The verse and my reflections
“The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah but then failed to uphold it is like that of a donkey carrying volumes [of books]. How wretched is the example of the people who deny Allah’s signs! And Allah does not guide the unjust people.”
(Quran 62:5)
Given my knowledge of Arabic linguistics, I examined the analogy presented in this verse. The first part states: “The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah but then failed to uphold it…” while the second part compares them to “…a donkey carrying volumes [of books].” Traditionally, this verse is understood to mean that those who were given the Torah but did not act upon it are like a donkey carrying books—bearing the weight of knowledge without comprehension.
However, a closer look reveals a subtle yet significant nuance. The verse describes people who were entrusted with the Torah but failed to uphold it. Yet, the simile references a donkey carrying books. This led me to a question: How can those who abandoned the Torah be compared to a donkey that carries books? If they neglected the Torah altogether, they weren’t carrying it at all. This prompted me to search for a deeper meaning.
Unraveling the Analogy Through Other Quranic Verses
My contemplation led me to another Quranic verse:
“Human beings were [once] a single nation. God sent prophets carrying good news and warnings, and with them, He sent the Book in truth to judge between people in matters of their disputes. Yet rivalry between those who received it led them to disagreement, even after having received clear signs. God willingly guided believers to the truth about which they differed. God guides whoever wants to be guided into a straight path.” (2:213)
This raised another question: Was humanity originally united in truth or falsehood?
Surah Al-Anbiya (21:92) clarifies:
“Indeed, this community of yours is one, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.”
Similarly, Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:52) states:
“Indeed, this community of yours is one, and I am your Lord, so be mindful of Me.”
From this, it becomes clear that the original unity of humanity was based on truth, in alignment with the message delivered by the prophets.
The Need for Prophets and Scripture
If humanity began in truth, why did Allah send prophets?
Revisiting 2:213, I understood that people were initially united but later deviated. This is supported by Surah Yunus (10:19):
“Humanity was but one community, but they differed.”
Thus, history unfolded as follows: Humanity was created upon fitrah (the innate disposition of truth), but over time, deviations emerged, particularly from the time of Prophet Noah.
God states:
“We have revealed the Book to you only to clarify for them what they differed about, and as a guide and mercy for people who believe.” (16:64)
Although divine scriptures were meant to resolve disputes, people continued to differ even after receiving clear guidance. Why?
The Root Cause of Division: Transgression and Arrogance
The Quran provides an answer:
“They differed only after knowledge had come to them out of envy among themselves.” (3:19; 45:17)
The issue lies in baghy—transgression, arrogance, and selfish desires. Instead of accepting divine guidance, people altered scripture to serve their own interests. Allah mentions this in reference to the Israelites:
“We gave Moses the Scripture, but differences arose over it.” (11:110; 41:45)
The differences weren’t due to ambiguity in revelation, but rather human corruption.
Moreover, Allah states:
“Had it not been for a prior decree from your Lord, judgment would have been passed between them.” (10:19)
This decree refers to Allah’s test for humanity:
“If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but [He allows differences] to test you in what He has given you.” (5:48)
Final judgment on these matters will occur on the Day of Resurrection.
Returning to the Meaning of the Donkey Analogy
Now, let’s revisit 62:5. The verse does not merely compare people to a donkey carrying books—it highlights their abandonment of true guidance. Instead of adhering to the Torah’s clear message, they replaced it with volumes of distorted interpretations. Like a donkey carrying books it cannot understand, these corrupted scriptures brought confusion rather than enlightenment.
Such as the Talmud and other interpretation books of the Torah:
– Selective reinterpretation of Torah laws: Some rabbinic rulings in the Talmud have been criticized for modifying or overriding direct commandments found in the Torah.
– Human additions to divine scripture: The Mishnah and Gemara, which form the Talmud, contain extensive rabbinic commentary that some believe has overshadowed the Torah itself.
– Sectarian divisions: Over time, different Jewish sects have developed varying interpretations of scripture, leading to conflicting religious practices.
Beyond the Talmud, other examples of distorted interpretations include:
– Apocryphal texts: Some non-canonical Jewish writings have introduced ideas that diverge from the Torah’s teachings.
– Philosophical reinterpretations: Certain medieval Jewish philosophers reinterpreted scripture through the lens of Greek philosophy, altering its original meaning.
– Modern ideological adaptations: Some contemporary movements reinterpret religious texts to fit modern social or political agendas.
Thus, this verse condemns those who, despite receiving divine truth, prioritize their desires over Allah’s guidance, rendering their efforts as futile as a burdened beast with no comprehension.
The Ultimate Solution: Returning to Pure Revelation
The only way to resolve differences and find true guidance is to adhere to Allah’s revelations without distortion or sectarian bias. The Quran reminds us:
“Whatever you dispute about is to be judged by Allah.” (42:10)
True unity can only be achieved by following Allah’s clear, unambiguous guidance, rather than relying on human-modified ideologies. The tendency to create factions, as mentioned in the Quran (“Each faction rejoicing in what they have”—23:53; 30:32), leads only to further division.
Conclusion
Surah Al-Jumu’ah (62:5) serves as a profound warning: Divine scripture is meant to be understood and applied—not manipulated for personal gain. The path to unity lies in returning to the Quran and previous scriptures in their pure form, free from human corruption.
Allah knows best.