Surah Al-An'am 6:79
سُورَةُ الأَنۡعَامِ · Meccan · Verse 79 of 165
إِنِّى وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِىَ لِلَّذِى فَطَرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًۭا ۖ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
Translation
I have turned my face as a true believer towards Him who created the heavens and the earth. I am not one of the polytheists.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
After thoughtfully guiding his people through a logical progression, exposing the fleeting nature of the stars, moon, and sun, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) culminates his argument with a powerful declaration of pure monotheism. This verse captures his unequivocal submission to the One True God.
A Declaration of Devotion
Ibrahim (peace be upon him) begins with `إِنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ` (Indeed, I have turned my face). The phrase "وجهت وجهي" is more profound than simply turning one's physical face. As both Ibn Ashur and al-Razi explain, it metaphorically signifies directing one's entire self, one's whole essence, intention, and obedience. It's an internal posture of complete alignment and devotion, a turning away from all else and focusing the heart, mind, and soul fully towards Allah. Imagine someone turning their whole body and attention towards a beloved person or a grand task; this is the spiritual intensity Ibrahim conveys.
The Creator, Not the Created
He declares his devotion `لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ` (to the One Who originated the heavens and the earth). The choice of the preposition `ل` (li, for/to) rather than `إلى` (ila, towards) is significant. Al-Razi highlights this subtlety, noting that `ل` here implies turning *for* His sake, in service and obedience, rather than merely *towards* a physical direction. This word choice subtly reinforces Allah's transcendence, reminding us that He is beyond being confined to a direction or space. The verb `فَطَرَ` (fatara), meaning "originated" or "created from nothing," further emphasizes Allah's unique power as the sole Maker of everything. Ibn Ashur notes that its root meaning "to split open" suggests bringing something into existence in a novel way, not merely assembling existing parts. This contrasts sharply with the created, dependent nature of the celestial bodies Ibrahim had just shown to be unworthy of worship.
Turning to Truth
Ibrahim then describes himself as `حَنِيفًا` (hanifan). This word signifies someone who is "inclined to truth" or a "pure monotheist," one who turns away from all falsehood and deviations towards the straight path of worshipping Allah alone. Al-Jalalayn defines it as "inclined from polytheism to pure monotheism." It reflects a conscious, deliberate choice to abandon all forms of polytheism and embrace sincere devotion.
An Unequivocal Stand
The verse concludes with `وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ` (and I am not of the polytheists). This is a direct, unambiguous negation. After declaring his complete devotion to the Sole Creator, Ibrahim makes an absolute disavowal of anyone who associates partners with Allah. Ibn Ashur points out that this phrase serves to affirm the previous statement of Tawhid by explicitly rejecting its opposite. It's a clear boundary, a declaration that there is no common ground between his pure monotheism and the polytheistic practices of his people. It's a bold and final statement of his faith, distinguishing himself entirely from them.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-An'am 6:79 is discussed in 8 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-An'am 6:79 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.