Quran: 109
The Disbelievers
1. Say, O you disbelievers!
2. I do not worship what you worship,
3. nor do you worship what I worship.
4. I will never worship what you worship,
5. nor will you ever worship what I worship.
6. You have your way, and I have my Way.
Surah Al-Kafiroon (Chapter 109 of the Quran) is a short chapter that consists of six verses. The primary theme of this surah is the rejection of polytheism and the affirmation of monotheism.
It emphasizes the uncompromising stance of believers in rejecting false beliefs and remaining steadfast in their faith in one (and only) GOD.
First verse begins with a direct address to those who reject the message of Islam (submission to ONE and ONLY ALMIGHTY GOD).
The use of the term “disbelievers” (Al-Kafiroon) is a clear indication of the people being addressed.
In the second verse, the speaker, in this case, is any believing person, who is instructed to convey the message that he/she does not worship the false gods that the disbelievers worship.
Third verse reiterates the rejection of the disbelievers’ beliefs. It is emphasized here on the stark difference between the monotheistic worship of ALLAH (ONE and ONLY ALMIGHTY GOD) and the polytheistic practices of the disbelievers.
In the verse four, the believer (as the speaker) further emphasizes the commitment to monotheism, stating that he/she will not adopt the polytheistic practices of the disbelievers.
In the fifth verse, the reciprocal nature of the rejection. The disbelievers are told that they will not worship what the believing (men and women) worship.
In this concluding sixth verse, the believer is informed that everyone is free to follow their own beliefs. The emphasis is on the individual’s right to choose their faith.
The believers are not responsible for the choices of the disbelievers; rather, they are fulfilling their duty by delivering the message.
A very relevant verse to this is from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256), and it is indeed a fundamental verse in the religion that emphasizes the principle of freedom of religion.
The verse is as follows:
لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ ۚ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِالطَّاغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِن بِاللَّهِ فَقَدِ اسْتَمْسَكَ بِالْعُرْوَةِ الْوُثْقَىٰ لَا انفِصَامَ لَهَا ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Translation:
“There is no compulsion in religion.
The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in ALLAH (ONE and ONLY ALMIGHTY GOD) has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
In summary, the 109th Chapter of the Quran (Al-Kafiroon) serves as a clear statement of the Islamic principle of monotheism and the rejection of polytheism.
This highlights the irreconcilable differences between the beliefs of the disbelievers and the beliefs of the followers of Islam (submitter of will to ONE and ONLY GOD).
