The Majestic Quran

109. Al-Kafirun The Disbelievers This chapter was revealed in the middle Makkan period, when a group of Qurayshi leaders came to the Messenger r with a proposal: “If you worship our idols for one year, we shall worship your God for one year. This way we will keep our people united.” The chapter was revealed to reject this nonsensical proposal. It clearly condemns compromising with idolatry. True believers have never done so in the past; they will not do it now, nor in the future. The final verse: “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion,” (6) points to the fundamental human right of religion. Despite this uncompromising tone, the chapter lays down the principle of a pluralistic, diverse society. It stresses freedom of religion, and teaches about the coexistence of different religions and ideologies. Islam does not believe in destroying other religions; instead, it preaches living alongside others in a peaceful way. In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. C - 1 Say: “Disbelievers, 2 I don’t worship what you worship, 3 neither are you worshippers of what I worship. 4 Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship, 5 neither will you be worshippers of what I worship. 6 For you is your religion, and for me is mine.”