Punishment of Apostacy in Islam — Page 23
23 liberty to compel anyone to follow the Truth (Tafseer Kabir of Imam Razi Vol VI p. 478). God Almighty has used the expression keeper or guardian negatively with reference to the Holy Prophet, peace be on him; that is to say, the Holy Prophet was not appointed a keeper or a guardian over people to compel them to believe. It may be asked then what was the function of the Holy Prophet? God says: I have made thee My Messenger, a bearer of glad tidings so that those who believe and work righteousness and win the love of God may be bestowed great bounties, and a warner so that those who rouse the wrath of God may burn in the fire of His wrath. I have made thee My Messenger; means that the Holy Prophet’s responsibility was to convey to people the teaching that God had revealed to him for the benefit of man. The Holy Quran says: If they should dispute with thee, tell them: I have submitted myself wholly to Allah, and also those who follow me. Ask those who have been given the Book and those to whom no revelation has been vouchsafed: Do you submit yourselves to Allah also? Then if they also submit to the Lord of the worlds, they will surely be rightly guided; but if they turn away, thy duty is only to convey the message. Allah is Watchful over His servants (3:21). Nothing is hidden from Him. He would deal with them and would chastise them when He wills. At another place it is said: O ye who believe, liquor gambling, idols and divining arrows are but abominations a satanic devices. So turn wholly away from each one of them so that you may prosper. Satan desires only to create enmity and hatred between you by means of liquor and gambling, and to keep you back from