Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم to mankind): "Each one does according to Shakilatihi (i.e. his way or his religion or his intentions.), and your Lord knows best of him whose path (religion) is right."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
قُلْqulSay
كُلٌّۭkullunEach
يَعْمَلُyaʿmaluworks
عَلَىٰʿalāon
شَاكِلَتِهِۦshākilatihihis manner
فَرَبُّكُمْfarabbukumbut your Lord
أَعْلَمُaʿlamu(is) most knowing
بِمَنْbimanof who
هُوَhuwa[he]
أَهْدَىٰahdā(is) best guided
سَبِيلًۭاsabīlan(in) way
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 84) ➊ {قُلْكُلٌّيَّعْمَلُعَلٰىشَاكِلَتِهٖ: ’’ شَاكِلَةٌ ‘‘} The way that is similar and suitable to someone, meaning every person acts upon that way which, from guidance or misguidance, is according to and suitable for him; some are righteous, some are evil, and some are in between. Not all are on one way, nor is it in accordance with Allah’s wisdom to do so, because then the purpose of the test would be lost. See Surah Hud (118, 119).
➋ { فَرَبُّكُمْاَعْلَمُبِمَنْهُوَاَهْدٰىسَبِيْلًا:} That is, every person is pleased with the way upon which he is walking, as He said: «كُلُّحِزْبٍۭبِمَالَدَيْهِمْفَرِحُوْنَ »[ المؤمنون : ۵۳ ] “Every group of people is pleased with what they have.” And every person considers himself to be on the most correct path, but the knowledge of those who are on the most correct path is only with your Lord, Who will judge between His servants regarding all their differences on the Day of Resurrection. See Surah Az-Zumar (46).
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
84. 1. In this, there is a warning and threat for the polytheists, and its meaning is the same as that of Surah Hud, verses 121-122: وقل للذین لا یومنون اعملوا علی مکانتکم انا عملون. The meaning of شاکلۃ is intention, religion, way, and temperament and nature. Some say that in this, there is an aspect of condemnation for the disbeliever and praise for the believer, because its meaning is that every person acts according to what is based on his morals and character, which is his habit and nature.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
84. Say: “Everyone acts according to his own disposition [105], but your Lord knows best who is most rightly guided.”
[105] The Meaning of Shaakilah:
Shaakilah means manner, way, style—that is, every person acts according to his own temperament. For example, one person gives charity openly with the intention that others may also be encouraged, while another gives charity secretly so that there is no display. Now, see, the intention of both is good, but the method and way of thinking are different. Or, for example, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ went out at night and saw that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq ؓ was reciting the Quran in prayer in a low voice. He ﷺ asked, "Why do you recite so quietly?" He replied, "Because my Lord is not deaf that I should recite loudly." Going further, he ﷺ saw that Sayyiduna Umar ؓ was reciting the Quran in a loud voice. He ﷺ asked, "Why do you recite so loudly?" He replied, "I wake up those who are sleeping and drive away Satan." So the Prophet ﷺ praised both of them. In this incident, the action is the same and the intention of both is good, but the way of thinking is different. This is the meaning of Shaakilah. For this reason, some scholars have taken this word to mean "intention."