إِنَّ ٱلدِّينَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمُ ۗ وَمَا ٱخْتَلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْعِلْمُ بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ ۗ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ 19
Translations
Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allāh is Islām. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allāh, then indeed, Allāh is swift in [taking] account.
Transliteration
Inna ad-dina 'inda Allah al-Islam. Wa ma ikhtalafu alladhina ootoo al-Kitaba illa min ba'da ma ja'ahum al-'ilm baghyan baynahum. Wa man yakfur bi-ayat Allah fa-inna Allah sari' al-hisab.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that the only religion accepted by Allah is Islam, which means submission and obedience to Him. The verse explains that the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) did not differ in their fundamental beliefs until after knowledge came to them, and their disputes arose from envy and selfish desires rather than genuine disagreement. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this affirms Islam as the universal religion and holds those who reject Allah's signs accountable to swift Divine judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period during the early interactions between the Muslim community and the People of the Book. It addresses the religious disputes that had arisen in Medina, particularly regarding the true nature of monotheistic faith and the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The surah's broader context deals with the relationship between Muslims and People of the Book, emphasizing the commonality of belief in One God.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth' relates to the concept of knowledge mentioned in this verse. Additionally, the hadith in Sunan at-Tirmidhi about the Prophet's statement that 'The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' reinforces the importance of knowledge in faith.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true faith requires sincere submission to Allah's guidance, and that disputes rooted in ego, envy, or worldly desires contradict genuine religious understanding. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of approaching faith with knowledge and pure intentions, avoiding sectarian divisions born from pride rather than principle.