Al-An"aam 6:108
Surah Al-An"aam, Verse 108 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-An'am 6:108 establishes crucial Islamic etiquette: 'Do not insult those they invoke besides Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do.' According to authentic tafsir, this verse was revealed when Meccan polytheists threatened to blaspheme against Allah if Muslims continued criticizing their idols. The divine wisdom teaches a fundamental principle: avoiding permissible acts that lead to greater evils. While exposing falsehood is generally permissible, when it provokes opponents to commit worse sins (like blaspheming Allah), the lesser good must be abandoned. The verse reveals Allah's profound understanding of human psychology: 'We have made pleasing to every community their deeds' - people naturally defend their inherited beliefs and traditions. This doesn't validate all practices, but explains why respectful dialogue is more effective than confrontational criticism. The final promise of divine judgment reminds believers that ultimate justice belongs to Allah alone, relieving them of responsibility for forcing acceptance while maintaining their duty to convey truth wisely.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
وَلَا تَسُبُّوۡا الَّذِيۡنَ يَدۡعُوۡنَ مِنۡ دُوۡنِ اللّٰهِ فَيَسُبُّوا اللّٰهَ عَدۡوًۢا بِغَيۡرِ عِلۡمٍؕ كَذٰلِكَ زَيَّنَّا لِكُلِّ اُمَّةٍ عَمَلَهُمۡ ثُمَّ اِلٰى رَبِّهِمۡ مَّرۡجِعُهُمۡ فَيُنَبِّئُهُمۡ بِمَا كَانُوۡا يَعۡمَلُوۡنَ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Wala tasubboo allatheenayadAAoona min dooni Allahi fayasubboo AllahaAAadwan bighayri AAilmin kathalika zayyanna likulliommatin AAamalahum thumma ila rabbihim marjiAAuhumfayunabbi-ohum bima kanoo yaAAmaloon
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 108
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Why does Islam forbid insulting false gods and idols?
Islam forbids insulting false gods not because they deserve respect, but because it leads to a greater evil: provoking their worshippers to blaspheme against Allah out of ignorance and anger. This verse demonstrates Islamic wisdom in preferring to avoid permissible acts that result in greater sins. The goal is preventing harm to Allah's sacred name while maintaining the dignity of Islamic da'wah.
❓What is the historical context behind this verse's revelation?
According to authentic tafsir, this verse was revealed when Meccan polytheists threatened: 'Either you stop insulting our gods, or we will insult your Lord.' The verse came to prevent Muslims from engaging in exchanges that would provoke blasphemy against Allah. It shows that even defending Islam must be done with wisdom to avoid causing greater spiritual harm.
❓What does 'We have made pleasing to every community their deeds' mean?
This phrase reveals Allah's understanding of human psychology: people naturally view their inherited traditions and beliefs as correct and worthy of defense. This doesn't validate all practices, but explains why confrontational approaches often fail. It teaches Muslims to understand this human tendency and approach da'wah with wisdom, knowing that people emotionally defend what they're familiar with regardless of its truth.
❓How should this verse guide modern Islamic interfaith dialogue?
This verse establishes that Muslims should avoid inflammatory rhetoric that provokes hostile responses, even when criticizing falsehood might be justified. It teaches respectful dialogue, focusing on presenting Islamic truth positively rather than attacking other beliefs. The goal is conveying the message effectively without creating unnecessary barriers or provoking defensive reactions that close hearts to guidance.
❓What principle does this verse establish about avoiding lesser goods for greater benefits?
The verse establishes the Islamic principle that permissible acts should be abandoned if they necessarily lead to greater evils. While exposing false worship is generally permissible, when it provokes blasphemy against Allah, the permissible act becomes forbidden. This principle applies broadly in Islamic law: avoiding beneficial acts that cause disproportionate harm, prioritizing the protection of sacred values over lesser benefits.
❓How does this verse address the challenge of calling people to truth without causing offense?
The verse teaches that effective da'wah requires wisdom in approach. Rather than direct confrontation with cherished beliefs, Muslims should focus on presenting Islamic truth attractively and logically. Understanding that people are psychologically attached to their traditions helps develop patient, respectful methods that open hearts rather than closing them. The goal is guidance, not victory in argument.
❓What does the final promise of divine judgment teach about human responsibility?
'Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do' reminds Muslims that ultimate judgment belongs to Allah alone. This relieves believers of the burden of forcing acceptance or feeling responsible for others' rejection. Their duty is wise conveyance of truth; Allah will judge all actions fairly. This knowledge should make Muslims patient and respectful in their da'wah efforts.
❓How does this verse demonstrate the balance between truth and wisdom in Islamic preaching?
The verse shows that proclaiming truth must be balanced with wisdom about consequences. Islam never compromises its message, but chooses methods that maximize effectiveness while minimizing harm. This includes avoiding provocative approaches that harden hearts against guidance. True Islamic preaching combines unwavering commitment to truth with intelligent, compassionate methodology that reflects the mercy and wisdom of Islamic teachings.
Translations & Commentary
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