Surah 5:68 stands as a pivotal verse in Islamic scripture. The verse calls upon Christians, Jews, and Muslims to follow their revealed texts completely. Allah emphasizes that partial obedience leads to spiritual instability. Islamic scholars view this verse as a call for scriptural integrity across all faiths. Researchers highlight its emphasis on complete adherence to divine guidance. Historical analysts note its context during interfaith tensions in early Islam. Contemporary theologians see it as a foundation for respectful religious dialogue. Studies show the verse addresses selective interpretation that weakens spiritual foundations.
This divine message resonates powerfully in today’s world. The verse challenges us to examine our spiritual commitment honestly. It reminds us that true faith demands complete submission to divine guidance.
sūrah 5/68 say Transliteration, English Translation
قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ لَسۡتُمۡ عَلَىٰ شَيۡءٍ حَتَّىٰ تُقِيمُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَىٰةَ وَٱلۡإِنجِيلَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡۗ وَلَيَزِيدَنَّ كَثِيرٗا مِّنۡهُم مَّآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ طُغۡيَٰنٗا وَكُفۡرٗاۖ فَلَا تَأۡسَ عَلَى ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ
Qul yaaa Ahlal Kitaabi lastum ‘alaa shai’in hattaa tuqeemut Tawraata wal Injeela wa maaa unzila ilaikum mir Rabbikum; wa layazeedanna kaseeram minhum maa unzila ilaika mir Rabbika tugh yaananw wa kufran falaa taasa ‘alal qawmil kaafireen
“Say, ‘O People of the Scripture, you are [standing] on nothing until you uphold the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.’ And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in transgression and disbelief. So do not grieve over the disbelieving people.”

Context Within Chapter 5
This verse appears in Surah Al-Ma’idah (The Table). The chapter discusses relationships between different faith communities. Previous verses establish rules for interaction between Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
The verse comes after discussions about dietary laws. It follows guidance about marriage between different religious groups.
The Message Explained
Allah commands the People of the Book to follow their revealed texts completely. The verse mentions three scriptures specifically:
- The Torah (given to Moses)
- The Gospel (revealed to Jesus)
- The Quran (sent to Muhammad)
Each community must uphold its divine guidance. Partial following leads to spiritual emptiness. Complete adherence brings divine blessing.
Historical Background
During Prophet Muhammad’s time, some religious leaders ignored parts of their scriptures. They emphasized certain laws while abandoning others. This selective approach weakened their spiritual foundation.
The verse addresses this inconsistency. It reminds all believers that divine guidance works as a complete system. Cherry-picking verses undermines the entire message.
Practical Implications
The verse establishes several important principles:
Scriptural Authority: Divine texts carry ultimate authority over human interpretation.
Complete Obedience: Believers must follow all divine commands, not selected portions.
Interfaith Dialogue: Each community has a valid scriptural foundation for meaningful discussion.
Personal Responsibility: Individuals must examine their adherence to divine guidance.
Contemporary Relevance
Modern believers face similar challenges to those addressed in this verse. Many pick teachings that suit personal preferences while ignoring difficult commandments. The verse reminds us that authentic faith requires complete submission. It calls for honest self-examination about our religious practice.
Furthermore, the verse provides a foundation for respectful interfaith relations. It acknowledges that different communities have received divine guidance through their respective scriptures.
Conclusion
Surah 5:68 delivers a timeless message about scriptural integrity. It challenges believers to examine their commitment to divine guidance. The verse emphasizes that partial obedience leads to spiritual instability.
For Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike, this verse serves as a reminder. True faith requires complete adherence to revealed guidance. Only through total commitment can believers find solid spiritual ground. The verse ultimately calls for authenticity in religious practice. It demands that we move beyond selective interpretation to embrace complete divine guidance.