Tafsir of the Straight Path of Allah

Q 2: What is the explanation of Allah’s saying (meanings of which are translated as), And verily, this (i.e. Allâh’s Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152) is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path.

A: Allah (Exalted be He) stated the principles of Islam in the two Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) preceding this one, saying (what means), Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawâhish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allâh has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islâmic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand. "And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfil the Covenant of Allâh. This He commands you, that you may remember. Allah (Exalted be He) then orders to follow the above principles in His saying, And verily, this (i.e. Allâh’s Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152) is My Straight Path, so follow it He forbids following any way which differs from His Path. In addition, He clarifies that if they follow any path other than His Straight Path and divinely ordained guidance, they will be veered away and will miss the right path. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) explained this Ayah in the Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad and Al-Hakim on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: (Part No. 4; Page No. 220)  The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) drew a line with his hand and then said, “This is the Straight Path of Allah.” He then drew lines to its right and to its left and said: “These are other paths, on every path of them there is a devil inviting (people) to it.” He then recited (what means): And verily, this (i.e. Allâh’s Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152) is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. Al-Hakim classed this Hadith as Sahih (a Hadith that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish) but Al-Bukhari and Muslim did not report it. It was also narrated by Al-Nasa’y and Al-Tirmidhy on the authority of Al-Nawwas ibn Sam‘an (may Allah be pleased with him). Al-Tirmidhy classed this Hadith as Hassan Gharib (a good Hadith that is strange to come from this chain of narration).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.