Repositioning Surah Al-Kāfirūn in the Discourse of Religious Pluralism: An analysis of the Theoretical Niẓām Al-Qur'ān by Amīn Aḥsan al-Iṣlāḥī

Abstract

The existence of Surah al-Kāfirūn is frequently interpreted by certain scholars and groups as the Qur’anic manifesto on religious pluralism, particularly with reference to its sixth verse, which is often regarded as emblematic of Islam’s recognition of religious diversity. This interpretation has gained considerable traction within contemporary Islamic discourse and is commonly invoked as a justificatory basis for endorsing pluralism. The present study seeks to critically assess the validity of this perspective through a reinterpretation of Surah al-Kāfirūn employing the theory of niẓām al-Qur’ān. This investigation is significant because many existing interpretations of pluralism tend to be partial and neglect the unity and coherence of the surah’s overall structure. The research gap addressed herein concerns the limited utilisation of the niẓām al-Qur’ān approach in analysing the interrelationship between the verses and the central theme of Surah al-Kāfirūn. The methodology adopted is qualitative library research, applying the analytical framework of niẓām al-Qur’ān, which comprises three principal elements: tartīb (arrangement), tanāsub (interconnection), and waḥdāniyah (unity). The findings, grounded in the niẓām al-Qur’ān theory, indicate that the primary theme of Surah al-Kāfirūn is not pluralism but rather a resolute rejection of disbelief. This conclusion emerges from a comprehensive examination of the surah’s structure, tracing the “movement of the text” from the first to the final verse. Verses two to five depict the context of dialogue and debate concerning the object and procedures of worship between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quraysh polytheists. The sixth verse functions as a definitive affirmation that no compromise is possible in matters of creed and faith. This study contributes to reinforcing a holistic reading of the Qur’an while simultaneously critiquing the utilisation of Surah al-Kāfirūn as a theological justification for religious pluralism.