Verse 30 of Chapter 30 is a powerful reminder of something profoundly natural to us. In this verse, God directs us:
“So set your face toward the religion in an upright manner. (It is) the nature of Allah according to which He created human nature. There is no altering Allah’s creation. That is the upright religion, but most people do not know.” (30:30)
Here, the term “religion” is specific, referring to the divinely revealed path, Islam, as made clear in other verses:
“Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (3:19)
“This day We have perfected your religion for you and completed Our favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as (your) religion…” (5:3)
In verse 30:30, we see that Islam isn’t something imposed upon us externally; rather, it resonates with a deep, inner inclination within every person. This is why the Qur’an teaches that:
“There is no compulsion in religion; the truth is distinct from error.” (2:256)
Religion as Part of Human Nature
The phrase “the nature of Allah according to which He created human nature” suggests that Islam aligns with the innate disposition (fitra) within each person. Humanity, like every creature, is born with an instinctive pull to seek fulfillment, understand its needs, and distinguish benefit from harm. God highlights this in verse 91:7:
“By the soul and that which fashioned it.”
Furthermore, every person has the abilities needed to follow this nature, as God says:
“Then He made the way easy for him.” (80:20)
When verse 30:30 states, “there is no alteration in the creation of Allah,” it emphasizes that our intrinsic nature is unchangeable, orienting us toward a way of life aligned with Islam.
This fitra, or natural disposition, steers us toward a specific life path that leads to fulfillment and harmony, something universal across humanity.
Universal Happiness and Shared Values
In Tafsir al-Mizan, Allamah Tabataba’i explains that what benefits or harms people is essentially the same for everyone. Happiness and misery aren’t different from one person to another; they’re based on universal principles applicable to all human beings. If human happiness were different for each person, a united society fostering well-being would be impossible. Here are some questions raised on this topic:
- Could happiness differ between individuals? No, because this would prevent a cohesive, supportive society.
- Could it vary by region? No, otherwise each region would have a different religion, and humanity would not be one unified species.
- Could it vary over time? No, or each generation would be a unique species, impeding human progress.
Thus, human happiness is rooted in universal truths and values that transcend individual differences, regions, or time periods. This shared understanding gives humanity a single, enduring foundation around which we build our diverse ways of living.
Islam as an Innate Religion
But is Islam truly innate to every human being? Yes, in the sense that our original nature aligns with fundamental truths and divine guidance. Early humans, living according to their uncorrupted fitra, were naturally close to basic beliefs and general divine principles. However, for more detailed guidance, God sent prophets to clarify beliefs and provide a structured way of life. The Qur’an reflects this:
“Mankind were a single community; then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of good news and warners, and He sent down with them the Book with the truth, that it may judge between the people concerning that about which they differed, and none differed in it except those who had been given it, after the manifest proofs had come to them, out of envy among themselves. Then Allah guided those who had faith to the truth of what they differed in, by His will, and Allah guides whomever He wishes to a straight path.” (2:213)
Thus, the foundation of Islam lies within human nature, and its teachings resonate with our deepest inclinations.
Conclusion
In verse 30:30, the Qur’an reminds us that aligning with our natural disposition toward God’s guidance is a central and challenging journey in life. This verse prompts us to engage in self-reflection and recognize the innate pull toward the Divine path within us.
Reference: Tafsir al-Mizan, Eng. Volume 31, pub. Tawheed Institute Australia, 2020.
