No Compulsion in Religion

Whilst drawing attention towards fervent preaching, the Holy Qur’ān teaches the principle that preaching should always be done in the best possible manner, with wisdom and intelligence, so that the heart of the addressee inclined towards truth does not become obstinate and averse. Instead, the windows of the heart open automatically for the acceptance of truth. As such, He states:

“O Messenger of God, call people unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation; and if ever an occasion of discussion or debate arises, then argue in a manner that is appealing and finest.”1

Then, further expounding this principle, Allāh states that a way of compulsion and coercion in the matter of religion is not permissible under any circumstances. Nor can true faith be developed by compulsion and persecution. Once an explanation with proof and argumentation has been furnished, the addressee should have the right to either accept or reject it, as per his wishes, because no individual can be worthy of reward or punishment without free acceptance or rejection. As such, Allāh states:

“There can be no compulsion in the matter of religion. Guidance and misguidance are two distinct things; And every individual has the right to his own decision.”2

Moreover, He states at another place:

“Let him who will believe, and let him who will disbelieve. As for those who disbelieve, thus becoming wrongdoers, we have certainly decreed for them a punishment of the fire in the hereafter.”3

Then, whilst expounding another aspect of this beautiful subject, Allāh states that faith, which is produced as a result of compulsion, possesses no reality whatsoever. Rather, the truth is that it is not worthy of being called faith at all, because in such a case, the tongue professes something with which the heart is quite at odds. Then what to talk of being worthy of reward, two-faced hypocrites of this type are deserving of a twofold punishment, for their crime of disbelief, is further compounded by the crime of fabrication and deception as well. They are disbelievers, because in their hearts is disbelief; they are liars and impostors, because they falsely profess Islām by their tongues, against the belief of their heart, in order to deceive the Muslims. As such, Allāh states:

“Hypocritical people who profess Islām by their tongues, but their hearts are full of disbelief, shall surely be in the lowest and most severe depth of the Fire in the hereafter.”4