صِبْغَةَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ صِبْغَةً ۖ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ عَـٰبِدُونَ 138
Translations
[And say, "Ours is] the religion of Allāh. And who is better than Allāh in [ordaining] religion? And we are worshippers of Him."
Transliteration
Sibghata Allahi wa man ahsanu mina Allahi sibghatan wa nahnu lahu 'abidun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah uses the metaphor of 'sibghah' (dye/coloring) to describe the natural disposition (fitrah) and religion of Allah, emphasizing that Islam is the most perfect and beautiful way of life. The verse asserts that there is no better way to live than according to Allah's guidance, and the believers dedicate themselves entirely to worshipping Him. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir explain that 'sibghah' refers to the imprint of faith that colors the soul, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Islamic submission.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Baqarah's discussion about the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) and the proper direction of prayer (qiblah). It addresses the early Muslim community's struggles with various religious groups and affirms the superiority and self-sufficiency of Islamic monotheism. The broader surah emphasizes the distinctiveness of the Muslim ummah and their covenant with Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Every child is born upon the fitrah (natural disposition toward monotheism), but his parents make him Jewish, Christian, or Zoroastrian' (Sahih Bukhari 1319). This hadith directly relates to the concept of sibghah as the natural coloring of the soul toward Allah's religion.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Islam is not merely a set of rules but a comprehensive way of life that naturally aligns with human nature when embraced sincerely. It encourages modern Muslims to recognize the beauty and completeness of their faith while maintaining unwavering devotion to Allah, despite external pressures or alternative worldviews.