Skip to main content

Quran

Read and explore the Quran online with translations, Tafsir and Islamic resources at Quran.org.in – your trusted guide to Islam

3736668544917597669

Quran 2:21

Quran 2:21

 

Arabic Text and Translation

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

Transliteration: Yā ayyuhan-nāsu'budū rabbakumul-ladhī khalaqakum wal-ladhīna min qablikum la'allakum tattaqūn
Easy Translation: "O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous (achieve Taqwa)."

Easy Word-by-Word Meaning

This verse marks a major shift in the Quran. After describing the three groups of people (Believers, Disbelievers, and Hypocrites), Allah now turns directly to all of humanity with a universal call.

  1. يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ (Yā ayyuhan-nāsu): "O mankind..."

    • This is a call to all human beings, regardless of race, tribe, or background. It is an inclusive, universal address.

  2. ٱعْبُدُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ (u'budū rabbakum): "...worship your Lord..."

    • "I'budu" (worship) means to submit, to serve, and to obey with love and reverence.

    • "Rabbakum" (your Lord) reminds us of His role as our Creator, Sustainer, and Nurturer.

  3. ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ (ul-ladhī khalaqakum wal-ladhīna min qablikum): "...who created you and those before you..."

    • This is the logical reason for worship. The One who gave you life and existence is the One who most deserves your worship. This connects every human being to the same Creator.

  4. لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (la'allakum tattaqūn): "...that you may become righteous."

    • "La'alla" means "so that you may" or "in the hope that you will."

    • "Tattaqūn" comes from Taqwa (God-consciousness). This is the ultimate goal of worship. We don't worship just as a ritual; we worship to develop a shield against sin and to become better, more conscious servants of Allah.

Relevance in the Past, Present, and Future

1. Past Relevance: The Core of All Prophetic Messages

This verse summarizes the message of every single prophet, from Adam to Noah, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

  • It was a direct call to the polytheists of Arabia to abandon the worship of man-made idols and to turn to the one true God who created them and their ancestors.

  • It established the simple, logical foundation of Islam: Worship is a response to the gift of creation.

2. Present Relevance: The Answer to Modern Confusion

In our complex world, this verse is the ultimate source of purpose and clarity.

  • The Answer to "Why Am I Here?": In an age of existential crisis, this verse provides the most profound and simple answer: You were created to worship Allah. This gives human life a sacred purpose and immense value.

  • A Cure for Anxiety and Depression: When we worship Allah, we acknowledge that our Sustainer (Rabb) is in control. This relieves the immense pressure of feeling like we have to control everything ourselves, leading to greater mental peace.

  • Unity in a Divided World: The call to "O mankind" breaks down all barriers of racism, nationalism, and classism. We all share one Creator, and therefore, we are all equal in our fundamental purpose to worship Him.

  • Worship as Self-Development: The goal of worship is to "become righteous." This means:

    • Prayer (Salah) is a training for discipline and mindfulness.

    • Fasting (Sawm) is a training for self-control and empathy.

    • Charity (Zakat) is a training against greed and for social responsibility.
      Worship is the tool Allah has given us to purify our hearts and become our best selves.

3. Future Relevance: The Path to Eternal Success

This single command is the key to our destiny in the Hereafter.

  • The Purpose of Life is the Key to Paradise: On the Day of Judgment, the first question we will be asked is about our worship—specifically, our prayers. Fulfilling this primary command is what leads to eternal success in Paradise.

  • Taqwa is the Criterion for Success: The verse reminds us that the goal is Taqwa. On the Day of Judgment, Allah will not look at our wealth or appearance, but at our hearts and our level of Taqwa (as mentioned in a Hadith).

  • An Eternal Principle: The logic of this verse will never change. For all future generations, the path to salvation will always be the same: recognize your Creator and worship Him alone to achieve righteousness.

Conclusion

Quran 2:21 is the foundational command of Islam.

It teaches us that:

  1. Our purpose in life is clear and noble: to worship the One who gave us life.

  2. Worship is not a burden, but a gift that purifies our souls and protects us from evil.

  3. This message is for everyone, uniting humanity under the lordship of one God.

This verse is an invitation from our Merciful Creator to fulfill our reason for being and to achieve a state of righteousness that brings peace in this world and eternal happiness in the next. It is the beginning of the journey for every seeking soul.