فَإِنْ حَآجُّوكَ فَقُلْ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِىَ لِلَّهِ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِ ۗ وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْأُمِّيِّـۧنَ ءَأَسْلَمْتُمْ ۚ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا۟ فَقَدِ ٱهْتَدَوا۟ ۖ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْبَلَـٰغُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بَصِيرٌۢ بِٱلْعِبَادِ 20
Translations
So if they argue with you, say, "I have submitted myself to Allāh [in Islām], and [so have] those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture and [to] the unlearned, "Have you submitted yourselves?" And if they submit [in Islām], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away - then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allāh is Seeing of [His] servants.
Transliteration
Fa-in hajjuka faqul aslamtu wajhiya lillahi wa mani-ttaba'an. Wa qul lilladhina ootoo al-kitaba wa al-ummiyyina a-aslamtum. Fa-in aslamoo faqad ihtadaw. Wa in tawallaw fa-innama alayka al-balagh. Wa-Allahu baseerun bi-al-ibad.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah instructs the Prophet Muhammad to respond to those who dispute with him about the faith by declaring his absolute submission to Allah and inviting all people—both People of the Book and the unlettered—to submit to Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'I have submitted my face to Allah' (aslamtu wajhiya) signifies complete devotion and obedience. The ayah concludes by reassuring the Prophet that his duty is only to convey the message; whether people accept or reject it is between them and Allah, as He is fully aware of all His servants.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Madinah during the period of increased interaction with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) and polytheists. This ayah is part of a broader section (3:15-20) discussing the diversity of beliefs and Allah's patience with humanity. It comes after discussions of those who reject truth and provides the Prophet with guidance on how to respond to arguments and disputations about Islam.
Related Hadiths
The theme of conveying the message relates to Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:99: 'The Messenger's duty is only to convey [the message].' Additionally, Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 4697) records that the Prophet said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent,' emphasizing wisdom in religious discourse.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that sincere believers must submit fully to Allah's will while approaching others with clear invitation and wisdom, remembering that ultimate guidance is Allah's domain—our role is faithful conveyance, not coercion. It offers comfort to modern preachers and parents that their responsibility ends at sincere communication; the hearts' turning toward truth remains in Allah's hands.