Chapter: Calling others to the testimony that there is no deity but Allah

Allah the Exalted says: “Say, ‘This is my path: I invite to Allah upon clear insight, I and those who follow me. Glory be to Allah, and I am not of the polytheists.’” (Qur’an 12:108)

Relevance of this chapter to the Book of Monotheism: After the author—may Allah have mercy on him—explained in the previous chapters the reality of tawḥīd, its virtues, and the causes that make one fear its opposite, he now makes it clear that whoever understands this must not keep it to himself. He is obliged to invite others to Allah with wisdom and gracious admonition, for such is the way of the Messengers and those who follow them.

“al-duʿāʾ” means inviting people.

“to the testimony that there is no deity except Allah” refers to affirming Allah’s oneness, believing in Him, and accepting all that His messengers have brought—everything implied by that testimony.

“Say” is an address to the Messenger ﷺ.

“this” points to the call I am making and the way upon which I stand.

“my path” means my way and my summons.

“I invite to Allah”―that is, to Allah’s oneness, not to any worldly gain, leadership, or partisan interest.

“upon clear insight” means with knowledge and with both rational and revealed proof; the term basīrah (clear insight)