لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِىَ دِينِ 6
Translations
For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."
Transliteration
Lakum dinukum wa liya dini
Tafsir (Explanation)
This final ayah of Surah Al-Kafirun establishes a clear principle of religious freedom and separation of faith: 'For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.' Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain this as the Prophet's (صلى الله عليه وسلم) definitive statement rejecting any compromise in matters of faith, while simultaneously declaring that Muslims will not force their beliefs upon others. This ayah encapsulates the surah's theme of unwavering monotheism despite pressure from Meccan polytheists to water down Islamic teachings.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Kafirun was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense persecution when the polytheists of Quraysh requested that the Prophet compromise his message or accept a middle ground between Islam and idolatry. This ayah concludes the surah by providing the Prophet's (صلى الله عليه وسلم) firm but dignified response, establishing that there can be no merger or compromise between tawhid (monotheism) and shirk (polytheism).
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent' (Sahih Bukhari). This reflects the principle of clear boundaries in faith while maintaining respectful conduct. Additionally, the Prophet's command to 'convey from me, even if it is one ayah' (Sahih Bukhari) emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's own deen without compromise.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true faith requires unwavering commitment to one's beliefs without compromising core principles, while simultaneously respecting others' choices and establishing peaceful coexistence. For modern Muslims, it serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in Islamic principles while engaging respectfully with those of different faiths, avoiding both forced conversion and cultural assimilation of Islamic values.