Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 294
294 chooses to believe in or to deny. “There is no compulsion in matters of faith, for surely guidance has been made manifest and distinct from error” (2:257). As this verse stresses, there can be no compulsion in matters of faith, because faith and belief are matters of conscience, and conscience cannot be compelled. A person could perhaps be compelled to say that he believes in a certain doctrine, but he cannot be compelled to believe in it. Besides, it is pointed out that no compulsion is needed. Guidance and error have been clearly set forth, and everyone must make his choice after due reflection and deliberation. Islam bases itself upon reason and observation, and invites people to the consideration of its teachings on that basis. “The truth is from your Lord, so let him who will, believe; and let him who will, disbelieve” (18:30). “There have come to you clear proofs from your Lord, whoever will therefore see and recognise the truth, it will be for the good of his own soul and whoever will remain blind to it shall only harm himself” (6:105). The Prophet suffered keen anguish when his people appeared impervious to all reason and argument, to the various Signs set forth before them, and to every method of explanation and illustration employed in the Quran. So extreme and constant was his anguish that God repeatedly comforted him: “Haply thou wilt grieve thyself to death for sorrow after them if they believe not in this