Minorities in an Islamic State — Page 77
77 grasped a strong handle which knows no breaking. And Allah is All-Hearing, All Knowing". (2:257) The verse is the clearest declaration of the fundamental human right of the freedom of religion. In the face of such a declaration it is the height of injustice to accuse Islam of countenancing the use of force in matters of religion. It not only commands the Muslims not to use force to convert the non-Muslims to Islam, but also gives reason why it should not be used, saying: 'Surely, right has become distinct from wrong', i. e. the true path has become distinct from the wrong one and anyone who desires to see this true path can easily see it, but if anyone does not desire to see it, no force can possibly make him do so'. Faith or I m a n according to Islam consists in believing in a thing with the heart or mind and the expressing that belief with the tongue. The use of force can com- pel a man to proclaim the faith with his tongue but no measure of force can bring about a change in the heart. Allah says: م ٰۤاَّیهَّا الْك م َّ قلْ ی فِروْن … ِ َلَِّ دِیْن َّ لَّكمْ دِیْنكمْ و O Prophet "Say: 'O Ye disbelievers!. . . For you your religion, and for me my religion'. (109:2, 7)