No Compulsion in Religion
"Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things."
[The Koran: Sūrah al-Baqarah: 256]
"The Messengers duty is but to proclaim the Message."
[The Koran: Sūrah al-Māidah: 99]
These verses from the Holy Koran clearly state that no one can be compelled to accept Islam. It is the duty of Muslims to establish the proof of Islam to the people so that truth can be made clear from falsehood. After that, whoever wishes to accept Islam may do so and whoever wishes to continue upon unbelief may do so. No one should be threatened or harmed in any way if he does not wish to accept Islam.
Some people might be wondering that if Islam indeed advocates such an approach, then what is all this we hear about jihad? How can we explain the warfare that the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions waged against the pagans?
The answer to this is that jihad in Islamic Law can be waged for a number of reasons, but compelling people to accept Islam is simply not one of them.
[More: Islam Today]
Which religion is the right one for you? Religion is very easy Rastafarian Religion Suicide bombers driven more by politics than religion Major World Religions Ranked by Number of AdherentsChristians justify war, too, so for them to decry jihad is hypocrisy.
Posted by: 8ZERO8 at December 7, 2004 11:27 PMthats interseting but isn't really an answer. Islam's history has clearly shown that where there is a resister there is acttack to convert. Many spin doctors will say they are only protecting themselves. The reality is it usually isn't self defence. Having said that most christain religions are guilty of the same thing. But its a bit rich to quote from the Koran something that in practice is not practised. take care
Posted by: joe at December 13, 2004 03:22 AMI know what you mean and maybe some of the wars that were waged after the death of the prophet Mohamed weren't only for defence just like in Christianity, but that doesn't change the fact that God tells us in the Koran that there should be no compulsion in religion.
Now whether that is followed or not in real life all depends on the people.
If they don't follow it, it's their problem, but it still doesn't change the facts about what it really teaches.
Posted by: MMM at December 13, 2004 08:10 AM