Through Force or Faith? — Page 243
Chapter 6 — Islam: Knowledge, Wisdom, and Rationality 243 Recite in the name of your Lord Who created, Created man from an adhesive clot. Recite! And your Lord is the Noblest; Who taught by the pen, Taught man what he knew not ( S u rah al-‘Alaq, 96:2–6). ٗهَمَّلَع ُدْيِدَش ىٰوُقْلا The Lord of Mighty Powers has taught him ( S u rah an-Najm, 53:6). In brief, the Holy Quran invites mankind to use faculties of think- ing and reasoning by employing logical and rational proofs. The Quran is known to be an epitome of reasoning and rationality. Addressing all mankind, God says: اَهُّيَاٰۤي ُساَّنلا ْدَق ْمُكَءٓاَج ٌناَهْرُب ْنِّم ْمُكِّبَّر َو ۤاَنْلَزْنَا ْمُكْيَلِا اًرْوُن اًنْيِبُّم O ye people, a manifest proof has indeed come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear Light ( S u rah an-Nis a ’, 4:175). In this verse, the Quran is called such an argument and proof that not only it contains light, but like the sun, it even illuminates the entire world. Hence, there remains no need for any coercion or oppression to spread such a teachings which is replete with wis- dom and brilliant arguments. It is the light that illumines the soul; and it cannot be thrust upon the heart by force. It needs opening up of spiritual eyes, not the physical eyes, to benefit from it; not the physical sight, but discerning insight is required. Thus, God says: