Islam and Human Rights — Page 159
Articles 18-19 159 follows it, only for the good of his own soul, and whosoever errs, errs only to its loss. I am not appointed a keeper over you. Follow that which is revealed to thee and be steadfast until Allah pronounce His judgment. He is the best of Judges” (10: 109-110). “Verily, We have revealed to thee the Book with truth for the good of mankind. So whoever follows guidance, follows it to the benefit of his own soul; and whoever goes astray, goes astray only to its detriment. Thou art not appointed a guardian over them” (39:42). Attention is, of course, repeatedly drawn to the differ ence between belief and disbelief and to the moral and spiritual consequences of righteous action in contrast with evil conduct; but there is not the slightest reflection or implication that conscience may be forced or compelled. “The blind and the seeing are not equal; neither are those who believe and act righteously equal to those who work evil. Little is it that you reflect’’ (40:59). “The blind and the seeing are not alike, nor the dark - ness and the light, nor the shade and the heat; nor alike are the spiritually alive and the spiritually dead. Allah causes him to hear whom He pleases; and thou canst not make those to hear who shut themselves up in graves. Thou art but a Warner” (35:20-24).