Arguments from the Quran

INTERPRETATION OF THE ISLAMIC MISSION other prophets following, which indicates that the command here refers to adhering fully to those aspects of the Shariah which were unanimously accepted by all the prophets. (Tafsir Kabir, Vol. 27, p. 587) Imam Razi explains this interpretation as follows: It is essential that “al-deen” here refers to something other than practical obligations and specific rulings, as these vary among the different prophets, according to the Quran’s own clarification. Therefore, “al-deen” here must refer to those matters that remain unaffected by the differences in Shariahs. These include belief in God, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day. From this foundational faith, further qualities emerge—such as detachment from worldly concerns, focus on the Hereafter, embracing good morals, and avoiding bad ones. (Tafsir Kabir, Vol. 27, p. 587) Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (1863-1943), one of the most prominent Muslim Ulama of the Indian subcontinent, writes in his commentary of the Quran: “What is meant by ‘al-deen’ here are the fundamental principles of religion, which are common across all Shariahs, such as