Islam and the Freedom of Conscience — Page 36
~ 36 ~ standards of freedom of conscience and freedom of religion and tolerance. When he entered Mecca as the great conqueror, he granted amnesty to the conquered people and gave them total freedom of religion. Thus, he established an excellent example of the Quranic injunction: 12 There should be no compulsion in religion. Religion is a matter of an individual’s heart and mind. He only desired that they accepted the true religion and thus made their life better both here and in the Hereafter, and tried to achieve forgiveness for themselves. However, there is no compulsion. His life is replete with similar illuminating examples of tolerance, freedom of religion and conscience, of which I shall mention a few now. The hardship and pain of the thirteen year period in Mecca after his claim of prophethood is known to all. The Prophet sa and his Companions ra endured great suffering and torment. They were laid on the scorching midday sand while hot stones were placed on their chests. They were flogged. Women were killed by having their legs torn apart. They were martyred. A range of tortures were inflicted on the Prophet sa himself. At times the innards of a camel were placed on his back while he was prostrating, which would make it impossible for him to get up. During 12 S u rah Al ‐ Baqarah, 2:257