Overall meaning : Allah has ordained for you, Muslims, the same faith which He enjoined on Noah—and which We have now revealed to you, Muhammad (that is, Islam)—and which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses and Jesus, saying: Steadfastly observe the true faith and do not split up regrading it.
The worship of one God, to which you, Muhammad, invite the idolaters who ascribe partners to Allah, is hard indeed for them and rather intolerable and unacceptable to them. Allah chooses for Himself whomever He pleases of His servants and guides to Himself whoever heartily turns to Him.
They only split up into sects after knowledge came to them from Allah, all on account of their wickedness and mutual envy and oppression. Had it not been for a prior decree from your Lord, Muhammad, to delay their torment until a specified term, He would have hastened their punishment. The Jews and Christians who were given the scriptures after those who differed about the truth are in grave, disquieting doubt about their own books.
To such true religion, therefore, call people, Muhammad, and steadfastly adhere to it yourself as you are commanded. Do not follow their vain desires, and say, ‘I believe in all the scriptures which Allah has sent down, and my Lord has commanded me to establish justice among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. We are responsible for our deeds and you are responsible for yours, and Allah will repay each of us according to His actions. Let there be no argument between us. Allah will bring us all together on Resurrection Day to judge between us and you with absolute justice, and to Him alone will be the final return.