Al-An"aam 6:121
Surah Al-An"aam, Verse 121 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-An'am 6:121 prohibits eating meat from animals on which Allah's name was not mentioned during slaughter, declaring such consumption as fisq (disobedience or transgression). According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse establishes the fundamental requirement that Allah's name must be invoked during animal slaughter to make the meat lawful for consumption. The verse warns that 'devils inspire their allies to argue with you' (wa inna ash-shayatina la-yuhuna ila awliya'ihim li-yujadilukum), referring to how Satan's followers create doubts and objections about Islamic dietary laws to mislead believers. The verse concludes with a severe warning that 'if you obey them, you would indeed be polytheists' (wa in ata'tumuhum innakum la-mushrikun), indicating that preferring human opinions over Allah's clear commandments constitutes shirk. This teaching emphasizes that following non-divine sources in matters of religious law, even regarding food, can lead to associating partners with Allah.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
وَلَا تَاۡكُلُوۡا مِمَّا لَمۡ يُذۡكَرِ اسۡمُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيۡهِ وَاِنَّهٗ لَفِسۡقٌؕ وَاِنَّ الشَّيٰطِيۡنَ لَيُوۡحُوۡنَ اِلٰٓى اَوۡلِيَآٮِٕهِمۡ لِيُجَادِلُوۡكُمۡۚ وَاِنۡ اَطَعۡتُمُوۡهُمۡ اِنَّكُمۡ لَمُشۡرِكُوۡنَ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Wala ta/kuloo mimma lam yuthkariismu Allahi AAalayhi wa-innahu lafisqun wa-inna ashshayateenalayoohoona ila awliya-ihim liyujadilookumwa-in ataAAtumoohum innakum lamushrikoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 121
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Why is eating meat without Allah's name forbidden in Islam according to Al-An'am 6:121?
According to Al-An'am 6:121, eating meat from animals on which Allah's name was not mentioned during slaughter is forbidden because it constitutes fisq (disobedience or transgression). The verse establishes that mentioning Allah's name during slaughter is a fundamental requirement to make meat lawful for consumption. This practice acknowledges Allah's sovereignty over all creation and follows the prescribed divine method for making animals permissible as food.
❓How do devils inspire their allies to argue with believers about dietary laws?
The verse states that 'devils inspire their allies to argue with you' (wa inna ash-shayatina la-yuhuna ila awliya'ihim li-yujadilukum). According to Islamic scholarship, devils put doubts and objections into the hearts of their human allies, causing them to dispute with believers about divine commandments. Historical context shows that pagans argued with Muslims, questioning why they ate animals they killed but not those that Allah caused to die naturally, attempting to create confusion about halal and haram.
❓What happens when someone obeys devils instead of Allah in matters of dietary law?
The verse warns that 'if you obey them, you would indeed be polytheists' (wa in ata'tumuhum innakum la-mushrikun). This means that preferring human opinions or satanic suggestions over Allah's clear commandments constitutes shirk (polytheism). When believers follow non-divine sources in matters of religious law, they effectively associate partners with Allah by giving authority to other than Allah in matters He has legislated.
❓Why is mentioning Allah's name required during animal slaughter?
Mentioning Allah's name during slaughter is required because it acknowledges Allah's ownership over all creation and follows the divine prescription for making animals lawful as food. Authentic hadith supports this requirement, including the Prophet's ﷺ teaching: 'What would make blood flow (slaughter) and Allah's name is mentioned at the time of slaughtering, you can eat it.' This practice transforms the physical act of slaughter into a spiritual acknowledgment of divine sovereignty.
❓What is fisq (disobedience) in the context of Islamic dietary laws?
Fisq in this context refers to transgression or disobedience against Allah's commandments regarding food. The verse declares eating meat without Allah's name as fisq, indicating it goes beyond mere dietary preference to become a violation of divine law. This term emphasizes that dietary regulations in Islam are not arbitrary customs but divine commandments, and violating them constitutes disobedience to Allah's authority.
❓How does following devils in food matters lead to shirk (polytheism)?
Following devils in food matters leads to shirk because it involves giving legislative authority to sources other than Allah. When people prefer human opinions or satanic suggestions over divine commandments about halal and haram, they effectively worship those sources by obeying them instead of Allah. As the verse explains, this constitutes associating partners with Allah in His divine prerogative to legislate what is lawful and unlawful.
❓What are the consequences of eating unlawful meat according to this verse?
The verse declares eating meat without Allah's name as fisq (disobedience/transgression), indicating both spiritual and moral consequences. Beyond the immediate act of disobedience, it opens the door to following non-divine sources, which can lead to shirk if one consistently prefers human opinions over divine guidance. The verse emphasizes that such actions have serious spiritual implications affecting one's relationship with Allah.
❓How can Muslims avoid falling into polytheism through dietary laws?
Muslims can avoid falling into polytheism by strictly following Allah's commandments regarding halal and haram, even when faced with arguments from those who dispute divine law. The verse teaches that believers should not be swayed by satanic inspiration that comes through human allies who create doubts about Islamic dietary laws. Maintaining obedience to Allah's clear commandments, rather than following human preferences or social pressures, protects against the shirk of giving legislative authority to other than Allah.
Translations & Commentary
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