Sheikh Mohamed Kamal, a Fatwa Secretary at Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, addressed a question about the meaning of Allah’s oath in the Quranic verse:

“By your life, they were wandering blindly in their intoxication.”

The verse refers to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and carries profound meanings related to his honored status and exalted position.

What Does “By Your Life” Mean?

An Oath by the Prophet’s Life

Sheikh Mohamed Kamal explained that the expression “By your life” represents a divine oath by the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

He noted that this carries a profound meaning of honor and distinction, reflecting the Prophet’s elevated status.

The Meaning of “They Were Wandering Blindly”

The verse appears in the context of the story of the people of Lot, peace be upon him, describing their state of heedlessness and confusion while persisting in wrongdoing.

The verse combines this description with the divine oath by the Prophet’s life.

Ibn Abbas and the Interpretation of the Verse

The Prophet’s Supplication for Ibn Abbas

Sheikh Mohamed Kamal highlighted the status of Abdullah ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, as one of the leading companions in Quranic interpretation.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, prayed for him, saying: “O Allah, grant him understanding of the religion and teach him interpretation.”

Ibn Abbas subsequently became renowned for his knowledge and understanding of the Quran.

Ibn Abbas on the Meaning of the Verse

The Sheikh explained that Ibn Abbas reflected on the verse and transmitted an interpretation emphasizing the exceptional status of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

This interpretation highlights the honor and distinction associated with the Prophet’s position before Allah.

What Did Quranic Scholars Say About “By Your Life”?

Sheikh Mohamed Kamal explained that this understanding was not limited to a single interpretation. Similar meanings were transmitted in works of Quranic commentary, emphasizing that the divine oath by the Prophet’s life represents profound honor and distinction.

This interpretation highlights the Prophet’s elevated status and the special virtues and honors granted to him.

The Prophet’s Status in the Quran

Honor and Distinction

The divine oath in the expression “By your life” is among the meanings scholars have cited when discussing the Prophet’s honored position.

The verse combines an oath by his life with a description of a people immersed in heedlessness, while highlighting the Prophet’s distinguished status.

Love and Reverence for the Prophet

The meaning also emphasizes the importance of loving and honoring the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, while following his guidance and Sunnah.

What does “By your life” mean in the Quran?

It refers to a divine oath by the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, according to the interpretation discussed by Sheikh Mohamed Kamal.

Where does the verse “By your life, they were wandering blindly” appear?

It appears in Surah Al-Hijr, verse 72.

Who was Ibn Abbas?

Abdullah ibn Abbas was one of the prominent companions of the Prophet Muhammad and was renowned for his knowledge of Quranic interpretation.

What does the verse indicate about the Prophet’s status?

It conveys a profound meaning of honor and distinction through the divine oath by the Prophet’s life.