SURAH 109 — Al-Kāfirūn — الكافرون — “The Disbelievers”
• Revelation Order: 18
• Event Anchor: Meccan negotiations over religious compromise (c. 615–618 CE)
Explanation:
Al-Kāfirūn reflects a period when Meccan leaders, attempting to neutralize Muhammad’s growing influence, proposed religious compromises—such as alternating between worship of their gods and the worship of Allah. The surah’s absolute refusal (“I do not worship what you worship…”) answers these overtures directly and publicly. Its tone suits the stage when Quraysh sought diplomatic or symbolic concessions to maintain social unity while resisting Islam. The surah marks a decisive rejection of syncretism and solidifies the uncompromising monotheistic stance of the early Muslim community.
| Verse | Verse # | Meccan v Medinan | General Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Say, “O disbelievers, | 1 | Meccan | 6208 |
| I do not worship what you worship. | 2 | Meccan | 6209 |
| Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. | 3 | Meccan | 6210 |
| Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. | 4 | Meccan | 6211 |
| Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. | 5 | Meccan | 6212 |
| For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” | 6 | Meccan | 6213 |