Translation
When they dispute with you, say to them, “I acknowledge and accept God wholeheartedly, and so do those who are with me.” Say to those who had been given the book earlier and those who are uninformed [due to lack of education or desire], “Do you accept God [like we do]?” If they accept, then certainly they are on the right path, and if they deny, then your job is only to deliver the message. God sees and is aware of all His servants [and their activities].172
For those who deny God’s message, kill God’s prophets, and try to kill those who try to establish justice [in society]—God announces serious consequences. For these people, their pursuits in this life will end in failure and the same in the life to come after death; there will be no helper for them. Have you noticed that those who are given a portion of the book [i.e., the Torah] and are invited to the book of God [the Qur’an and other books] so that clarity can be achieved turn back and withdraw? These people feel they have special privileges so that their evils and denying of God’s message will result in minor displeasure from God [literally, fire will not touch us except for a few days]; this they concoct only to deceive themselves. When God will gather them all on the Judgment Day, about which let there be no doubt, each soul will meet the results of its deeds; there will be no injustice.173
Interpretation
172. In the face of endless debates and disputes (especially within and among Jews and Christians) and eventually with the Prophet of Islam by his tribes and contemporaries, there comes a time when one needs to turn to some basic and fundamental aspects of who we are as God’s creatures and what we believe and accept as universal guidance. This has become acutely true among the Muslims of today, who debate on peripheral issues and engage in ritual pursuits, thereby giving our religion a bad name, being unable to inspire our younger generation, and falling short of acknowledging our common and shared ideals—faith in God and commitment to serve people (all people).
173. A false sense of entitlement has slowly crept into Judaism by assuming that Jews are the chosen people, and a false sense of salvation also overtook Christianity by assuming that belief in Jesus alone (as God or Son of God) will lead to Heaven, but none of these are true. Many Muslims will vehemently deny that Jews or Christians have any such privileges with respect to nearness to God, but in the same breath, they will claim the same for themselves. Indeed, God favors none but those who have sincere faith in God, believe in equality of human beings, and strive hard to build a just and tolerant society.
REFLECTION
People of all religions and ideologies need to reflect on their current conditions, beliefs, and social norms and make an assessment of where we are as a society and as individuals. We should not succumb to any false sense of security and self-righteousness, which lead to all forms of social evils, personal degradation, and undue national or ethnic pride and privileges. If such verses or ideas exist in our scripture or ideologies, they need to be reexamined or reoriented, or their authenticity needs to be questioned, using our God-given intellectual capabilities, compassion, and spiritual compass.
ACTION
It is imperative that people of all religions and ideologies, especially Muslims today, reflect on the Qur’anic dialogue regarding Jews, Christians, polytheists, and atheists and ask the question, is our distinction because of a label (i.e., Muslim) or because of genuine belief in God and sincere appreciation of our human obligations to fellow human beings?