Al-Kafirun (الكافرون)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ
Qul yaa-ai yuhal kaafiroon
SAY: "O you who deny the truth!
لَا أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ
Laa a'budu ma t'abudoon
"I do not worship that which you worship,
وَلَا أَنْتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ
Wa laa antum 'aabidoona maa a'bud
and neither do you worship that which I worship!
وَلَا أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَا عَبَدْتُمْ
Wa laa ana 'abidum maa 'abattum
"And I will not worship ~hat which you have [ever] worshipped,
وَلَا أَنْتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ
Wa laa antum 'aabidoona ma a'bud
and neither will you [ever] worship that which I worship.
لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ
Lakum deenukum wa liya deen.
Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine!"
Meaning
The Disbelievers
Ayas
6
Revelation
Meccan
Surah No
109
Separation Between Belief and Disbelief: Surah Al-Kafirun emphasizes the clear distinction between Islam and disbelief. The Surah calls for firm commitment to monotheism and rejects any form of compromise or syncretism with disbelief or polytheism. It stresses that there is no room for blending different religious beliefs and practices.
Rejection of Polytheism and Idolatry: The Surah presents a firm rejection of the practices of polytheists, urging that believers must hold fast to the pure worship of Allah alone without associating any partners with Him.
Freedom of Faith: While the Surah rejects disbelief, it also conveys a message of tolerance by affirming the freedom of faith—”For you is your religion, and for me is mine.” This statement promotes peaceful coexistence, respecting others’ freedom to practice their beliefs without compromising one’s own faith.
Firm Declaration of Islamic Identity: Surah Al-Kafirun was revealed to make it clear that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers have no part in the beliefs or practices of the disbelievers. It is a declaration of the purity and integrity of Islam and its distinction from other religions.
Context of Revelation: The Surah was revealed when the disbelievers of Makkah proposed a compromise, where they suggested that they and the Muslims worshipped Allah together, with Muslims joining them in some of their practices. This Surah was revealed to categorically reject any such compromise.
Message for All Muslims: The Surah is not just for the time of the Prophet (ﷺ), but its message remains relevant for all Muslims, reinforcing the idea that faith must be practiced with sincerity, and without dilution or compromise.
Strengthening Islamic Identity: Reciting this Surah helps reinforce commitment to the principles of Islam and reminds believers of the importance of maintaining the purity of their faith.
Spiritual Clarity: It helps believers achieve spiritual clarity, making it clear that belief in Allah and His oneness is distinct from the disbelief in other gods, encouraging the believer to hold steadfast to Islamic teachings.
Reminder of Tolerance and Coexistence: The Surah also promotes tolerance and peaceful coexistence with others by acknowledging their right to their own beliefs, while also standing firm in one’s own faith.
On Rejecting Disbelief:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites Surah Al-Kafirun, it is as if he has recited one-quarter of the Qur’an.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
This Hadith underscores the significance of Surah Al-Kafirun in reinforcing the fundamental beliefs of Islam and the importance of clearly rejecting disbelief.
On Tolerance and Coexistence:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever opposes our religion and rejects what we believe in, let him not be a part of our community.” (Sahih Muslim)
This teaching reinforces the message of spiritual integrity and separation between Islam and disbelief while acknowledging the peaceful coexistence of different faiths.
“If you find any mistakes in this, please let us know. For a more accurate translation, please refer to the English version. May Allah forgive us for any unintentional mistakes.”
