لِّكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًا هُمْ نَاسِكُوهُ ۖ فَلَا يُنَـٰزِعُنَّكَ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۚ وَٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ۖ إِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ هُدًى مُّسْتَقِيمٍ 67
Translations
For every [religious] community We have appointed rites which they perform. So, [O Muḥammad], let them [i.e., the disbelievers] not contend with you over the matter but invite [them] to your Lord. Indeed, you are upon straight guidance.
Transliteration
Likulli ummatin jaAAalna mansakan hum nasikunuh fala yunaziaunnaka fee al-amri wadAAu ila rabbika innaka laaAAala hudan mustaqeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that Allah has prescribed specific acts of worship (mansak) for each nation according to their time and circumstance, and commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not to dispute with the disbelievers about religious matters, but rather to call them to Allah with wisdom and certainty. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that while the forms of worship differ, the fundamental principles remain consistent, and the Prophet's role is to convey the message clearly without being drawn into futile arguments.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Hajj (a Medinan chapter) and addresses the Prophet during a time when various religious communities with different practices were present in Arabia. The broader context deals with the pillars of faith and the legitimacy of Islamic practices, particularly hajj and ritual sacrifice. The ayah reassures the Prophet that despite differences in religious observances among nations, his message and guidance are upon the straight path.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'The best speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim regarding the diversity of people's deeds: 'People are like mines of gold and silver' reflects the principle that nations have varying practices suited to their circumstances.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims that conviction in their faith should be accompanied by wisdom and patience in dialogue, avoiding unnecessary confrontation while remaining firm on the truth. It also reminds believers that different forms of worship across communities reflect divine wisdom, and our focus should be on sincere devotion to Allah rather than debating minor differences.