Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:64 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 64
Arabic Text
قُلۡ يٰۤاَهۡلَ الۡكِتٰبِ تَعَالَوۡا اِلٰى كَلِمَةٍ سَوَآءٍۢ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ اَلَّا نَـعۡبُدَ اِلَّا اللّٰهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهٖ شَيْئًا وَّلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا اَرۡبَابًا مِّنۡ دُوۡنِ اللّٰهِؕ فَاِنۡ تَوَلَّوۡا فَقُوۡلُوۡا اشۡهَدُوۡا بِاَنَّا مُسۡلِمُوۡنَ
Transliteration
Qul ya ahla alkitabi taAAalawila kalimatin sawa-in baynana wabaynakum allanaAAbuda illa Allaha wala nushrika bihishay-an wala yattakhitha baAAdunabaAAdan arbaban min dooni Allahi fa-intawallaw faqooloo ishhadoo bi-anna muslimoon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Quran 3:64 presents Islam's foundational call for interfaith unity: 'Say, O People of the Book! Come to a common word between us and you - that we worship none but Allah, associate nothing with Him, and that none of us take others as lords besides Allah. But if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims.' This verse establishes three core principles of pure monotheism: exclusive worship of Allah (la na'budu illa Allah), complete rejection of shirk (wala nushrika bihi shayan), and refusing human lordship (wala yattakhidha ba'duna ba'dan arbaban min dun Allah). According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse was included in Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ letter to Byzantine Emperor Heraclius, demonstrating Islam's diplomatic approach to religious dialogue. The phrase 'common word' (kalimah sawa) refers to the shared Abrahamic foundation of monotheism present in the Torah, Gospel, and Quran. Islamic scholars explain that 'taking others as lords' means obeying humans in matters that contradict divine law, as happened when Jewish and Christian religious authorities changed divine commandments. The verse concludes with the instruction that if People of the Book reject this fair call, Muslims should simply bear witness to their own submission (islam) to Allah, ending debate peacefully rather than engaging in futile arguments.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 64 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 64
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the 'common word' that Quran 3:64 refers to between Muslims and People of the Book?
The 'common word' (kalimah sawa) refers to three fundamental principles of pure monotheism: (1) worshipping Allah alone without partners, (2) associating nothing with Him in divinity, and (3) not taking human beings as lords besides Allah. These principles represent the shared foundation of monotheism present in the original Torah, Gospel, and Quran before human alterations.
❓How does Quran 3:64 promote interfaith dialogue and understanding?
This verse promotes interfaith dialogue by focusing on shared beliefs rather than differences. It invites Christians and Jews to unite on the common ground of pure monotheism that originally existed in all Abrahamic faiths. The approach is respectful and diplomatic, seeking agreement on fundamental principles while acknowledging that if unity cannot be achieved, each group should maintain their own beliefs peacefully.
❓Which historical letter from Prophet Muhammad contained this verse?
According to authentic hadith in Sahih Bukhari, this verse was included in Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ letter to Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor. The letter began with 'In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful' and invited the emperor to Islam, stating that if he embraced Islam, Allah would grant him a double reward, but if he turned away, he would bear the burden of his subjects' sins.
❓What does it mean to 'take others as lords besides Allah' according to Islamic interpretation?
According to Islamic scholarship and the explanation given to Adi ibn Hatim (a former Christian who converted), this means obeying humans in matters that contradict divine law. It refers to giving religious authorities the power to declare halal what Allah made haram, or haram what Allah made halal. This includes following human-made laws that contradict divine commandments, even if one doesn't physically prostrate to these authorities.
❓Why does this verse specifically address 'People of the Book' rather than all non-Muslims?
The verse addresses People of the Book (Christians and Jews) specifically because they already possess revealed scriptures and share the Abrahamic tradition of monotheism. Unlike polytheists who worship multiple gods, Christians and Jews theoretically believe in one God, making them natural partners for dialogue about pure monotheism. The verse seeks to remind them of their original teachings before later theological developments.
❓How does this verse define pure monotheism in Islamic theology?
The verse defines pure monotheism through three negative statements that eliminate all forms of shirk: (1) 'we worship none but Allah' eliminates worship of created beings, (2) 'we associate no partners with Him' eliminates attributing divine qualities to creation, and (3) 'none of us take others as lords besides Allah' eliminates giving humans the right to legislate or change divine law. Together, these preserve Allah's absolute uniqueness in worship, divinity, and sovereignty.
❓What should Muslims do if People of the Book reject this call to common ground?
If People of the Book reject this invitation, the verse instructs Muslims to simply say 'Bear witness that we are Muslims (submitting to Allah alone).' This teaches that after presenting the truth clearly and respectfully, Muslims should conclude the dialogue peacefully rather than engaging in futile arguments. The response demonstrates Muslim commitment to pure monotheism while respecting others' choices.
❓How does verse 3:64 relate to the broader context of interfaith relations in Islam?
This verse establishes a framework for respectful interfaith engagement based on identifying common ground while maintaining religious integrity. It demonstrates Islam's approach of seeking unity on shared principles rather than forcing conformity. The verse shows that Muslims should engage with other faith communities diplomatically and intellectually, always returning to fundamental theological principles as the basis for dialogue.
Translations & Commentary
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