Basic
Al-Kafirun
Surah: Al-Kafirun (6)
To You Your Religion and to Me Mine — Principled Separation, Not Personal Enmity
لَكُمۡ دِينُكُمۡ وَلِيَ دِينِ
— الكافرون الآية 6
Verses: "Say: O disbelievers (1) I do not worship what you worship... To you your religion and to me mine"
Reflection:
The polytheists offered the Prophet a deal: "Worship our gods for a year and we will worship your God for a year" — the answer was absolute: not in the present, not in the future, not in any form of compromise.
The negation repeated four times: "I do not worship what you worship" — "nor are you worshippers of what I worship" — twice each. The repetition closes every door of bargaining.
"To you your religion and to me mine": This is not a licence for disbelief nor recognition of its validity — but a declaration of freedom: you are free in your choice and bear its responsibility; I am free in my religion. No coercion and no flattery.
Ibn Kathir said: "It contains disavowal from the polytheists in their objects of worship — because worship of Allah necessitates opposing the worship of everything other than Him."
The difference between principled disavowal and personal enmity: Disavowal of disbelief does not mean personal hatred of the disbeliever or wronging him. The Prophet treated the polytheists with justice — while disavowing their polytheism.
Lesson: Clarity in doctrinal constants is not extremism — it is the most honest form of respecting others: being transparent with them about your position rather than misleading them.
Reflection:
The polytheists offered the Prophet a deal: "Worship our gods for a year and we will worship your God for a year" — the answer was absolute: not in the present, not in the future, not in any form of compromise.
The negation repeated four times: "I do not worship what you worship" — "nor are you worshippers of what I worship" — twice each. The repetition closes every door of bargaining.
"To you your religion and to me mine": This is not a licence for disbelief nor recognition of its validity — but a declaration of freedom: you are free in your choice and bear its responsibility; I am free in my religion. No coercion and no flattery.
Ibn Kathir said: "It contains disavowal from the polytheists in their objects of worship — because worship of Allah necessitates opposing the worship of everything other than Him."
The difference between principled disavowal and personal enmity: Disavowal of disbelief does not mean personal hatred of the disbeliever or wronging him. The Prophet treated the polytheists with justice — while disavowing their polytheism.
Lesson: Clarity in doctrinal constants is not extremism — it is the most honest form of respecting others: being transparent with them about your position rather than misleading them.
Source: Ibn Kathir (8/503); Al-Sadi, Taysir Al-Karim
Test Yourself
Does "to you your religion and to me mine" mean a licence for disbelief? Explain.
Show Answer