What is the occasion for the revelation of the verse "To you your religion, and to me my religion" in Surat Al-Kafirun, and what are its interpretations? And what is the relationship between it and the saying "Religion is for God, and the homeland is for everyone"?
The verse {To you be your religion, and to me be my religion} is not abrogated by the verse of the sword, nor is it exclusive to the People of the Book. Rather, it is a definitive and universally applicable verse, not subject to abrogation. It represents a complete disavowal of disbelief and a separation from its adherents. Ibn al-Qayyim emphasized that the verse does not imply an endorsement of the disbelievers' religion; rather, it is a declaration of distance and rejection of their religion. Muslims remain steadfast in their true religion, while disbelievers cling to their falsehood. The manner of dealing with different types of disbelievers depends on the specific rulings of Islamic law, distinguishing between Dhimmis and belligerents, as evidenced by verses 8 and 9 of Surat Al-Mumtahanah. The fatwa also clarified that this verse has no connection to the false saying: "Religion is for Allah, and the homeland is for everyone."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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