Islam and Human Rights — Page 25
Man and the Universe 25 over its verses, and that those gifted with understanding may take heed” (38:30). There is complete freedom to believe or to reject. “Say to them: It is the Truth from your Lord; therefore let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve” (18:30). But of course, though the choice is free, the consequences of the choice follow in accordance with Divine law. No one is forced. Everyone must choose and seek the purpose of his life on the basis of faith or turn his back upon the Truth and destroy his soul, accord ing to his choice. The Quran has been described as a Light and as a clear Book, whereby “does Allah guide those who seek His pleasure along the paths of peace, and lead them out of every kind of darkness into the light by His will, and guide them along the right path”. (5:16-17). On the other hand, the Quran itself discourages the tendency to seek regulation of everything by Divine com mand, pointing out that such regulation would become restrictive and burdensome (5:102). The Quran contains Divine assurance that the guidance embodied therein will be guarded under Divine protection (15:10). This comprises several aspects: First, the text of the revelation should be preserved in its purity and entirety for all time. Considering that