Surah Ghafir 40:66

The Prohibition of Shirk, the Order for Tawhid, and the Evidence

Allah says, `say, O Muhammad, to these idolators, that Allah forbids them to worship anyone, such as these idols and false gods, except Him.' Allah explains that no one apart from Him is deserving of worship, as He says:

(It is He, Who has created you from dust, then from a Nutfah then from a clot (a piece of coagulated blood), then brings you forth as an infant, then (makes you grow) to reach the age of full strength, and afterwards to be old.) meaning, He is the One Who Alone, with no partner or associate, causes you to pass through these different stages, and this happens in accordance with His command, will and decree.

(though some among you die before) means, before being fully formed and emerging to this world; so his mother miscarries him. And there are some who die in infancy or in their youth, or when they are adults but before they reach old age, as Allah says:

(that We may make (it) clear to you. And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term) (22:5).

(and that you reach an appointed term in order that you may understand. ) Ibn Jurayj said, "In order that you may remember the Resurrection." Then Allah says:

(It is He Who gives life and causes death.) meaning, He is the Only One Who does that, and none is able to do that except He.

(And when He decides upon a thing He says to it only: "Be!" -- and it is.) means, He cannot be opposed or resisted. Whatever He wills definitely comes to pass.

Pada ayat-ayat ini, Allah memerintahkan kepada Nabi Muhammad agar mengatakan kepada orang-orang musyrik dan orang-orang kafir bahwa Allah melarangnya menyembah tuhan yang mereka sembah, selain dari Allah.

Pengertian menyembah tuhan-tuhan selain Allah itu ialah menghambakan diri kepada sesuatu, menganggapnya mempunyai kekuatan gaib seperti kekuatan Allah, memohon pertolongan, dan meminta sesuatu kepadanya. Dalam ayat ini disebutkan bahwa tuhan-tuhan itu berupa patung-patung. Akan tetapi, pengertian ini mencakup segala macam benda atau makhluk yang disembah dan dimohon pertolongan kepadanya, seperti sungai-sungai, batu-batu keramat, kuburan yang dianggap keramat, dan sebagainya.

Selanjutnya Rasulullah diperintahkan untuk menyatakan bahwa Allah melarangnya menyembah selain Allah, dan mengemukakan bukti-bukti dan dalil-dalil berupa ayat-ayat Al-Qur'an, maupun berupa perintah agar memperhatikan kejadian alam ini. Dengan merenungkan kejadian alam dan ayat-ayat Al-Qur'an, maka orang akan sampai kepada kesimpulan bahwa yang berhak disembah itu hanyalah Allah semata.

Pada akhir ayat ini, Allah memerintahkan agar tunduk dan patuh kepada-Nya, memurnikan ketaatan hanya kepada-Nya, karena Dialah Tuhan Pemilik semesta alam.