Qul Ya Ayyuhal Kafirun Surah in English, Arabic & Transliteration

Surah Kafiroon (Qul ya ayyuhal kafirun surah) is the 109th chapter of the Quran. This surah clearly says no to polytheism (worshipping many gods) and yes to monotheism (worshipping one God). It shows the big difference between what believers and non-believers think.
This short but powerful chapter teaches us that Islam is clear and firm about worshipping only one God. It’s a strong message that reminds us to stay committed to our beliefs.
Surah Qul Ya Ayyuhal Kafirun in Arabic Text
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
قُلۡ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡكَٰفِرُونَ (١) لَآ أَعۡبُدُ مَا تَعۡبُدُون (٢) وَلَآ أَنتُمۡ عَٰبِدُونَ مَآ أَعۡبُدُ (٣) وَلَآ أَنَا۠ عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمۡ (٤) وَلَآ أَنتُمۡ عَٰبِدُونَ مَآ أَعۡبُدُ (٥) لَكُمۡ دِينُكُمۡ وَلِىَ دِينِ (٦)
Qul Ya Ayyuhal Kafirun Transliteration
- Qul ya ayyuhal kafirun
- Laa a’abudu maa ta’a budun
- Wa laa antum a biduna maa a’abudu
- Wa laa ana aabidun ma abadtum
- Wa laa antum a biduna maa a’abudu
- Lakum diynukum waliyaddiyn
Qul Ya Ayyuhal Kafirun Surah in English
- Say, “O disbelievers.
- I do not worship what you worship.
- Nor are you worshippers of what I worship.
- Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship.
- Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship.
- For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.
READ ALSO: Qul Huwallahu Ahad Surah in English, Arabic and Transliteration
Summary Of Surah Qul Ya Ayyuhal Kafirun
Name in English | The Disbelievers, The Kuffar, Those Who Deny the Truth |
Name in Arabic | ٱلْكَافِرُون |
Verses | 6 |
Position in Quran | 109th Surah |
Classification | Meccan |
Surah Before | Surah al-Kawthar (108) |
Surah After | Surah An-Nasr (110) |
Theme | The correct attitude towards those who reject faith |

The Quraysh tribe once proposed a deal to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): worship our idols for a year, and we’ll worship your God for a year.
He refused and received a revelation instructing him on how to respond. This surah contains his response, emphasizing that only Allah deserves worship.
Understanding Unbelief (Kufr)
The word “kufr” means to cover or hide the truth. A “kaafir” (unbeliever) is someone who rejects faith, not a derogatory term. Kufr has different forms:
- Atheism: denying Allah’s existence
- Polytheism: worshiping multiple gods
- Rejecting Allah’s guidance and laws
- Refusing to believe in His Messengers
- Making distinctions between Messengers
- Refusing to follow teachings despite believing in Allah, His Messengers, and Books
The surah teaches us to stand firm in matters of truth without persecuting or abusing others for their beliefs.
“I do not worship what you worship, neither outwardly nor inwardly. And you do not truly worship what I worship, because your worship is tainted with polytheism and insincerity.”
This surah emphasizes the difference between the two groups:
- First, it negates any common ground in worship (verses 2-3).
- Then, it confirms that this difference is deeply ingrained in both parties (verses 4-5).
The final verse clearly separates the two groups, saying:
“Your religion is yours, and my religion is mine.” This is similar to other Quranic verses, such as:
- “Everyone acts according to their own disposition” (Surah al-Isra’, verse 84).
- “If they reject you, say: My deeds are mine, and your deeds are yours. I am not accountable for your actions, nor are you accountable for mine” (Surah Yunus, verse 41).
Lessons from Surah Kafiroon
When interacting with non-Muslims, there comes a time when you must clearly express the significant differences between your beliefs and theirs.
In matters of faith, there is no room for compromise. It’s essential to establish and maintain clear boundaries during interfaith discussions, ensuring you remain true to your convictions.