Arabic and logical Rules) concerning two subjects of muharebah (fighting with God) and efsad fi-I-arz ( mischief- making on earth ) and the relation between these two general and semi- general concepts. First, we dwell on the literal and phrasal meaning of these two words and then after regarding the issue in a historical light, the background of this significant and controversial matter is dealt with. At the end, we will show how these two issues are two separate matters semantically connected. The relation between these two matters is that of title and denotation . The penalty for fighting with God is whipping and in proportion with the offence but that of mischief-making on earth will be under new titles of the discretionary kind of punishment.

Keywords

• keywords: combat
• of mischief-making on earth
• or (aw)
• only (innama)
• discretionary punishment ( ta'zir)
• penal justice