56:79
Yet another verse that has been misinterpreted by the Muslim scholars. They interpret this verse to mean that no one is allowed to physically touch the Quran except those who are physically clean, while others say only those who have performed ablution!
1- The Arabic word used in the verse is “Yamsasahu” …. This word is different from the word “Yalmasahu”.
The word “yalmas” means to physically touch something.
But the word “yamsas” is totally different.
To determine the correct meaning of this word we must look at other Quranic verses which use this word:
- “When a “hasana” (anything good/blessing) “tamasakum” (comes your way) they hurt” 3:120
Here God is speaking about something good or a blessing, and then the word “tamsaskum” ……. Obviously a blessing does not physically touch us, but it reaches us or comes our way.
- “If God “yamsakak” (brings your way) an adversity, none can relieve it except He. And if He “yamsakak” (brings your way) a blessing, He is Omnipotent.” 6:17
The same meaning is repeated.
Now we return to 56:79 which speaks of the Quran and says that no one can yamsasahu except the pure.
How can the Quran reach only the pure? This can only mean that no one can attain its blessings except the pure.
2- The second issue to resolve is : who are the pure?
Once again the Muslim scholars claim that this refers to the physically pure, but once again this is an incorrect interpretation.
To determine the correct Quranic meaning of this word, we refer to the following verses: "We sent down to you this scripture, truthfully; you shall worship God, devoting the pure religion to Him alone. Absolutely, the pure religion shall be devoted to God alone" 39:2-3
The key words here are Al-Deen Al-Khalis.
The word Deen means religion, and the word Khalis means pure.
As per 39:2-3, the pure religion must be dedicated to God alone. This means that all our religious practices must be devoted to God alone. This meaning is confirmed in the following Quranic words:
“Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to God alone, the Lord of the universe. "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit." 6:162-163
The ones who devote all their religion to God alone are called “Ebad Allah Al-Mukhlaseen” throughout the Quran (
To conclude, the correct meaning of 56:79 is:
“None can grasp it (attain it’s blessing) except the pure (pure worshippers of God)”