يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ فِى ٱلسِّلْمِ كَآفَّةً وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ 208
Translations
O you who have believed, enter into Islām completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu udkhulu fi al-silmi kaffah wa la tattabi'u khutuwati al-shaytani innahu lakum 'aduwwun mubin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to enter into Islam completely and comprehensively, submitting themselves entirely to Allah's religion without partial adherence or selective obedience. Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir explain that 'entering into al-silm (peace/submission) completely' means embracing all the commandments and prohibitions of Islam as a unified whole, rather than picking and choosing which principles to follow. The ayah warns against following the Devil's footsteps, which lead to deviation, and emphasizes that Satan is an open and manifest enemy of humanity.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Madinah during the period when the Muslim community was being established and consolidated. It comes in the context of foundational teachings about faith and obedience, addressing believers who may have been tempted to adopt practices from their pre-Islamic past or to compromise their religious commitment. The broader context of Surah Al-Baqarah deals with guidance, faith, and practical Islamic rulings.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of deeds is complete obedience to Allah and His Messenger,' and he warned: 'Beware of the whispers of the soul, for the Devil approaches through doubt and hesitation.' (Referenced in various collections including Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized that religion is not partial: 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' (Sahih Muslim), reflecting the comprehensive nature of Islamic commitment.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims are called to embrace Islam holistically rather than selectively, understanding that spiritual growth requires total commitment to all Islamic principles, not just those that are convenient or culturally comfortable. By recognizing Satan's role as an open enemy working to fragment our faith, we strengthen our vigilance against gradual spiritual compromise and remain steadfast on the straight path.