The Ten Divine Commandments in Surah Al-An‘am (6:151–153)
“Say, come, let me recite what your Lord has forbidden to you…” Qur’an 6:151–153
By Imam Tajudeen Sheikh Oyebanji, PhD.
In these powerful verses, Allah outlines a set of timeless principles that guide faith, character and social life. They are often described as the Ten Divine Commandments of Islam.
1. Worship Allah Alone
“Do not associate anything with Him.”
This is the foundation of all foundations, the basis of every good: the Oneness of Allah and sincere devotion in worshipping Him.
Whoever commits shirk, his deeds are nullified; and whoever affirms tawḥīd is saved and successful.
2. Be Kind to Your Parents
“And be good to your parents.”
This commandment honors parents and magnifies their rights. They are the means, after Allah, for a person’s existence.
Whoever fulfills their rights, Allah blesses his life and sustenance.
3. Trust Allah With Provision
“Do not kill your children for fear of poverty.”
A warning against the crimes of the Age of Ignorance, when people killed their children fearing poverty. But Allah is the Provider for both them and their children.
4. Stay Away From Immorality
“Do not approach immoralities, whether open or hidden.”
A prohibition of adultery and everything that leads to it: outwardly, such as gazing and seclusion, inwardly, such as thoughts and temptations.
5. Protect Human Life
“Do not kill the soul which Allah has made sacred, except by right.”
An affirmation of the sanctity of human life.
Killing an innocent person is a grave crime that brings Allah’s anger and punishment.
6. Safeguard the Orphan’s Property
“Do not approach the property of the orphan except in the best manner.”
An instruction to honor the weak and protect their wealth, and a reminder to every guardian of an orphan to fear Allah regarding them.
7. Be Honest in Trade
“Give full measure and weight in justice.”
A command to establish justice in buying and selling, and a prohibition against cheating and deception.
8. Speak With Justice
“And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a close relative.”
A call to fairness in speech and testimony.
One must not show favoritism to a relative nor injustice toward a stranger.
9. Keep Your Promises
“And fulfill the covenant of Allah.”
Fulfilling promises is among the qualities of the believers, while breaking them is among the traits of the hypocrites.
10. Follow the Straight Path
“And this is My straight path, so follow it, and do not follow other paths.”
This is the summary of all commandments.
The straight path of Allah is Islam, and whoever abandons it becomes scattered among misguided paths and is destroyed.
Conclusion of the Verses
Allah concludes these commandments by saying:
“This He has instructed you, that you may become righteous.”
“This He has instructed you, that you may take heed.”
“This He has instructed you, that you may be conscious of Him.”
Allahu A‘lam. And Allah speaks the truth.
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