فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ ٱلْقَيِّمِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِىَ يَوْمٌ لَّا مَرَدَّ لَهُۥ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَصَّدَّعُونَ 43
Translations
So direct your face [i.e., self] toward the correct religion before a Day comes from Allāh of which there is no repelling. That Day, they will be divided.
Transliteration
Fa-aqim wajhaka lil-dīni al-qayyim min qabli an ya'tiya yawmun lā maraddah lahu min Allāh. Yawma'idhin yasdda'ūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) and believers to dedicate themselves wholly to the straight religion (Islam) before the Day of Judgment arrives—a day whose coming cannot be averted by Allah's will. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, 'establishing one's face toward the religion' (إقام الوجه) means turning one's entire being, intention, and actions toward monotheism and obedience to Allah. On that inevitable Day, people will be separated into distinct groups—the saved and the punished—emphasizing the urgency of righteous devotion in this life.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Ar-Rum (The Romans), a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Islam when the Prophet faced considerable opposition. The broader surah discusses signs of Allah's power and the Hour, making this ayah a fitting exhortation to steadfastness in faith before the Day of Judgment comes.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), reflecting the importance of commitment to divine guidance. Additionally, 'None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' (Sahih Bukhari 13) emphasizes total dedication to the faith's principles.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that our time on earth is limited and the Day of Judgment is certain; therefore, we must prioritize sincere devotion to Allah and His straight path above all worldly distractions. Our commitment to Islam should be total and unwavering, made with full consciousness that we will stand before Allah to account for our deeds.