Islam and Human Rights — Page 158
Isl am and Hum an R ights 158 consequences, moral and spiritual, that would follow from the rejection or neglect of the values that it proclaims; but it leaves every one free to make his or her choice. Belief is a matter of conscience and conscience cannot be compelled. A person might be forced to say that he believes, but he can by no manner of means be forced to believe. This truth is proclaimed by the Quran: ‘’There shall be no compulsion in faith. Surely, guidance has become distinct from error; whosoever refuses to be led by those who transgress, and believes in Allah, has surely grasped a strong handle which knows no breaking. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing” (2: 257). “Proclaim: It is the Truth from your Lord; where fore let him who will, believe, and let him who wi11 dis believe” (18: 30). The Quran explains that it is only within the competence of God, the Almighty, to make a person believe, but even He does not force anyone to believe. He leaves everyone to exercise his or her reason and judgment. If He does that, it behoves no one else to try to force people to believe. “If thy Lord had enforced His will, surely, all who are on the earth would have believed together. Canst thou, then, force people to become believers?” (10-100). “Proclaim: O ye people, now has the truth come to you from your Lord. So whosoever follows the guidance,