Surah Ash-Shura — Verse 15

Word Meanings:

• فَلِذَٰلِكَ (fa-lidhālika): Therefore, for that (i.e., for this upright religion of monotheism).
• وَاسْتَقِمْ (wa-staqim): And remain steadfast and upright.
• أَهْوَاءَهُمْ (ahwā'ahum): Their desires and whims (of the disbelievers).
• لَا حُجَّةَ (lā hujjata): No argument, dispute, or contention.
• الْمَصِيرُ (al-maṣīr): The final return and destination.

Tafsir (Explanation):

O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, call people to this straight and upright religion — the religion of pure monotheism (Tawḥīd) that Allah ordained for all His prophets and messengers. Remain steadfast upon it, just as your Lord has commanded you, and do not deviate from His path even by a hair's breadth. Do not follow the vain desires of those who have doubted the truth and turned away from guidance — whether they are the disbelievers of Quraysh who wished you to compromise your message, or anyone else who seeks to sway you from the truth.

And when you engage with them, declare clearly: "I believe in every Book that Allah has revealed from the heavens — the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, and all other scriptures sent to His prophets. I make no distinction between any of them, for they all come from one Lord. And my Lord has commanded me to judge between you with absolute justice — to be fair in all matters, not demanding more from you than what Allah has prescribed, nor less."

Say to them: "Allah is our Lord and your Lord. To us belong our deeds, and to you belong your deeds. We are not responsible for your actions, nor are you responsible for ours. There is no argument or dispute between us and you after the truth has become clear and the evidence has been established. Allah will gather us all together on the Day of Judgment, and He alone will judge between us concerning that in which we differed. To Him is the final return — and every soul will be recompensed fully for what it has earned."

This verse carries a profound message of tolerance and clarity: the believer calls to truth with wisdom, remains firm upon it, does not compromise with falsehood, yet maintains justice and fairness in dealing with others, leaving final judgment to Allah alone. It teaches us that our duty is to convey the message with sincerity, to live uprightly, and to trust that Allah's justice will prevail — for He is the ultimate Judge, and to Him we all shall return.

Da'wah Reflection:

This magnificent verse is a complete constitution for the Muslim's approach to others. It combines three essential elements: calling to the truth with firmness, maintaining justice in all dealings, and leaving the final judgment to Allah. Notice how the Prophet ﷺ was commanded to say "To us our deeds, and to you your deeds" — this is not a rejection of people, but rather a respectful acknowledgment that each person bears responsibility for their own choices. This beautiful balance of firmness and fairness is what makes Islam's message so compelling. When you invite others to Islam, embody this spirit: be unwavering in your faith, just in your dealings, and gentle in your presentation — for guidance comes from Allah alone, and your role is simply to convey the truth with excellence.