Q 2: A man once came to `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), so he asked him, “Are you so-and-so, the son of so-and-so?” The man said, “Yes.” So ‘Umar beat him with a stick. The man asked, “What have I done, O Amir Al-Mu’minun (Commander of the Believers)?” So ‘Umar recited (what means): “In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Alif-Lâm-Râ. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Clear Book (the Qur’ân that makes clear the legal and illegal things, laws, a guidance and a blessing). Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ân in order that you may understand. We relate unto you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) up to: ...among those who knew nothing about it (the Qur’ân). ‘Umar recited these Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) three times and beat the man three times. The man asked, “What have I done?” ‘Umar said, “You copied the books of Daniel.” The man said, “Tell me what to do and I shall do it.” ‘Umar said, “Go and erase it, and do not read it nor let anyone read it. If I hear that you have read it or anyone else has read it, I will punish you severely again.” He added, “I once copied a book belonging to the People of the Book and went to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying, ‘I copied this book to increase our knowledge.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) became angry and called for congregational Salah (prayer), and gave a Khutbah (sermon) saying, ‘O people! I have been given Jawami‘ Al-Kalim (the most concise expressions carrying the widest meanings) and they were gathered and made concise for me. I have brought them to you pure white (without any distortion), so do not be confused (about them) or tempted by those who are confused.’ He (peace be upon him) said to ‘Umar, ‘Do not ask them (the People of the Book) about something about which they would tell you the truth but you would belie them, or they would tell you lies and you believe them. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, if Musa (Moses) were alive, he could not but follow me.’”Another Hadith reported by Ibn Mas‘ud has the same meaning, in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) added: (Part No. 4; Page No. 411) “If it is inevitable for you to ask them (the People of the Book), then examine (what they tell you) and take what agrees with the Book of Allah and disregard what contradicts it.”Is there a contradiction between these two Hadith and the Hadith: “Narrate from the Children of Israel, as there is no sin in this”?These Hadith are quoted in volume three of: “Hayat Al-Sahabah: Fadl Al-‘Ilm” (Lives of the Companions: The Excellence of Knowledge).

A: It may appear that what is related in this regard is contradictory. However, Ibn Kathir explained this in the introduction of his Tafsir (exegesis of the meanings of the Qur’an) and gave a clarification to it, saying, “But these Israelite narrations (reported from the Jews) were just mentioned as quotes, not to be taken as evidence. They are divided into three categories: The first: Narrations we become certain of their authenticity through the evidence that we have in our hands that testifies to their truthfulness. Such narrations are authentic. The second: Narrations we become certain of their falsity through the evidence that we have, which contradicts them. The third: Narrations which do not fall under either of the two previous categories, which we should neither believe in them nor belie them, but it is permissible to relate them for the above-mentioned reasons. In fact, there is no benefit to the Din (religion) in most of these narrations.” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.