Al-KafirunThe Disbelievers

Lessons Taught
The ayahs of Surah Al-Kafirun are considered very sacred in Islam. Here are some important lessons that people should learn from this chapter.Show more

Respecting all religions: The Surah says that for you is your religion and for me is my religion. It suggests that people are free to choose what they follow and Islam cannot be forced upon anyone. However, Muslims should bear in mind that people are responsible for their choices and will have to deal with their consequences alone.

Not compromising on faith: Surah Al-Kafirun teaches people to be firm in their faith. It suggests that true followers should neither sacrifice the teachings of Islam for anyone nor allow others to ruin their relationship with Allah.

Fulfilling commitment: The proposal of this degrading compromise by the Quraysh people shows that they were not serious about God or his teachings. But, Islam demands commitment towards Allah and should be practised with true devotion and sincerity.

Reciting Al-Kafirun: Virtues and Benefits
Reciting Al-Kafirun is considered a holy act. It is believed that doing so washes away the sins and earns the blessings of Allah.

It brings safety from Shirk: It is widely believed that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that reciting the Surah of disbelievers and afterwards going to sleep offers clearance from Shirk. The Prophet himself repeated the verses from this chapter during the Fajr and Maghrib prayers and the two Rakahs after performing Tawaf Umrah around the Kaaba.

It is one-fourth of the Quran: According to Abdullah Ibn Abbas and Anas Ibn Malik, if anyone recites the Surah of disbelievers, it would be like reading a quarter of the Quran. Many believe that this is said in regard to the rewards. So, only by reading this passage, the devotees can get one-fourth of the rewards promised to people who read the whole Quran.

It offers great rewards: Reciting Surah Al-Kafirun is a good deed that supposedly brings enormous rewards. Besides keeping one safe from Shirk, it also drives away evil. It is said that Shaytan would never touch the reciter of Surah Kafirun and Allah will dispel all of the negativity and fear away from the reciter.

It ensures safety during a journey: For people who are travelling, Islam suggests five Surahs to be read during a journey. These include Surah Al-Fatihah, An-Nasr, Al-Falaq, An-Naas and Surah Al-Kafirun. Muslims maintain that reading these prayers is beneficial for travellers as it ensures their safety and protection.

Safety from the Hellfire: Among the many virtues of the Surah Kafirun, safety from hellfire is an essential one. The reciter of surah gets forgiveness for their sins and freedom from hellfire. Muslims can perform the Surah Kafirun and Surah Ikhlas for themselves, their kids and their parents and seek the mercy of Allah the almighty.

Die the death of a martyr: Islamic scholars suggest that reciting Surah Kafirun at the time of death or in illness makes the person a martyr of Islam. Hence, reciting the Surah at the time of prolonged illness helps the person attain the status of a martyr in Islam.

Fulfils the desires: Another great benefit of reciting Surah Al Kafirun is that it provides countless blessings and gifts from Allah. An individual should recite the surah 10 times at the time of daybreak to fulfil all their desires in this life and beyond.

Surah Al-Kafirun is an important chapter in the holy book of the Quran. The passage warns people against idolatry and teaches them the right approach to follow when dealing with people who do not believe in Allah. The chapter features six verses and repeating them during the day keeps people safe from evil.