۞ وَلَا تُجَـٰدِلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ ۖ وَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَأُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَإِلَـٰهُنَا وَإِلَـٰهُكُمْ وَٰحِدٌ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ 46
Translations
And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."
Transliteration
Wa lā tujādilū ahla al-kitābi illā bi-al-latī hiya ahsan illā al-ladhīna ẓalamū minhum wa-qūlū āmannā bi-al-ladhī unzila ilaynā wa-unzila ilaikum wa-ilāhunā wa-ilāhukum wāḥid wa-naḥnu lahu muslimūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah instructs Muslims to engage with People of the Book (Christians and Jews) using the best manner of discourse, except with those among them who are oppressors or act unjustly. Muslims are commanded to affirm belief in the revelation sent to them and to the People of the Book, emphasizing the unity of God and submission to Him. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi emphasize that 'the best manner' (ahsan) refers to gentle, respectful argumentation with wisdom and good counsel, while Al-Tabari notes the exception for oppressors permits firmer responses when necessary.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Meccan period when Muslims were a minority facing hostility. It occurs within Surah Al-'Ankabut, which discusses trials and steadfastness in faith. The broader context of the surah addresses disputes with disbelievers and the importance of maintaining Islamic principles while living among diverse communities.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, 'The best of you are those who have the best manners' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi) relates to the emphasis on excellent conduct in dialogue.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims should approach interfaith conversations with kindness, respect, and intellectual honesty while maintaining firm principles—recognizing shared belief in one God while responding differently to those who act with injustice. This teaching encourages balance between conviction and compassion in an increasingly pluralistic world.