Chapter 74, Verse 5 of the Quran, from Surah Al-Muddaththir, is a powerful directive that reads in Arabic as وَالرُّجْزَ فَاهْجُرْ (War-rujza fahjur), commonly translated as "And [from] idols/pollution, keep away" or "And keep away from all uncleanness/idols."
This verse is part of a series of early revelations received by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), calling him to purify himself and dedicate himself to the divine message.
The Verse in Arabic and English
To understand the precise wording and its interpretation, here is the verse presented clearly:
| Arabic Text | Transliteration | English Translation (Sahih International) |
|---|---|---|
| وَالرُّجْزَ فَاهْجُرْ | War-rujza fahjur | And [from] idols, keep away. |
You can find this verse and various translations on reputable platforms such as Quran.com - Surah Al-Muddaththir (74:5).
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation
The term الرُّجْزَ (al-rujz) is central to this verse's meaning. It encompasses a wide range of impurities, including idols, sins, and any form of spiritual or physical uncleanness. Islamic scholars have noted that the letters 'RJZ' can be read as rujz or rUz, and in either reading, the word retains the same fundamental significance of filth, impurity, or detestable things, most commonly associated with idolatry.
This command is a direct instruction to:
- Abstain from Idolatry: This is a primary interpretation, emphasizing the rejection of any form of worship besides Allah. Even though Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never engaged in idolatry at any point in his life, this command serves as an emphatic directive to maintain this purity in the future, just as he had in the past. It underscores the absolute necessity of monotheism (Tawhid) in Islam.
- Keep Away from All Uncleanness: Beyond idols, al-rujz also signifies various forms of sin, evil deeds, and spiritual pollution. Thus, the verse encourages a comprehensive cleansing of one's life from anything that displeases Allah. This includes avoiding morally corrupt actions, false beliefs, and all forms of spiritual or physical impurity that can hinder one's connection with the Divine.
Context of Surah Al-Muddaththir
Surah Al-Muddaththir (The Cloaked One) begins with a powerful call to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to rise and warn humanity. Following initial commands to purify his garments and self, verse 5 specifically addresses the purification of belief and action by instructing him to distance himself from all forms of al-rujz. This highlights the foundational importance of purity—both spiritual and physical—in the life of a believer and in the propagation of the Islamic message. It sets a clear standard for the Prophet and, by extension, for all Muslims, to maintain unwavering monotheism and moral uprightness.
