A Simple Guide to ISLAM
The Qur’an
~ 78 ~
At the time when this chapter was revealed, the Prophet was facing
stiff resistance from the Makkan Quraysh. Only a handful of people
had responded to his call. At that difficult moment this chapter was
a message of hope to the Prophet and to the Muslims.
Al-Kafirun (The Unbelievers) 109
Say: ‘Unbelievers, I do not worship what you worship,
nor do you worship what I worship. I shall never worship
what you worship, nor will you ever worship what I
worship. You have your own religion, and I have mine.’
This chapter belongs to the late Makkan period and contains six
verses. God asks the Prophet not to force non-believers into the
faith. The Prophet’s duty was only to bear witness to the truth,
spreading the message of God to everyone, without imposing it
upon anyone. When, after 13 long years of unremitting efforts,
people were not willing to believe, then the Prophet was told by
God to say to the unbelievers, ‘I do not worship what you worship,
nor do you worship what I worship.’ After the Prophet had fully
conveyed God’s message to the people, he was exempted from
obligation towards those who rejected his call.
This chapter teaches us to practice tolerance towards non-Muslims
and tells us to treat them with respect.
Al-Nasr (Help) 110
When God’s help and victory come, and you see men
embrace God’s faith in multitudes, give glory to your
Lord and seek his pardon. He is ever disposed to mercy.
