ISLAM SAFEGUARDS FREEDOM OF THINKING & CONVICTION

Allah gave man a choice: to accept or reject faith, hence he is re4sponsible and accountable:

“ Say: The truth is from your Lord” Let him who will believe, and let him who will reject faith “ Al-Kahf 18 : 29

“ Let there be no compulsion in religion: truth stands out clear from error “ Al-Baqara 2 : 256

Messengers invite to Allah, but do not force others into belief

“ If it had been the will of your Lord, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! Will you then compel mankind to believe against their will! “ Yunus 10 : 99

Guidance is from Allah: He knows who is ready to receive guidance

“ You will not be able to guide every one whom you love, but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance “ Al-Qasas 28 : 56

Judgment belongs to Allah: it is not our job to judge the fate of others

“ Your duty is to make the message reach them: it is Our part to call them to judgment “ Ar-Ra’d 13 : 40

The way to invite to Allah is by wisdom and good example, and not by force or punishment

“ Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good example, and argue with them in ways that are best “ An-Nahl 16 : 125

“ Go to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed all bounds, but speak to him mildly, he may take warning or fear Allah “ Ta Ha 20 : 43 & 44

The issue of Ridda ( reverting from Islam )

• The Qur’an does not specify any form of punishment in this life

• Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) did not punish anyone who reverted or denounced his Islam.

• The scholar’s opinion of killing Apostate is based on fighting Muslims or plotting against the Muslim state. The saying of the Prophet ( PBUH ) : ( Whoever changes his religion kill him ) Ahmad & Bokhari, refers to a situation in Arabia at the time of the Prophet ( PBUH ) and not applicable in our time