Surah al-Kāfirūn (The Disbelievers)

The Shaykh—may Allah have mercy on him—said:

Section

In the surah “Say, O disbelievers,” scholars have offered several explanations for the repetition of the disavowal on both sides, where Allah says:

“I do not worship what you worship,
nor are you worshippers of what I worship.”

Then He says:

“Nor am I a worshipper of what you have worshipped,
nor are you worshippers of what I worship.”

Among these explanations are two well-known views mentioned by many commentators: is the statement repeated for emphasis, or to deny such worship both now and in the future?

Abū al-Faraj said:

“There are two views concerning this repetition. The first is that it emphasizes the point and puts an end to their hopes of winning him over. This was al-Farrā’s view.

“We have treated this fully in Surah al-Rahmān. Ibn Qutaybah said: ‘The repetition in Surah al-Rahmān is for emphasis.’ He said: ‘It is the Arabs’ practice to repeat for emphasis and to ensure understanding, just as they employ brevity for ease