“I have been ordered to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle…”

Contrary to popular misconceptions, the theme of religious freedom is found in abundance in the Qurʾān. The Holy Book thus explains that, (Translations mostly from Abdel-Haleem, same for footnotes)

1. Differences in people’s beliefs are bound to happen

Verses that point out that the difference between people in matters of belief is a divine will from his Will, and hence it is something that happened and will continue to happen until the Day of Judgement.

________

We favoured some of these messengers above others. God spoke to some; others He raised in rank; We gave Jesus, son of Mary, Our clear signs and strengthened him with the holy spirit. If God had so willed, their successors would not have fought each other after they had been brought clear signs. But they disagreed: some believed and some disbelieved. If God had so willed, they would not have fought each other, but God does what He will.

Qurʾān — 2:253

________

We sent to you [Muḥammad] the Scripture with the truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it, and with final authority over them: so judge between them according to what God has sent down. Do not follow their whims, which deviate from the truth that has come to you. We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If God had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to God and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.

Qurʾān — 5:48

________

If you find rejection by the disbelievers so hard to bear, then seek a tunnel into the ground or a ladder into the sky, if you can, and bring them a sign: God could bring them all to guidance if it were His will, so do not join the ignorant.

Qurʾān — 6:35

________

Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord, there is no God but Him. Turn away from those who join other gods with Him.

If it had been God’s will, they would not have done so, but We have not made you their guardian, nor are you their keeper.

Qurʾān — 6:106–107

________

Say, ‘The conclusive argument belongs to God alone. Had He so willed He would
have guided you all.’

Qurʾān — 6:149

________

All people were originally one single community, but later they differed. If it had not been for a wordᵃ from your Lord, the preordained judgement would already have been passed between them regarding their differences.

Qurʾān — 10:19

ᵃ : Postponing judgement.

________

And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed –– all of them entirely. Then, [O Muḥammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?

Qurʾān — 10:99

________

If your Lord had pleased, He would have made all people a single community, but they continue to have their differences –– except those on whom your Lord has mercy –– for He created them to be this way, and the word of your Lord is final: ‘I shall definitely fill Hell with both jinn and men.’

Qurʾān — 11:118–119

________

If there were ever to be a Qurʾān with which mountains could be moved, the earth shattered, or the dead made to speak [it would have been this one],ᵃ but everything is truly in God’s hands. Do the believers not realize that if God had so willed, He could have guided all mankind? As for the disbelievers, because of their misdeeds, disaster will not cease to afflict them or fall close to their homes until God’s promise is fulfilled: God never fails to keep His promise.

Qurʾān — 13:31

ᵃ : Or ‘[they still would not believe]’.

________

God points out the right path, for some paths lead the wrong way: if He wished, He could guide you all.

Qurʾān — 16:9

________

If God so willed, He would have made you all one people, but He leaves to stray whoever He will and guides whoever He will. You will be questioned about your deeds.

Qurʾān — 16:93

________

We have appointed acts of devotion for every community to observe, so do not let them argue with you [Prophet] about this matter. Call them to your Lord––you are on the right path––and if they argue with you, say, ‘God is well aware of what you are doing.’

Qurʾān — 22:67–68

________

‘If it had been Our will, We could certainly have given every soul
its true guidance, but My words have come true. “I shall be sure to fill Hell with jinn and men together.”

Qurʾān — 32:13

________

If God had so pleased, He could have made them a single community, but He admits to His mercy whoever He will; the evildoers will have no one to protect or help them.

Qurʾān — 42:8

________

2. Judgement between people in their differences in belief is in the Day of Resurrection and not in this earthly world

Verses that show that the decision and final judgement between people in their differences in belief isn’t in this abode but it is in the abode of the Hereafter.

________

The Jews say, ‘The Christians have no ground whatsoever to stand on,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Jews have no ground whatsoever to stand on,’ though they both read the Scripture, and those who have no knowledge say the same; God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning their differences.

Qurʾān — 2:113

________

God said, ‘Jesus, I will take you back and raise you up to Me: I will purify you of the disbelievers. To the Day of Resurrection I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieved. Then you will all return to Me and I will judge between you regarding your differences.

Qurʾān — 3:55

________

The [hypocrites] wait to see what happens to you and, if God brings you success, they say, ‘Were we not on your side?’ but if the disbelievers have some success, they say to them, ‘Did we not have the upper hand over you, and [yet] protect you from the believers?’ God will judge between you all on the Day of Resurrection, and He will give the disbelievers no means of overcoming the believers.

Qurʾān — 4:141

________

Qurʾān — 5:48

________

You who believe, you are responsible for your own souls; if anyone else goes astray it will not harm you so long as you follow the guidance; you will all return to God, and He will make you realize what you have done.

Qurʾān — 5:105

________

Say, ‘I stand on clear proof from my Lord, though you deny it. What you seek to hasten is not within my power. Judgement is for God alone: He tells the truth, and He is the best of judges.’

Say, ‘If what you seek to hasten were within my power, the matter would be settled between you and me, but God knows best who does wrong.’

Qurʾān — 6:58–59

________

He is the Supreme Master over His subjects. He sends out recorders to watch over you until, when death overtakes any of you, those sent by Us take his soul–– they never fail in their duty.

Then they will all be returned to God, their true Lord. The Judgement truly belongs to Him, and He is the swiftest of reckoners.

Qurʾān — 6:61–62

________

We settled the Children of Israel in a good place and provided good things as sustenance for them. It was only after knowledge had come to them that they began to differ among themselves. Your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection regarding their differences.

Qurʾān — 10:93

________

[Prophet], follow what is being revealed to you, and be steadfast until God gives His
judgement, for He is the Best of Judges.

Qurʾān — 10:109

________

The Sabbath was made obligatory only for those who differed about it. On the Day of Resurrection your Lord will judge between them as to their differences.

Qurʾān — 16:124

________

As for the believers, those who follow the Jewish faith, the Sabians, the Christians, the Magians, and the idolaters, God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection; God witnesses all things.

Qurʾān — 22:17

________

On that Day control will belong to God: He will judge between them. Those who believe and do good deeds will be admitted to Gardens of Delight, while those who disbelieve and reject Our revelations will receive a humiliating torment.

Qurʾān — 22:56–57

________

And whoever invokes besides God another deity for which he has no proof – then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.

Qurʾān — 23:117

________

He is God; there is no god but Him; all praise belongs to Him in this world and the next; His is the Judgement; and to Him you shall be returned.

Qurʾān — 28:70

________

[Prophet], it is your Lord who will judge between
them on the Day of Resurrection concerning their differences.

Qurʾān — 32:25

________

Say, ‘God! Creator of the heavens and earth! Knower of all that is hidden and all that is open, You will judge between Your servants regarding their differences.’

Qurʾān — 39:46

________

[They will be told], ‘This is all because when God alone was invoked you rejected this, yet when others were associated with Him you believed [in them].’ Judgement belongs to God the Most High, the Most Great.

Qurʾān — 40:12

________

Whatever you may differ about is for God to judge. [Say], ‘Such is God, my Lord. In Him I trust and to
Him I turn,

Qurʾān — 42:10

________

How can they believe in others who ordain for them things which God has not sanctioned in the practice of their faith? If it were not for God’s decree concerning the final Decision, judgement would already have been made between them. The evildoers will have a grievous punishment––

Qurʾān — 42:21

________

Neither your kinsfolk nor your children will be any use to you on
the Day of Resurrection: He will separate you out. God sees everything you do.

Qurʾān — 60:3

________

Indeed, to Us is their return.

Then indeed, upon Us is their account.

Qurʾān — 88:25–26

________

3. Compulsion and coercion is prohibited, and it is the way of the unbelievers and believers are its victims

Verses that prohibit compulsion in religion and that show that it is the way of the unbelievers –– and not Prophets and their followers –– who use different methods such as compulsion, torture, slaughter, stoning, expulsion from homes, …etc to oppress believers to make them revert from their religion.

________

There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error, so whoever rejects false gods and believes in God has grasped the firmest hand-hold, one that will never break. God is all hearing and all knowing.

Qurʾān — 2:256

________

And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muḥammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?

Qurʾān — 10:99

________

He said, ‘O my people have you considered: if I should be upon clear evidence from my Lord while He has given me mercy from Himself but it has been made unapparent to you, should we force it upon you while you are averse to it?

Qurʾān — 11:28

________

His people’s arrogant leaders said, ‘Shu’ayb, we will expel you and your fellow believers from our town unless you return to our religion.’ He said, ‘What! Even if we detest it?

Qurʾān — 7:88

________

With the exception of those who are forced to say they do not believe, although their hearts remain firm in faith, those who reject God after believing in Him and open their hearts to disbelief will have the wrath of God upon them and a grievous punishment awaiting them.

Qurʾān — 16:106

________

[The people of Shu’ayb said to him:]

They said, ‘Shu’ayb, we do not understand much of what you
say, and we find you very weak in our midst. But for your family, we
would have stoned you, for you have no great status among us.’

Qurʾān — 11:91

________

[The father of Abraham said to him:]

His father answered, ‘Abraham, do you reject my gods? I will stone you if you do not stop this. Keep out of my way!’

Qurʾān — 19:46

________

[And the people of the two of Antakiya said to their prophets:]

but they answered, ‘We think you are an evil omen. If you do not stop, we shall stone you, and inflict a painful torment on you.’

Qurʾān — 36:18

________

[And one amongst the companions of the cave said about his polytheist people:]

Indeed, if they come to know of you, they will stone you or return you to their religion. And never would you succeed, then – ever.

Qurʾān — 18:20

________

[And the people of Noah said to him:]

So they said, ‘Noah, if you do not stop this, you will be stoned.’

Qurʾān — 26:116

________

[And in the Qurʾān the attrocities of Pharaoh – such as his execution and slaughtering of those who believed with Moses – were mentioned in many instances.]

Remember when We saved you from Pharaoh’s people, who subjected you to terrible torment, slaughtering your sons and sparing only your women––this was a great trial from your Lord––

Qurʾān — 2:49

________

damned were the makers of the trench, the makers of the fuel-stoked fire! They sat down to watch what they were doing to the believers. Their only grievance against them was their faith in God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy, to whom all control over the heavens and earth belongs: God is witness over all things.

Qurʾān — 85:4-9

________

The disbelievers said to their messengers, ‘We shall expel you from our land unless you return to our religion.’ But their Lord inspired the messengers: ‘We shall destroy the evildoers, and leave you to dwell in the land after them. This reward is for those who are in awe of meeting Me, and of My warnings.’

Qurʾān — 14:13–14

________

[And about the people of Lot:]

The only answer his people gave was to say, ‘Expel Lot’s followers from your town! These men mean to stay chaste!’

Qurʾān — 27:56

The only response his people gave was to say [to one another], ‘Drive them out of your town! These men want to keep themselves chaste!’

Qurʾān — 7:82

________

[Prophet], consider the leaders of the Children of Israel who came after Moses, when they said to one of their prophets, ‘Set up a king for us and we shall fight in God’s cause.’ He said, ‘But could it be that you would not fight, if it were ordained for you?’ They said, ‘How could we not fight in God’s cause when we and our children have been driven out of our homeland?’ Yet when they were commanded to fight, all but a few of them turned away: God has full knowledge of those who do wrong.

Qurʾān — 2:246

________

[And about the expulsion of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah:]

And indeed, they were about to drive you from the land to evict you therefrom. And then [when they do], they will not remain [there] after you, except for a little.

Qurʾān — 17:76

And [remember, O Muḥammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and God plans. And God is the best of planners.

Qurʾān — 8:30

You who believe, do not take My enemies and yours as your allies, showing them friendship when they have rejected the truth you have received, and have driven you and the Messenger out simply because you believe in God, your Lord –– not if you truly emigrated in order to strive for My cause and seek My good pleasure. You secretly show them friendship –– I know all you conceal and all you reveal –– but any of you who do this are straying from the right path. If they gain the upper hand over you, they will revert to being your enemies and stretch out their hands and tongues to harm you; it is their dearest wish that you may renounce your faith.

Qurʾān — 60:1–2

________

[About the believers amongst the followers of Muḥammad ﷺ]

those who have been driven unjustly from their homes only for saying, ‘Our Lord is God.’ If God did not repel some people by means of others, many monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, where God’s name is much invoked, would have been destroyed. God is sure to help those who help His cause –– God is strong and mighty ––

Qurʾān — 22:40

[… and about it:]

Their Lord has answered them: ‘I will not allow the deeds of any one of you to be lost, whether you are male or female, each is like the other [in rewards]. I will certainly wipe out the bad deeds of those who emigrated and were driven out of their homes, who suffered harm for My cause, who fought and were killed. I will certainly admit them to Gardens graced with flowing streams, as a reward from God: the best reward is with God.’

Qurʾān — 3:195

The poor emigrants who were driven from their homes and possessions, who seek God’s favour and approval, those who help God and His Messenger –– these are the ones who are true –– [shall have a share].

Qurʾān — 59:8

But God forbids you to take as allies those who have fought against you for your faith, driven you out of your homes, and helped others to drive you out: any of you who take them as allies will truly be wrongdoers.

Qurʾān — 60:9

Fight in God’s cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep the limits:ᵃ God does not love those who overstep the limits. Kill them wherever you encounter them,ᵇ and drive them out from where they drove you out, for persecution is more serious than killing.ᶜ Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there. If they do fight you, kill them –– this is what such disbelievers deserve –– but if they stop, then God is most forgiving and merciful. Fight them until there is no more persecution, and worshipᵈ ᵉ is devoted to God. If they cease hostilities, there can be no [further] hostility, except towards aggressors.

Qurʾān — 2:190–193

ᵃ : The Arabic command la ta’tadu is so general that commentators have agreed that it includes prohibition of starting hostilities, fighting non-combatants, disproportionate response to aggression, etc.
ᵇ : The Muslims were concerned as to whether it was permitted to retaliate when attacked within the sacred precincts in Mecca when on pilgrimage (see Q.2:196). They are here given permission to fight back wherever they encounter their attackers, in the precinct or outside it.
ᶜ : ‘Persecuting you unlawfully is worse than you killing them in the precincts in self-defence.’ The article al- in Arabic sometimes takes the place of a pronoun, as here ‘their persecution’ and ‘your killing them’, it is not the generic al-, cf. Q.2:217. See also Q.2:217 below.
ᵈ : Worship at the sacred mosque.
ᵉ : Cf. Q.8:39 and note ᶜ to Q.2:191 above.

They ask you [Prophet] about fighting in the prohibited month. Say, ‘Fighting in that month is a great offence, but to bar others from God’s path, to disbelieve in Him, prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and expel its people, are still greater offences in God’s eyes: persecution is worse than killing.’ᵃ They will not stop fighting you [believers] until they make you revoke your faith, if they can. If any of you revoke your faith and die as disbelievers, your deeds will come to nothing in this world and the Hereafter, and you will be inhabitants of the Fire, there to remain.

Qurʾān — 2:217

ᵃ : To persecute people for believing in God is a worse offence than for the aggrieved party to fight back in the prohibited month. This further explains verse 191.

________

[And concerning the persecution of prophets and messengers mentally and physically, the Qur’an points out that everyone of them suffered from these, …]

but We have always appointed adversaries from the wicked, for every prophet: Your Lord is sufficient guide and helper.

Qurʾān — 25:31

[… and they range from threat to death, passing by torture, expulsion to humiliation. We’ll list here some few examples: Starting with Abraham:]

They said, ‘Burn him and avenge your gods, if you are going to do the right thing.’ But We said, ‘Fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.’ They planned to harm him, but We made them suffer the greatest loss.

Qurʾān — 21:68-70

The only answer Abraham’s people gave was, ‘Kill him or burn him!’ but God saved him from the Fire: there truly are signs in this for people who believe.

Qurʾān — 29:24

________

[And about Noah:]

So they said, ‘Noah, if you do not stop this, you will be stoned.’

Qurʾān — 26:116

________

[And Pharaoh threatened Moses with prison:]

[Pharaoh] said, ‘If you take a god other than me, I will surely place you among those imprisoned.’

Qurʾān — 26:29

________

[And Lot was threatened with expulsion from his home:]

but they replied, ‘Lot! If you do not stop this, you will be driven away.’

Qurʾān — 26:167

________

4 The Human being is free and responsible for his actions

Verses that point out that the human being is free in his choice of the religion he wishes, if he wills he believes, and if he wills he disbelieves, and that he is responsible for his choice in front of God ﷻ.

________

Say [Prophet], ‘Disbelievers: I do not worship what you worship, you do not worship what I worship, I will never worship what you worship, you will never worship what I worship:ᵃ you have your religion and I have mine.’

Qurʾān — 109:1-6

ᵃ : If you keep to your present gods (see Zamakhshari, al-Kashshaf, vol. iv)

________

Say, ‘Now the truth has come from your Lord: let those who wish to believe in it do so, and let those who wish to reject it do so.’ We have prepared a Fire for the wrongdoers that will envelop them from all sides. If they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like molten metal, scalding their faces. What a terrible drink! What a painful resting place!

Qurʾān — 18:29

________

Whoever accepts guidance does so for his own good; whoever strays does so at his own peril. No soul will bear another’s burden, nor do We punish until We have sent a messenger.

Qurʾān — 17:15

________

We said, ‘Get out, all of you! But when guidance comes from Me, as it certainly will, there will be no fear for those who follow My guidance nor will they grieve –– those who disbelieve and deny Our messages shall be the inhabitants of the Fire, and there they will remain.’

Qurʾān — 2:38–39

________

So if they believe like you do, they will be rightly guided. But if they turn their backs, then they will be entrenched in opposition. God will protect you from them: He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing.

Qurʾān — 2:137

________

if they argue with you [Prophet], say, ‘I have devoted myselfᵈ to God alone and so have my followers.’ Ask those who were given the Scripture, as well as those without one, ‘Do you too devote yourselves to Him alone?’ If they do, they will be guided, but if they turn away, your only duty is to convey the message. God is aware of His servants.

Qurʾān — 3:20

ᵈ : Literally ‘submitted my face’.

________

Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to God. We have commanded those who were given the Scripture before you, and We command you, to be mindful of God. Even if you do ignore Him, everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him, and He is self-sufficient, worthy of all praise.

Qurʾān — 4:131

________

Now clear proof has come to you from your Lord: if anyone sees it, that will be to his advantage; if anyone is blind to it, that will be to his loss –– [Say], ‘I am not your guardian.’

Qurʾān — 6:104

________

Say, ‘People, the Truth has come to you from your Lord. Whoever follows the right path follows it for his own good, and whoever strays does so to his own loss: I am not your guardian.’

Qurʾān — 10:108

________

[Say, Prophet], ‘Worship no one but God. I am sent to you from Him to warn and to give good news. Ask your Lord for forgiveness, then turn back to Him. He will grant you wholesome enjoyment until an appointed time, and give His grace to everyone who has merit. But if you turn away, I fear you will have torment on a terrible Day: it is to God that you will all return, and He has power over everything.’

Qurʾān — 11:2-4

And Moses said, ‘If you should disbelieve, you and whoever is on the earth entirely – indeed, God is Free of need and Praiseworthy.’

Qurʾān — 14:8

________

Say, ‘Everyone does things their own way, but your Lord is fully aware of who follows the best-guided path.’

Qurʾān — 17:84

________

I am commanded to recite the Qurʾān.’ Whoever chooses to follow the right path does so for his own good. Say to whoever deviates from it, ‘I am only here to warn.’

Qurʾān — 27:92

________

[Prophet], stand firm in your devotion to the upright religion, before an irresistible Day comes from God. On that Day, mankind will be divided: those who rejected the truth will bear the burden of that rejection, and those who did good deeds will have made good provision for themselves.

Qurʾān — 30:43–44

________

We endowed Luqman with wisdom: ‘Be thankful to God: whoever gives thanks benefits his own soul, and as for those who are thankless––God is self-sufficient, worthy of all praise.’

Qurʾān — 31:12

________

Whoever directs himselfᵇ wholly to God and does good work has grasped the surest handhold, for the outcome of everything is with God. As for those who refuse to do this, do not let their refusal sadden you [Prophet] –– they will return to Us and We shall tell them what they have done: God knows all that hearts contain ––

Qurʾān — 31:22–23

ᵇ : Literally ‘his face’.

________

it is He who made you [people] successors to the land. Those who deny the truth will bear the consequences: their denial will only make them more odious to their Lord, and add only to their loss.

Qurʾān — 35:39

________

If you are ungrateful, remember God has no need of you, yet He is not pleased by ingratitude in His servants; if you are grateful, He is pleased [to see] it in you. No soul will bear another’s burden. You will return to your Lord in the end and He will inform you of what you have done: He knows well what is in the depths of [your] hearts.

Qurʾān — 39:7

________

Say, ‘It is God I serve, dedicating my worship entirely to Him –– you may serve whatever you please beside Him.’ Say, ‘The true losers are the ones who will lose themselves and their people on the Day of Resurrection: that is the most obvious loss.

Qurʾān — 39:14–15

________

Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing. Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

Qurʾān — 76:2–3

________

by the soul and how He formed it and inspired it [to know] its own rebellion and piety! The one who purifies his soul succeeds and the one who corrupts it fails.

Qurʾān — 91:7-10

________

By the enshrouding night, by the radiant day, by His creation of male and female! The ways you take differ greatly. There is the one who gives, who is mindful of God, who testifies to goodness –– We shall smooth his way towards ease. There is the one who is miserly, who is self-satisfied, who denies goodness –– We shall smooth his way towards hardship and his wealth will not help him as he falls.

Our part is to provide guidance –– this world and the next belong to Us –– so I warn you about the raging Fire, in which none but the most wicked one will burn, who denied [the truth], and turned away. The most pious one will be spared this –– who gives his wealth away as self-purification, not to return a favour to anyone but for the sake of his Lord the Most High –– and he will be well pleased.

Qurʾān — 92:1-21

________

This is a reminder. Let whoever wishes take the way to his Lord.

Qurʾān — 73:19 – 76:29

but truly this is a reminder. Let whoever wishes to take heed do so:

Qurʾān — 74:54–55

This is a message for all people; for those who wish to take the straight path.

Qurʾān — 81:27–28

________

5 Obligation to use the mind, to think and ponder, and prohibition from blindly following the religion of one’s parents

And such verses have a clear relation to the fourth category, since they show that one should use reason, to observe, understand and ponder, and to be independent in his thinking, and not blindly follow a religion just because of a custom or it being the religion of his/her parents. And that’s what makes one free & responsible in his decision.

These verses are extremely abundant. According to one estimate, these verses constitute more than 1/8 of the Holy Qurʾān. I’ll mention briefly some of these verses, but to find more of them, one may either open up a random page of the Qurʾān, or use indexed dictionnaries of the Qurʾān such as the one of Muḥammad Fouād ʿAbd al-Bāqī (freely available here), or one may search for the following keywords and their derivatives: عقل, فكر، عبر، نظر، أولي الألباب، ذكر، سير (السير في الأرض)، and the words آباؤنا وآباؤنا، and other similar expressions such as علم. To keep things short in this list, I’ll include just two verses from each keyword.

________

But when it is said to them, ‘Follow the message that God has sent down,’ they answer, ‘We follow the ways of our fathers.’ Even though their fathers understood nothing and were not guided?

Qurʾān — 2:170

________

when it is said to them, ‘Come to what God has sent down, and to the Messenger,’ they say, ‘What we inherited from our forefathers is good enough for us,’ even though their forefathers knew nothing and were not guided.

Qurʾān — 5:104

________

in the alternation of night and day, in the rain God provides, sending it down from the sky and reviving the dead earth with it, and in His shifting of the winds there are signs for those who use their reason.

Qurʾān — 45:5

________

[We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.

Qurʾān — 16:44

________

who remember God standing, sitting, and lying down, who reflect on the creation of the heavens and earth: ‘Our Lord! You have not created all this without purpose–– You are far above that!–– so protect us from the torment of the Fire.

Qurʾān — 3:191

________

There is a lesson in the stories of such people for those who understand. This revelation is no fabrication: it is a confirmation of the truth of what was sent before it; an explanation of everything;ᵃ a guide and a blessing for those who believe.

Qurʾān — 12:111

ᵃ : There are two interpretations of this phrase: (i) ‘everything to do with the story of Joseph’; and (ii) ‘everything to do with religion’.

________

God alternates night and day–– there truly is a lesson in [all] this for those who have eyes to see––

Qurʾān — 24:44

________

Say, ‘Look at what is in the heavens and on the earth.’ But what use are signs and warnings to people who will not believe?

Qurʾān — 10:101

________

So let man observe from what he was created.

Qurʾān — 86:5

________

who listen to what is said and follow what is best. These are the ones God has guided; these are the people of understanding.

Qurʾān — 39:18

________

Have you not considered that God sends water down from the sky, guides it along to form springs in the earth, and then, with it, brings forth vegetation of various colours, which later withers, turns yellow before your eyes, and is crumbled to dust at His command? There is truly a reminder in this for those who have understanding.

Qurʾān — 39:21

________

and We restored his family to him, with many more like them: a sign of Our mercy and a lesson to all who understand.

Qurʾān — 38:43

________

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

Qurʾān — 2:269

________

Say, ‘Travel throughout the earth and see how He brings life into being: and He will bring the next life into being. God has power over all things.

Qurʾān — 29:20

________

All the messengers We sent before you [Muḥammad] were men to whom We made revelations, men chosen from the people of their towns. Have the [disbelievers] not travelled through the land and seen the end of those who went before them? For those who are mindful of God, the Home in the Hereafter is better. Do you [people] not use your reason?

Qurʾān — 12:109

________

6 The purpose of Prophets and Mesengers

Verses that restrict the functions of Prophets and Messengers (Peace be upon them) in preaching and da’wa, and to give a clear warning, without any type of compulsion or coercion, and that negates the idea that the Messengers have to be guardians and watchers over people.

________

if they argue with you [Prophet], say, ‘I have devoted myself to God alone and so have my followers.’ Ask those who were given the Scripture, as well as those without one, ‘Do you too devote yourselves to Him alone?’ If they do, they will be guided, but if they turn away, your only duty is to convey the message. God is aware of His servants.

Qurʾān — 3:20

________

Obey God, obey the Messenger, and always be on your guard: if you pay no heed, bear in mind that the sole duty of Our Messenger is to deliver the message clearly.

Qurʾān — 5:92

________

The Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message: God knows what you reveal and what you conceal.

Qurʾān — 5:99

________

Whether We let you [Prophet] see part of what We threaten them with, or cause you to die [before that], your duty is only to deliver the message: the Reckoning is Ours.

Qurʾān — 13:40

________

Those who worshipped others alongside God say, ‘If God had willed, we would not have worshipped anything but Him, nor would our fathers. We would not have declared anything forbidden without His sanction.’ Those before them said the same. Are the messengers obliged to do anything other than deliver [their message] clearly?

Qurʾān — 16:35

________

But if they turn away [Prophet], your only duty is to deliver the message clearly.

Qurʾān — 16:82

________

Say, ‘Obey God; obey the Messenger. If you turn away, [know that] he is responsible for the duty placed upon him, and you are responsible for the duty placed upon you. If you obey him, you will be rightly guided, but the Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message clearly.’

Qurʾān — 24:54

If you say this is a lie, [be warned that] other communities before you said the same. The messenger’s only duty is to give clear warning.’

Qurʾān — 29:18

________

[And the messengers said: (c.f. Q.36:13-18)]

Our duty is only to deliver the message to you,’

Qurʾān — 36:17

________

If they still turn away [remember that] We have not sent you [Prophet] to be their guardian: your only duty is to deliver the message. When We give man a taste of Our mercy, he rejoices in it, but if some harm befalls him on account of what he has done with his own hands, then he is ungrateful.

Qurʾān — 42:48

________

so obey God and the Messenger. If you turn away, remember that Our Messenger’s duty is only to make plain his message.

Qurʾān — 64:12

________

We send messengers only to give good news and to warn, so for those who believe and do good deeds there will be no fear, nor will they grieve.

Qurʾān — 6:48

We only send messengers to bring good news and to deliver warning, yet the disbelievers seek to refute the truth with false arguments and make fun of My messages and warnings.

Qurʾān — 18:56

________

Has it not occurred to them that their companionᵃ is not mad but is giving clear warning?

Qurʾān — 7:184

ᵃ : This refers to the Prophet ﷺ.

________

Say [Prophet], ‘I have no control over benefit or harm, [even] to myself, except as God may please: if I had knowledge of what is hidden, I would have abundant good things and no harm could touch me. I am no more than a bearer of warning, and good news to those who believe.’

Qurʾān — 7:188

________

So [Prophet] are you going toᵃ abandon some part of what is revealed to you, and let your heart be oppressed by it, because they say, ‘Why is no treasure sent down to him? Why has no angel come with him?’? You are only there to warn; it is God who is in charge of everything.

Qurʾān — 11:12

ᵃ : Literally ‘Perhaps you will . . .’, but this is a challenging figure of speech.

________

Say [Prophet], ‘People, I am sent only to give you clear warning.’

Qurʾān — 22:49

________

[And Noah said:]

I am here only to give people a clear warning.’

Qurʾān — 26:115

________

You, [O Muḥammad], are not but a warner.

Qurʾān — 35:23

________

It has not been revealed to me except that I am a clear warner.’

Qurʾān — 38:70

________

Say, ‘I am nothing new among God’s messengers. I do not know what will be done with me or you; I only follow what is revealed to me; I only warn plainly.’

Qurʾān — 46:9

________

Say, ‘God alone has knowledge of this: my only duty is to give clear warning.’

Qurʾān — 67:26

________

We sent down the Qurʾān with the truth, and with the truth it has come down –– [Prophet], We sent you only to give good news and warning ––

Qurʾān — 17:105

________

We sent you only to give good news and warning.

Qurʾān — 25:56

________

And those who disbelieved say, ‘Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?’ You are only a warner, and for every people is a guide.

Qurʾān — 13:7

________

[Prophet] say, ‘I am only here to give warning. There is no god but God the One, the All Powerful, Lord of the heavens and earth and everything between, the Almighty, the Most Forgiving.’

Qurʾān — 38:65–66

________

They ask you [Prophet] about the Hour, saying, ‘When will it arrive?’, but how can you tell [them that]? Its time is known only to your Lord; you are only sent to warn those who fear it.

Qurʾān — 79:42-45

________

I am commanded to recite the Qurʾān.’ Whoever chooses to follow the right path does so for his own good. Say to whoever deviates from it, ‘I am only here to warn.’

Qurʾān — 27:92

________

So [Prophet] warn them: your only task is to give warning

Qurʾān — 88:21

________

So all of these verses restrict and limit the function of Messengers to preaching, warning, and to give good news, using expressions such as “إِنَّمَا” and expressions of negation and restriction. And there other verses that negate that Messengers use or should employ compulsion and coercion, or be guardians over people, …etc

________

So [Prophet] warn them: your only task is to give warning, you are not there to control them.

Qurʾān — 88:21–22

________

We know best what the disbelievers say. You [Prophet] are not there to force them, so remind, with this Qurʾān, those who fear My warning.

Qurʾān — 50:45

________

Now clear proof has come to you from your Lord: if anyone sees it, that will be to his advantage; if anyone is blind to it, that will be to his loss –– [Say], ‘I am not your guardian.’

Qurʾān — 6:104

________

What lasts with God is best for you, if you are believers: I am not your keeper.’

Qurʾān — 11:86

________

Whoever obeys the Messenger obeys God. If some pay no heed, We have not sent you to be their keeper.

Qurʾān — 4:80

________

If it had been God’s will, they would not have done so, but We have not made you their guardian, nor are you their keeper.

Qurʾān — 6:107

________

Qurʾān — 42:48

________

yet your people still reject it even though it is the truth. Say, ‘I have not been put in charge of you.

Qurʾān — 6:66

________

Say, ‘People, the Truth has come to you from your Lord. Whoever follows the right path follows it for his own good, and whoever strays does so to his own loss: I am not your guardian.’

Qurʾān — 10:108

________

We have sent the Scripture down to you [Prophet] with the Truth for people. Whoever follows the guidance does so for his own benefit, whoever strays away from it does so at his own peril: you are not in charge of them.

Qurʾān — 39:41

________

As for those who take protectors other than Him, God is watching them; you are not responsible for them.

Qurʾān — 42:6

________

Your Lord has the most knowledge about all of you: if He pleases He will have mercy on you, and if He pleases He will punish you. [Prophet], We did not send you to take charge of them.

Qurʾān — 17:54

________

Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him?

Qurʾān — 25:43

________

And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muḥammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?

Qurʾān — 10:99

________

It is not for you [Prophet] to guide them; it is God who guides whoever He will. Whatever charity you give benefits your own soul, provided you do it for the sake of God: whatever you give will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.

Qurʾān — 2:272

________

Some of them look at you: but can you guide the blind if they will not see?

Qurʾān — 10:43

________

Though you [Prophet] may be eager to guide them, God does not guide those
who misguide [others],ᵃ nor will they have anyone to help them.

Qurʾān — 16:37

ᵃ : C.f. verse 25 : On the Day of Resurrection they will bear the full weight of their own burden, as well as some of the burden of those they misled with no true knowledge. How terrible their burden will be!

________

you cannot guide the blind out of their error: you cannot make anyone hear you except those who believe in Our signs and submit [to Us].

Qurʾān — 27:81 – Qurʾān — 30:53

________

You [Prophet] cannot guide everyone you love to the truth; it is God who guides whoever He will: He knows best those who will follow guidance.

Qurʾān — 28:56

________

Can you [Prophet] make the deaf hear? Or guide either the blind or those who are in gross error?

Qurʾān — 43:40

________

Some of them do listen to you: but can you make the deaf hear if they will not use their minds?

Qurʾān — 10:42

________

You cannot make the dead hear, you cannot make the deaf listen to your call when they turn their backs and leave,

Qurʾān — 27:80, see also: Qurʾān — 30:52

________

And not equal are the living and the dead. Indeed, God causes to hear whom He wills, but you cannot make hear those in the graves.

Qurʾān — 35:22

________

We have sent you [Prophet] with the truth, bearing good news and warning. You will not be responsible for the inhabitants of the Blaze.

Qurʾān — 2:119

________

I am commanded to recite the Qurʾān.’ Whoever chooses to follow the right path does so for his own good. Say to whoever deviates from it, ‘I am only here to warn.’

Qurʾān — 6:52

________

But if they turn away, say, ‘I have proclaimed the message fairly to you all. I do not know whether the judgement you are promised is near or far,

Qurʾān — 21:109

________

Qurʾān — 24:54

________

What about those whose evil deeds are made alluring to them so that they think they are good? God leaves whoever He will to stray and guides whoever He will. [Prophet], do not waste your soul away with regret for them: God knows exactly what
they do.

Qurʾān — 35:8

________

But [Prophet] are you going to worry yourself to death over them if they do not believe in this message?

Qurʾān — 18:6

________

[Prophet], are you going to worry yourself to death because they will not believe?

Qurʾān — 26:3

________

So leave them, [O Muḥammad], for you are not to be blamed.

Qurʾān — 51:54

________

If they disobey you, say, ‘I bear no responsibility for your actions.’

Qurʾān — 26:216

________

For the self-satisfied one you go out of your way –– though you are not to be blamed for his lack of spiritual growth ––

Qurʾān — 80:5-7

________

If they do not believe you, [Prophet], say, ‘I act for myself, and you for yourselves. You are not responsible for my actions nor am I responsible for yours.’

Qurʾān — 10:41

________

Say, ‘Everyone does things their own way, but your Lord is fully aware of who follows the best-guided path.’

Qurʾān — 17:84

________

[Prophet], say, ‘My people, you carry on as you are, and so will I: you will come to realize who will have a happy homecoming in the Hereafter.’ The evildoers will not prosper.

Qurʾān — 6:135

________

[And Shu’ayb said:]

My people, do whatever is within your power, and I will do likewise. Soon you will know who will receive a disgraceful punishment and who is a liar. Watch out, and so will I.’

Qurʾān — 11:93

________

Say to those who do not believe, ‘Do whatever you can: we too are doing what we can,’
and ‘Wait: we too are waiting.’

Qurʾān — 11:121-122

________

Say, ‘O my people, work according to your position, [for] indeed, I am working; and you are going to know
To whom will come a torment disgracing him and on whom will descend an enduring punishment.’

Qurʾān — 39:39-40

________

[Prophet], say, ‘We are all waiting, so you carry on waiting: you will come to learn who has followed the even path, and been rightly guided.’

Qurʾān — 20:135

________

If they turn away, [Prophet], say ,‘God is enough for me: there is no god but Him; I put my trust in Him; He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’

Qurʾān — 9:129

________

7 Having a different religion does not prohibit kindness and justice

________

God does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly with anyone who has not fought you for your faith or driven you out of
your homes: God loves the just.

Qurʾān — 60:8-9

[The arabic word used in this verse ‘birr’ (dutiful respect and compassion) is the same word that the Prophet ﷺ commands Muslims to use in the treatment of their own parents, and he ﷺ says, ‘birr is good manners’ (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim). This verse is—to borrow an expression used by Shaykh Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī—the constitution (dustūr) of relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.]

________

[On the authority of Ibn Jarīr, Ibn ʿAbbās (ra) said: Some people of the Ansār that had family ties with [the tribes of] Banū Qurayẓah and al-Naḍīr, and they feared to give them charity – wanting them to convert to Islam, then this verse was revealed:]

Qurʾān — 2:272

________

Today all good things have been made lawful for you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful for you as your food is lawful for them. So are chaste, believing, women as well as chaste women of the people who were given the Scripture before you, as long as you have given them their bride-gifts and married them, not taking them as lovers or secret mistresses. The deeds of anyone who rejects faith will come to nothing, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

Qurʾān — 5:5

Another of His signs is that He created spouses from among yourselves for you to live with in tranquillity: He ordained love and kindness between you. There truly are signs in this for those who reflect.

Qurʾān — 30:21

[This last verse shows that there must be love and kindness between spouses, and the first verse from Surat Al-Māʾidah made marriage with women of the People of the Book (Christians & Jews) lawful.]

________

[And about the polytheist parents:]

If they strive to make you associate with Me anything about which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them. Yet keep their company in this life according to what is right, and follow the path of those who turn to Me. You will all return to Me in the end, and I will tell you everything that you have done.

Qurʾān — 31:15

________

You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of God: God is well aware of all that you do.

Qurʾān — 5:8

________

God commands you [people] to return things entrusted to you to their rightful owners, and, if you judge between people, to do so with justice: God’s instructions to you are excellent, for He hears and sees everything.

Qurʾān — 4:58

[And Ibn Kathīr narrated in his tafsīr that Ibn ʿAbbās and Muḥammad b. al-Ḥanafiyyah said, ‘This verse is for the righteous and wicked,’ meaning it is a command that encompasses everyone.]

________

LikeLiked by 1 person

August 14, 2017 at 11:28 am Reply

One thought on ““I have been ordered to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle…””

Ahmad Musaa

Contrary to popular misconceptions, the theme of religious freedom is found in abundance in the Qurʾān. The Holy Book thus explains that, (Translations mostly from Abdel-Haleem, same for footnotes)

1. Differences in people’s beliefs are bound to happen

Verses that point out that the difference between people in matters of belief is a divine will from his Will, and hence it is something that happened and will continue to happen until the Day of Judgement.

________

We favoured some of these messengers above others. God spoke to some; others He raised in rank; We gave Jesus, son of Mary, Our clear signs and strengthened him with the holy spirit. If God had so willed, their successors would not have fought each other after they had been brought clear signs. But they disagreed: some believed and some disbelieved. If God had so willed, they would not have fought each other, but God does what He will.

Qurʾān — 2:253

________

We sent to you [Muḥammad] the Scripture with the truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it, and with final authority over them: so judge between them according to what God has sent down. Do not follow their whims, which deviate from the truth that has come to you. We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If God had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to God and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.

Qurʾān — 5:48

________

If you find rejection by the disbelievers so hard to bear, then seek a tunnel into the ground or a ladder into the sky, if you can, and bring them a sign: God could bring them all to guidance if it were His will, so do not join the ignorant.

Qurʾān — 6:35

________

Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord, there is no God but Him. Turn away from those who join other gods with Him.

If it had been God’s will, they would not have done so, but We have not made you their guardian, nor are you their keeper.

Qurʾān — 6:106–107

________

Say, ‘The conclusive argument belongs to God alone. Had He so willed He would
have guided you all.’

Qurʾān — 6:149

________

All people were originally one single community, but later they differed. If it had not been for a wordᵃ from your Lord, the preordained judgement would already have been passed between them regarding their differences.

Qurʾān — 10:19

ᵃ : Postponing judgement.

________

And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed –– all of them entirely. Then, [O Muḥammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?

Qurʾān — 10:99

________

If your Lord had pleased, He would have made all people a single community, but they continue to have their differences –– except those on whom your Lord has mercy –– for He created them to be this way, and the word of your Lord is final: ‘I shall definitely fill Hell with both jinn and men.’

Qurʾān — 11:118–119

________

If there were ever to be a Qurʾān with which mountains could be moved, the earth shattered, or the dead made to speak [it would have been this one],ᵃ but everything is truly in God’s hands. Do the believers not realize that if God had so willed, He could have guided all mankind? As for the disbelievers, because of their misdeeds, disaster will not cease to afflict them or fall close to their homes until God’s promise is fulfilled: God never fails to keep His promise.

Qurʾān — 13:31

ᵃ : Or ‘[they still would not believe]’.

________

God points out the right path, for some paths lead the wrong way: if He wished, He could guide you all.

Qurʾān — 16:9

________

If God so willed, He would have made you all one people, but He leaves to stray whoever He will and guides whoever He will. You will be questioned about your deeds.

Qurʾān — 16:93

________

We have appointed acts of devotion for every community to observe, so do not let them argue with you [Prophet] about this matter. Call them to your Lord––you are on the right path––and if they argue with you, say, ‘God is well aware of what you are doing.’

Qurʾān — 22:67–68

________

‘If it had been Our will, We could certainly have given every soul
its true guidance, but My words have come true. “I shall be sure to fill Hell with jinn and men together.”

Qurʾān — 32:13

________

If God had so pleased, He could have made them a single community, but He admits to His mercy whoever He will; the evildoers will have no one to protect or help them.

Qurʾān — 42:8

________

2. Judgement between people in their differences in belief is in the Day of Resurrection and not in this earthly world

Verses that show that the decision and final judgement between people in their differences in belief isn’t in this abode but it is in the abode of the Hereafter.

________

The Jews say, ‘The Christians have no ground whatsoever to stand on,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Jews have no ground whatsoever to stand on,’ though they both read the Scripture, and those who have no knowledge say the same; God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning their differences.

Qurʾān — 2:113

________

God said, ‘Jesus, I will take you back and raise you up to Me: I will purify you of the disbelievers. To the Day of Resurrection I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieved. Then you will all return to Me and I will judge between you regarding your differences.

Qurʾān — 3:55

________

The [hypocrites] wait to see what happens to you and, if God brings you success, they say, ‘Were we not on your side?’ but if the disbelievers have some success, they say to them, ‘Did we not have the upper hand over you, and [yet] protect you from the believers?’ God will judge between you all on the Day of Resurrection, and He will give the disbelievers no means of overcoming the believers.

Qurʾān — 4:141

________

We sent to you [Muḥammad] the Scripture with the truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it, and with final authority over them: so judge between them according to what God has sent down. Do not follow their whims, which deviate from the truth that has come to you. We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If God had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to God and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.

Qurʾān — 5:48

________

You who believe, you are responsible for your own souls; if anyone else goes astray it will not harm you so long as you follow the guidance; you will all return to God, and He will make you realize what you have done.

Qurʾān — 5:105

________

Say, ‘I stand on clear proof from my Lord, though you deny it. What you seek to hasten is not within my power. Judgement is for God alone: He tells the truth, and He is the best of judges.’

Say, ‘If what you seek to hasten were within my power, the matter would be settled between you and me, but God knows best who does wrong.’

Qurʾān — 6:58–59

________

He is the Supreme Master over His subjects. He sends out recorders to watch over you until, when death overtakes any of you, those sent by Us take his soul–– they never fail in their duty.

Then they will all be returned to God, their true Lord. The Judgement truly belongs to Him, and He is the swiftest of reckoners.

Qurʾān — 6:61–62

________

We settled the Children of Israel in a good place and provided good things as sustenance for them. It was only after knowledge had come to them that they began to differ among themselves. Your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection regarding their differences.

Qurʾān — 10:93

________

[Prophet], follow what is being revealed to you, and be steadfast until God gives His
judgement, for He is the Best of Judges.

Qurʾān — 10:109

________

The Sabbath was made obligatory only for those who differed about it. On the Day of Resurrection your Lord will judge between them as to their differences.

Qurʾān — 16:124

________

As for the believers, those who follow the Jewish faith, the Sabians, the Christians, the Magians, and the idolaters, God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection; God witnesses all things.

Qurʾān — 22:17

________

On that Day control will belong to God: He will judge between them. Those who believe and do good deeds will be admitted to Gardens of Delight, while those who disbelieve and reject Our revelations will receive a humiliating torment.

Qurʾān — 22:56–57

________

And whoever invokes besides God another deity for which he has no proof – then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.

Qurʾān — 23:117

________

He is God; there is no god but Him; all praise belongs to Him in this world and the next; His is the Judgement; and to Him you shall be returned.

Qurʾān — 28:70

________

[Prophet], it is your Lord who will judge between
them on the Day of Resurrection concerning their differences.

Qurʾān — 32:25

________

Say, ‘God! Creator of the heavens and earth! Knower of all that is hidden and all that is open, You will judge between Your servants regarding their differences.’

Qurʾān — 39:46

________

[They will be told], ‘This is all because when God alone was invoked you rejected this, yet when others were associated with Him you believed [in them].’ Judgement belongs to God the Most High, the Most Great.

Qurʾān — 40:12

________

Whatever you may differ about is for God to judge. [Say], ‘Such is God, my Lord. In Him I trust and to
Him I turn,

Qurʾān — 42:10

________

How can they believe in others who ordain for them things which God has not sanctioned in the practice of their faith? If it were not for God’s decree concerning the final Decision, judgement would already have been made between them. The evildoers will have a grievous punishment––

Qurʾān — 42:21

________

Neither your kinsfolk nor your children will be any use to you on
the Day of Resurrection: He will separate you out. God sees everything you do.

Qurʾān — 60:3

________

Indeed, to Us is their return.

Then indeed, upon Us is their account.

Qurʾān — 88:25–26

________

3. Compulsion and coercion is prohibited, and it is the way of the unbelievers and believers are its victims

Verses that prohibit compulsion in religion and that show that it is the way of the unbelievers –– and not Prophets and their followers –– who use different methods such as compulsion, torture, slaughter, stoning, expulsion from homes, …etc to oppress believers to make them revert from their religion.

________

There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error, so whoever rejects false gods and believes in God has grasped the firmest hand-hold, one that will never break. God is all hearing and all knowing.

Qurʾān — 2:256

________

And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muḥammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?

Qurʾān — 10:99

________

He said, ‘O my people have you considered: if I should be upon clear evidence from my Lord while He has given me mercy from Himself but it has been made unapparent to you, should we force it upon you while you are averse to it?

Qurʾān — 11:28

________

His people’s arrogant leaders said, ‘Shu’ayb, we will expel you and your fellow believers from our town unless you return to our religion.’ He said, ‘What! Even if we detest it?

Qurʾān — 7:88

________

With the exception of those who are forced to say they do not believe, although their hearts remain firm in faith, those who reject God after believing in Him and open their hearts to disbelief will have the wrath of God upon them and a grievous punishment awaiting them.

Qurʾān — 16:106

________

[The people of Shu’ayb said to him:]

They said, ‘Shu’ayb, we do not understand much of what you
say, and we find you very weak in our midst. But for your family, we
would have stoned you, for you have no great status among us.’

Qurʾān — 11:91

________

[The father of Abraham said to him:]

His father answered, ‘Abraham, do you reject my gods? I will stone you if you do not stop this. Keep out of my way!’

Qurʾān — 19:46

________

[And the people of the two of Antakiya said to their prophets:]

but they answered, ‘We think you are an evil omen. If you do not stop, we shall stone you, and inflict a painful torment on you.’

Qurʾān — 36:18

________

[And one amongst the companions of the cave said about his polytheist people:]

Indeed, if they come to know of you, they will stone you or return you to their religion. And never would you succeed, then – ever.

Qurʾān — 18:20

________

[And the people of Noah said to him:]

So they said, ‘Noah, if you do not stop this, you will be stoned.’

Qurʾān — 26:116

________

[And in the Qurʾān the attrocities of Pharaoh – such as his execution and slaughtering of those who believed with Moses – were mentioned in many instances.]

Remember when We saved you from Pharaoh’s people, who subjected you to terrible torment, slaughtering your sons and sparing only your women––this was a great trial from your Lord––

Qurʾān — 2:49

________

damned were the makers of the trench, the makers of the fuel-stoked fire! They sat down to watch what they were doing to the believers. Their only grievance against them was their faith in God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy, to whom all control over the heavens and earth belongs: God is witness over all things.

Qurʾān — 85:4-9

________

The disbelievers said to their messengers, ‘We shall expel you from our land unless you return to our religion.’ But their Lord inspired the messengers: ‘We shall destroy the evildoers, and leave you to dwell in the land after them. This reward is for those who are in awe of meeting Me, and of My warnings.’

Qurʾān — 14:13–14

________

[And about the people of Lot:]

The only answer his people gave was to say, ‘Expel Lot’s followers from your town! These men mean to stay chaste!’

Qurʾān — 27:56

The only response his people gave was to say [to one another], ‘Drive them out of your town! These men want to keep themselves chaste!’

Qurʾān — 7:82

________

[Prophet], consider the leaders of the Children of Israel who came after Moses, when they said to one of their prophets, ‘Set up a king for us and we shall fight in God’s cause.’ He said, ‘But could it be that you would not fight, if it were ordained for you?’ They said, ‘How could we not fight in God’s cause when we and our children have been driven out of our homeland?’ Yet when they were commanded to fight, all but a few of them turned away: God has full knowledge of those who do wrong.

Qurʾān — 2:246

________

[And about the expulsion of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah:]

And indeed, they were about to drive you from the land to evict you therefrom. And then [when they do], they will not remain [there] after you, except for a little.

Qurʾān — 17:76

And [remember, O Muḥammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and God plans. And God is the best of planners.

Qurʾān — 8:30

You who believe, do not take My enemies and yours as your allies, showing them friendship when they have rejected the truth you have received, and have driven you and the Messenger out simply because you believe in God, your Lord –– not if you truly emigrated in order to strive for My cause and seek My good pleasure. You secretly show them friendship –– I know all you conceal and all you reveal –– but any of you who do this are straying from the right path. If they gain the upper hand over you, they will revert to being your enemies and stretch out their hands and tongues to harm you; it is their dearest wish that you may renounce your faith.

Qurʾān — 60:1–2

________

[About the believers amongst the followers of Muḥammad ﷺ]

those who have been driven unjustly from their homes only for saying, ‘Our Lord is God.’ If God did not repel some people by means of others, many monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, where God’s name is much invoked, would have been destroyed. God is sure to help those who help His cause –– God is strong and mighty ––

Qurʾān — 22:40

[… and about it:]

Their Lord has answered them: ‘I will not allow the deeds of any one of you to be lost, whether you are male or female, each is like the other [in rewards]. I will certainly wipe out the bad deeds of those who emigrated and were driven out of their homes, who suffered harm for My cause, who fought and were killed. I will certainly admit them to Gardens graced with flowing streams, as a reward from God: the best reward is with God.’

Qurʾān — 3:195

The poor emigrants who were driven from their homes and possessions, who seek God’s favour and approval, those who help God and His Messenger –– these are the ones who are true –– [shall have a share].

Qurʾān — 59:8

But God forbids you to take as allies those who have fought against you for your faith, driven you out of your homes, and helped others to drive you out: any of you who take them as allies will truly be wrongdoers.

Qurʾān — 60:9

Fight in God’s cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep the limits:ᵃ God does not love those who overstep the limits. Kill them wherever you encounter them,ᵇ and drive them out from where they drove you out, for persecution is more serious than killing.ᶜ Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there. If they do fight you, kill them –– this is what such disbelievers deserve –– but if they stop, then God is most forgiving and merciful. Fight them until there is no more persecution, and worshipᵈ ᵉ is devoted to God. If they cease hostilities, there can be no [further] hostility, except towards aggressors.

Qurʾān — 2:190–193

ᵃ : The Arabic command la ta’tadu is so general that commentators have agreed that it includes prohibition of starting hostilities, fighting non-combatants, disproportionate response to aggression, etc.
ᵇ : The Muslims were concerned as to whether it was permitted to retaliate when attacked within the sacred precincts in Mecca when on pilgrimage (see Q.2:196). They are here given permission to fight back wherever they encounter their attackers, in the precinct or outside it.
ᶜ : ‘Persecuting you unlawfully is worse than you killing them in the precincts in self-defence.’ The article al- in Arabic sometimes takes the place of a pronoun, as here ‘their persecution’ and ‘your killing them’, it is not the generic al-, cf. Q.2:217. See also Q.2:217 below.
ᵈ : Worship at the sacred mosque.
ᵉ : Cf. Q.8:39 and note ᶜ to Q.2:191 above.

.

They ask you [Prophet] about fighting in the prohibited month. Say, ‘Fighting in that month is a great offence, but to bar others from God’s path, to disbelieve in Him, prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and expel its people, are still greater offences in God’s eyes: persecution is worse than killing.’ᵃ They will not stop fighting you [believers] until they make you revoke your faith, if they can. If any of you revoke your faith and die as disbelievers, your deeds will come to nothing in this world and the Hereafter, and you will be inhabitants of the Fire, there to remain.

Qurʾān — 2:217

ᵃ : To persecute people for believing in God is a worse offence than for the aggrieved party to fight back in the prohibited month. This further explains verse 191.

________

[And concerning the persecution of prophets and messengers mentally and physically, the Qur’an points out that everyone of them suffered from these, …]

but We have always appointed adversaries from the wicked, for every prophet: Your Lord is sufficient guide and helper.

Qurʾān — 25:31

[… and they range from threat to death, passing by torture, expulsion to humiliation. We’ll list here some few examples: Starting with Abraham:]

They said, ‘Burn him and avenge your gods, if you are going to do the right thing.’ But We said, ‘Fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.’ They planned to harm him, but We made them suffer the greatest loss.

Qurʾān — 21:68-70

The only answer Abraham’s people gave was, ‘Kill him or burn him!’ but God saved him from the Fire: there truly are signs in this for people who believe.

Qurʾān — 29:24

________

[And about Noah:]

So they said, ‘Noah, if you do not stop this, you will be stoned.’

Qurʾān — 26:116

________

[And Pharaoh threatened Moses with prison:]

[Pharaoh] said, ‘If you take a god other than me, I will surely place you among those imprisoned.’

Qurʾān — 26:29

________

[And Lot was threatened with expulsion from his home:]

but they replied, ‘Lot! If you do not stop this, you will be driven away.’

Qurʾān — 26:167

________

4 The Human being is free and responsible for his actions

Verses that point out that the human being is free in his choice of the religion he wishes, if he wills he believes, and if he wills he disbelieves, and that he is responsible for his choice in front of God ﷻ.

________

Say [Prophet], ‘Disbelievers: I do not worship what you worship, you do not worship what I worship, I will never worship what you worship, you will never worship what I worship:ᵃ you have your religion and I have mine.’

Qurʾān — 109:1-6

ᵃ : If you keep to your present gods (see Zamakhshari, al-Kashshaf, vol. iv)

________

Say, ‘Now the truth has come from your Lord: let those who wish to believe in it do so, and let those who wish to reject it do so.’ We have prepared a Fire for the wrongdoers that will envelop them from all sides. If they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like molten metal, scalding their faces. What a terrible drink! What a painful resting place!

Qurʾān — 18:29

________

Whoever accepts guidance does so for his own good; whoever strays does so at his own peril. No soul will bear another’s burden, nor do We punish until We have sent a messenger.

Qurʾān — 17:15

________

We said, ‘Get out, all of you! But when guidance comes from Me, as it certainly will, there will be no fear for those who follow My guidance nor will they grieve –– those who disbelieve and deny Our messages shall be the inhabitants of the Fire, and there they will remain.’

Qurʾān — 2:38–39

________

So if they believe like you do, they will be rightly guided. But if they turn their backs, then they will be entrenched in opposition. God will protect you from them: He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing.

Qurʾān — 2:137

________

if they argue with you [Prophet], say, ‘I have devoted myselfᵈ to God alone and so have my followers.’ Ask those who were given the Scripture, as well as those without one, ‘Do you too devote yourselves to Him alone?’ If they do, they will be guided, but if they turn away, your only duty is to convey the message. God is aware of His servants.

Qurʾān — 3:20

ᵈ : Literally ‘submitted my face’.

________

Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to God. We have commanded those who were given the Scripture before you, and We command you, to be mindful of God. Even if you do ignore Him, everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him, and He is self-sufficient, worthy of all praise.

Qurʾān — 4:131

________

Now clear proof has come to you from your Lord: if anyone sees it, that will be to his advantage; if anyone is blind to it, that will be to his loss –– [Say], ‘I am not your guardian.’

Qurʾān — 6:104

________

Say, ‘People, the Truth has come to you from your Lord. Whoever follows the right path follows it for his own good, and whoever strays does so to his own loss: I am not your guardian.’

Qurʾān — 10:108

________

[Say, Prophet], ‘Worship no one but God. I am sent to you from Him to warn and to give good news. Ask your Lord for forgiveness, then turn back to Him. He will grant you wholesome enjoyment until an appointed time, and give His grace to everyone who has merit. But if you turn away, I fear you will have torment on a terrible Day: it is to God that you will all return, and He has power over everything.’

Qurʾān — 11:2-4

And Moses said, ‘If you should disbelieve, you and whoever is on the earth entirely – indeed, God is Free of need and Praiseworthy.’

Qurʾān — 14:8

________

Say, ‘Everyone does things their own way, but your Lord is fully aware of who follows the best-guided path.’

Qurʾān — 17:84

________

I am commanded to recite the Qurʾān.’ Whoever chooses to follow the right path does so for his own good. Say to whoever deviates from it, ‘I am only here to warn.’

Qurʾān — 27:92

________

[Prophet], stand firm in your devotion to the upright religion, before an irresistible Day comes from God. On that Day, mankind will be divided: those who rejected the truth will bear the burden of that rejection, and those who did good deeds will have made good provision for themselves.

Qurʾān — 30:43–44

________

We endowed Luqman with wisdom: ‘Be thankful to God: whoever gives thanks benefits his own soul, and as for those who are thankless––God is self-sufficient, worthy of all praise.’

Qurʾān — 31:12

________

Whoever directs himselfᵇ wholly to God and does good work has grasped the surest handhold, for the outcome of everything is with God. As for those who refuse to do this, do not let their refusal sadden you [Prophet] –– they will return to Us and We shall tell them what they have done: God knows all that hearts contain ––

Qurʾān — 31:22–23

ᵇ : Literally ‘his face’.

________

it is He who made you [people] successors to the land. Those who deny the truth will bear the consequences: their denial will only make them more odious to their Lord, and add only to their loss.

Qurʾān — 35:39

________

If you are ungrateful, remember God has no need of you, yet He is not pleased by ingratitude in His servants; if you are grateful, He is pleased [to see] it in you. No soul will bear another’s burden. You will return to your Lord in the end and He will inform you of what you have done: He knows well what is in the depths of [your] hearts.

Qurʾān — 39:7

________

Say, ‘It is God I serve, dedicating my worship entirely to Him –– you may serve whatever you please beside Him.’ Say, ‘The true losers are the ones who will lose themselves and their people on the Day of Resurrection: that is the most obvious loss.

Qurʾān — 39:14–15

________

Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing. Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

Qurʾān — 76:2–3

________

by the soul and how He formed it and inspired it [to know] its own rebellion and piety! The one who purifies his soul succeeds and the one who corrupts it fails.

Qurʾān — 91:7-10

________

By the enshrouding night, by the radiant day, by His creation of male and female! The ways you take differ greatly. There is the one who gives, who is mindful of God, who testifies to goodness –– We shall smooth his way towards ease. There is the one who is miserly, who is self-satisfied, who denies goodness –– We shall smooth his way towards hardship and his wealth will not help him as he falls.

Our part is to provide guidance –– this world and the next belong to Us –– so I warn you about the raging Fire, in which none but the most wicked one will burn, who denied [the truth], and turned away. The most pious one will be spared this –– who gives his wealth away as self-purification, not to return a favour to anyone but for the sake of his Lord the Most High –– and he will be well pleased.

Qurʾān — 92:1-21

________

This is a reminder. Let whoever wishes take the way to his Lord.

Qurʾān — 73:19 – 76:29

but truly this is a reminder. Let whoever wishes to take heed do so:

Qurʾān — 74:54–55

This is a message for all people; for those who wish to take the straight path.

Qurʾān — 81:27–28

________

5 Obligation to use the mind, to think and ponder, and prohibition from blindly following the religion of one’s parents

And such verses have a clear relation to the fourth category, since they show that one should use reason, to observe, understand and ponder, and to be independent in his thinking, and not blindly follow a religion just because of a custom or it being the religion of his/her parents. And that’s what makes one free & responsible in his decision.

These verses are extremely abundant. According to one estimate, these verses constitute more than 1/8 of the Holy Qurʾān. I’ll mention briefly some of these verses, but to find more of them, one may either open up a random page of the Qurʾān, or use indexed dictionnaries of the Qurʾān such as the one of Muḥammad Fouād ʿAbd al-Bāqī (freely available here), or one may search for the following keywords and their derivatives: عقل, فكر، عبر، نظر، أولي الألباب، ذكر، سير (السير في الأرض)، and the words آباؤنا وآباؤنا، and other similar expressions such as علم. To keep things short in this list, I’ll include just two verses from each keyword.

________

But when it is said to them, ‘Follow the message that God has sent down,’ they answer, ‘We follow the ways of our fathers.’ Even though their fathers understood nothing and were not guided?

Qurʾān — 2:170

________

when it is said to them, ‘Come to what God has sent down, and to the Messenger,’ they say, ‘What we inherited from our forefathers is good enough for us,’ even though their forefathers knew nothing and were not guided.

Qurʾān — 5:104

________

in the alternation of night and day, in the rain God provides, sending it down from the sky and reviving the dead earth with it, and in His shifting of the winds there are signs for those who use their reason.

Qurʾān — 45:5

________

[We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.

Qurʾān — 16:44

________

who remember God standing, sitting, and lying down, who reflect on the creation of the heavens and earth: ‘Our Lord! You have not created all this without purpose–– You are far above that!–– so protect us from the torment of the Fire.

Qurʾān — 3:191

________

There is a lesson in the stories of such people for those who understand. This revelation is no fabrication: it is a confirmation of the truth of what was sent before it; an explanation of everything;ᵃ a guide and a blessing for those who believe.

Qurʾān — 12:111

ᵃ : There are two interpretations of this phrase: (i) ‘everything to do with the story of Joseph’; and (ii) ‘everything to do with religion’.

________

God alternates night and day–– there truly is a lesson in [all] this for those who have eyes to see––

Qurʾān — 24:44

________

Say, ‘Look at what is in the heavens and on the earth.’ But what use are signs and warnings to people who will not believe?

Qurʾān — 10:101

________

So let man observe from what he was created.

Qurʾān — 86:5

________

who listen to what is said and follow what is best. These are the ones God has guided; these are the people of understanding.

Qurʾān — 39:18

________

Have you not considered that God sends water down from the sky, guides it along to form springs in the earth, and then, with it, brings forth vegetation of various colours, which later withers, turns yellow before your eyes, and is crumbled to dust at His command? There is truly a reminder in this for those who have understanding.

Qurʾān — 39:21

________

and We restored his family to him, with many more like them: a sign of Our mercy and a lesson to all who understand.

Qurʾān — 38:43

________

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

Qurʾān — 2:269

________

Say, ‘Travel throughout the earth and see how He brings life into being: and He will bring the next life into being. God has power over all things.

Qurʾān — 29:20

________

All the messengers We sent before you [Muḥammad] were men to whom We made revelations, men chosen from the people of their towns. Have the [disbelievers] not travelled through the land and seen the end of those who went before them? For those who are mindful of God, the Home in the Hereafter is better. Do you [people] not use your reason?

Qurʾān — 12:109

________

6 The purpose of Prophets and Mesengers

Verses that restrict the functions of Prophets and Messengers (Peace be upon them) in preaching and da’wa, and to give a clear warning, without any type of compulsion or coercion, and that negates the idea that the Messengers have to be guardians and watchers over people.

________

if they argue with you [Prophet], say, ‘I have devoted myself to God alone and so have my followers.’ Ask those who were given the Scripture, as well as those without one, ‘Do you too devote yourselves to Him alone?’ If they do, they will be guided, but if they turn away, your only duty is to convey the message. God is aware of His servants.

Qurʾān — 3:20

________

Obey God, obey the Messenger, and always be on your guard: if you pay no heed, bear in mind that the sole duty of Our Messenger is to deliver the message clearly.

Qurʾān — 5:92

________

The Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message: God knows what you reveal and what you conceal.

Qurʾān — 5:99

________

Whether We let you [Prophet] see part of what We threaten them with, or cause you to die [before that], your duty is only to deliver the message: the Reckoning is Ours.

Qurʾān — 13:40

________

Those who worshipped others alongside God say, ‘If God had willed, we would not have worshipped anything but Him, nor would our fathers. We would not have declared anything forbidden without His sanction.’ Those before them said the same. Are the messengers obliged to do anything other than deliver [their message] clearly?

Qurʾān — 16:35

________

But if they turn away [Prophet], your only duty is to deliver the message clearly.

Qurʾān — 16:82

________

Say, ‘Obey God; obey the Messenger. If you turn away, [know that] he is responsible for the duty placed upon him, and you are responsible for the duty placed upon you. If you obey him, you will be rightly guided, but the Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message clearly.’

Qurʾān — 24:54

If you say this is a lie, [be warned that] other communities before you said the same. The messenger’s only duty is to give clear warning.’

Qurʾān — 29:18

________

[And the messengers said: (c.f. Q.36:13-18)]

Our duty is only to deliver the message to you,’

Qurʾān — 36:17

________

If they still turn away [remember that] We have not sent you [Prophet] to be their guardian: your only duty is to deliver the message. When We give man a taste of Our mercy, he rejoices in it, but if some harm befalls him on account of what he has done with his own hands, then he is ungrateful.

Qurʾān — 42:48

________

so obey God and the Messenger. If you turn away, remember that Our Messenger’s duty is only to make plain his message.

Qurʾān — 64:12

________

We send messengers only to give good news and to warn, so for those who believe and do good deeds there will be no fear, nor will they grieve.

Qurʾān — 6:48

We only send messengers to bring good news and to deliver warning, yet the disbelievers seek to refute the truth with false arguments and make fun of My messages and warnings.

Qurʾān — 18:56

________

Has it not occurred to them that their companionᵃ is not mad but is giving clear warning?

Qurʾān — 7:184

ᵃ : This refers to the Prophet ﷺ.

________

Say [Prophet], ‘I have no control over benefit or harm, [even] to myself, except as God may please: if I had knowledge of what is hidden, I would have abundant good things and no harm could touch me. I am no more than a bearer of warning, and good news to those who believe.’

Qurʾān — 7:188

________

So [Prophet] are you going toᵃ abandon some part of what is revealed to you, and let your heart be oppressed by it, because they say, ‘Why is no treasure sent down to him? Why has no angel come with him?’? You are only there to warn; it is God who is in charge of everything.

Qurʾān — 11:12

ᵃ : Literally ‘Perhaps you will . . .’, but this is a challenging figure of speech.

________

Say [Prophet], ‘People, I am sent only to give you clear warning.’

Qurʾān — 22:49

________

[And Noah said:]

I am here only to give people a clear warning.’

Qurʾān — 26:115

________

You, [O Muḥammad], are not but a warner.

Qurʾān — 35:23

________

It has not been revealed to me except that I am a clear warner.’

Qurʾān — 38:70

________

Say, ‘I am nothing new among God’s messengers. I do not know what will be done with me or you; I only follow what is revealed to me; I only warn plainly.’

Qurʾān — 46:9

________

Say, ‘God alone has knowledge of this: my only duty is to give clear warning.’

Qurʾān — 67:26

________

We sent down the Qurʾān with the truth, and with the truth it has come down –– [Prophet], We sent you only to give good news and warning ––

Qurʾān — 17:105

________

We sent you only to give good news and warning.

Qurʾān — 25:56

________

And those who disbelieved say, ‘Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?’ You are only a warner, and for every people is a guide.

Qurʾān — 13:7

________

[Prophet] say, ‘I am only here to give warning. There is no god but God the One, the All Powerful, Lord of the heavens and earth and everything between, the Almighty, the Most Forgiving.’

Qurʾān — 38:65–66

________

They ask you [Prophet] about the Hour, saying, ‘When will it arrive?’, but how can you tell [them that]? Its time is known only to your Lord; you are only sent to warn those who fear it.

Qurʾān — 79:42-45

________

I am commanded to recite the Qurʾān.’ Whoever chooses to follow the right path does so for his own good. Say to whoever deviates from it, ‘I am only here to warn.’

Qurʾān — 27:92

________

So [Prophet] warn them: your only task is to give warning

Qurʾān — 88:21

________

So all of these verses restrict and limit the function of Messengers to preaching, warning, and to give good news, using expressions such as “إِنَّمَا” and expressions of negation and restriction. And there other verses that negate that Messengers use or should employ compulsion and coercion, or be guardians over people, …etc

________

So [Prophet] warn them: your only task is to give warning, you are not there to control them.

Qurʾān — 88:21–22

________

We know best what the disbelievers say. You [Prophet] are not there to force them, so remind, with this Qurʾān, those who fear My warning.

Qurʾān — 50:45

________

Now clear proof has come to you from your Lord: if anyone sees it, that will be to his advantage; if anyone is blind to it, that will be to his loss –– [Say], ‘I am not your guardian.’

Qurʾān — 6:104

________

What lasts with God is best for you, if you are believers: I am not your keeper.’

Qurʾān — 11:86

________

Whoever obeys the Messenger obeys God. If some pay no heed, We have not sent you to be their keeper.

Qurʾān — 4:80

________

If it had been God’s will, they would not have done so, but We have not made you their guardian, nor are you their keeper.

Qurʾān — 6:107

________

If they still turn away [remember that] We have not sent you [Prophet] to be their guardian: your only duty is to deliver the message. When We give man a taste of Our mercy, he rejoices in it, but if some harm befalls him on account of what he has done with his own hands, then he is ungrateful.

Qurʾān — 42:48

________

yet your people still reject it even though it is the truth. Say, ‘I have not been put in charge of you.

Qurʾān — 6:66

________

Say, ‘People, the Truth has come to you from your Lord. Whoever follows the right path follows it for his own good, and whoever strays does so to his own loss: I am not your guardian.’

Qurʾān — 10:108

________

We have sent the Scripture down to you [Prophet] with the Truth for people. Whoever follows the guidance does so for his own benefit, whoever strays away from it does so at his own peril: you are not in charge of them.

Qurʾān — 39:41

________

As for those who take protectors other than Him, God is watching them; you are not responsible for them.

Qurʾān — 42:6

________

Your Lord has the most knowledge about all of you: if He pleases He will have mercy on you, and if He pleases He will punish you. [Prophet], We did not send you to take charge of them.

Qurʾān — 17:54

________

Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him?

Qurʾān — 25:43

________

And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muḥammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?

Qurʾān — 10:99

________

It is not for you [Prophet] to guide them; it is God who guides whoever He will. Whatever charity you give benefits your own soul, provided you do it for the sake of God: whatever you give will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.

Qurʾān — 2:272

________

Some of them look at you: but can you guide the blind if they will not see?

Qurʾān — 10:43

________

Though you [Prophet] may be eager to guide them, God does not guide those
who misguide [others],ᵃ nor will they have anyone to help them.

Qurʾān — 16:37

ᵃ : C.f. verse 25 : On the Day of Resurrection they will bear the full weight of their own burden, as well as some of the burden of those they misled with no true knowledge. How terrible their burden will be!

________

you cannot guide the blind out of their error: you cannot make anyone hear you except those who believe in Our signs and submit [to Us].

Qurʾān — 27:81 – Qurʾān — 30:53

________

You [Prophet] cannot guide everyone you love to the truth; it is God who guides whoever He will: He knows best those who will follow guidance.

Qurʾān — 28:56

________

Can you [Prophet] make the deaf hear? Or guide either the blind or those who are in gross error?

Qurʾān — 43:40

________

Some of them do listen to you: but can you make the deaf hear if they will not use their minds?

Qurʾān — 10:42

________

You cannot make the dead hear, you cannot make the deaf listen to your call when they turn their backs and leave,

Qurʾān — 27:80, see also: Qurʾān — 30:52

________

And not equal are the living and the dead. Indeed, God causes to hear whom He wills, but you cannot make hear those in the graves.

Qurʾān — 35:22

________

We have sent you [Prophet] with the truth, bearing good news and warning. You will not be responsible for the inhabitants of the Blaze.

Qurʾān — 2:119

________

I am commanded to recite the Qurʾān.’ Whoever chooses to follow the right path does so for his own good. Say to whoever deviates from it, ‘I am only here to warn.’

Qurʾān — 6:52

________

But if they turn away, say, ‘I have proclaimed the message fairly to you all. I do not know whether the judgement you are promised is near or far,

Qurʾān — 21:109

________

Say, ‘Obey God; obey the Messenger. If you turn away, [know that] he is responsible for the duty placed upon him, and you are responsible for the duty placed upon you. If you obey him, you will be rightly guided, but the Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message clearly.’

Qurʾān — 24:54

________

What about those whose evil deeds are made alluring to them so that they think they are good? God leaves whoever He will to stray and guides whoever He will. [Prophet], do not waste your soul away with regret for them: God knows exactly what
they do.

Qurʾān — 35:8

________

But [Prophet] are you going to worry yourself to death over them if they do not believe in this message?

Qurʾān — 18:6

________

[Prophet], are you going to worry yourself to death because they will not believe?

Qurʾān — 26:3

________

So leave them, [O Muḥammad], for you are not to be blamed.

Qurʾān — 51:54

________

If they disobey you, say, ‘I bear no responsibility for your actions.’

Qurʾān — 26:216

________

For the self-satisfied one you go out of your way –– though you are not to be blamed for his lack of spiritual growth ––

Qurʾān — 80:5-7

________

If they do not believe you, [Prophet], say, ‘I act for myself, and you for yourselves. You are not responsible for my actions nor am I responsible for yours.’

Qurʾān — 10:41

________

Say, ‘Everyone does things their own way, but your Lord is fully aware of who follows the best-guided path.’

Qurʾān — 17:84

________

[Prophet], say, ‘My people, you carry on as you are, and so will I: you will come to realize who will have a happy homecoming in the Hereafter.’ The evildoers will not prosper.

Qurʾān — 6:135

________

[And Shu’ayb said:]

My people, do whatever is within your power, and I will do likewise. Soon you will know who will receive a disgraceful punishment and who is a liar. Watch out, and so will I.’

Qurʾān — 11:93

________

Say to those who do not believe, ‘Do whatever you can: we too are doing what we can,’
and ‘Wait: we too are waiting.’

Qurʾān — 11:121-122

________

Say, ‘O my people, work according to your position, [for] indeed, I am working; and you are going to know
To whom will come a torment disgracing him and on whom will descend an enduring punishment.’

Qurʾān — 39:39-40

________

[Prophet], say, ‘We are all waiting, so you carry on waiting: you will come to learn who has followed the even path, and been rightly guided.’

Qurʾān — 20:135

________

If they turn away, [Prophet], say ,‘God is enough for me: there is no god but Him; I put my trust in Him; He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’

Qurʾān — 9:129

________

7 Having a different religion does not prohibit kindness and justice

________

God does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly with anyone who has not fought you for your faith or driven you out of
your homes: God loves the just.

But God forbids you to take as allies those who have fought against you for your faith, driven you out of your homes, and helped others to drive you out: any of you who take them as allies will truly be wrongdoers.

Qurʾān — 60:8-9

[The arabic word used in this verse ‘birr’ (dutiful respect and compassion) is the same word that the Prophet ﷺ commands Muslims to use in the treatment of their own parents, and he ﷺ says, ‘birr is good manners’ (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim). This verse is—to borrow an expression used by Shaykh Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī—the constitution (dustūr) of relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.]

________

[On the authority of Ibn Jarīr, Ibn ʿAbbās (ra) said: Some people of the Ansār that had family ties with [the tribes of] Banū Qurayẓah and al-Naḍīr, and they feared to give them charity – wanting them to convert to Islam, then this verse was revealed:]

It is not for you [Prophet] to guide them; it is God who guides whoever He will. Whatever charity you give benefits your own soul, provided you do it for the sake of God: whatever you give will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.

Qurʾān — 2:272

________

Today all good things have been made lawful for you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful for you as your food is lawful for them. So are chaste, believing, women as well as chaste women of the people who were given the Scripture before you, as long as you have given them their bride-gifts and married them, not taking them as lovers or secret mistresses. The deeds of anyone who rejects faith will come to nothing, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

Qurʾān — 5:5

Another of His signs is that He created spouses from among yourselves for you to live with in tranquillity: He ordained love and kindness between you. There truly are signs in this for those who reflect.

Qurʾān — 30:21

[This last verse shows that there must be love and kindness between spouses, and the first verse from Surat Al-Māʾidah made marriage with women of the People of the Book (Christians & Jews) lawful.]

________

[And about the polytheist parents:]

If they strive to make you associate with Me anything about which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them. Yet keep their company in this life according to what is right, and follow the path of those who turn to Me. You will all return to Me in the end, and I will tell you everything that you have done.

Qurʾān — 31:15

________

You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of God: God is well aware of all that you do.

Qurʾān — 5:8

________

God commands you [people] to return things entrusted to you to their rightful owners, and, if you judge between people, to do so with justice: God’s instructions to you are excellent, for He hears and sees everything.

Qurʾān — 4:58

[And Ibn Kathīr narrated in his tafsīr that Ibn ʿAbbās and Muḥammad b. al-Ḥanafiyyah said, ‘This verse is for the righteous and wicked,’ meaning it is a command that encompasses everyone.]

________

LikeLiked by 1 person

August 14, 2017 at 11:28 am Reply

	stewjo004 on The Age of Marriage and Sex in…
	stewjo004 on OPEN FORUM
	quranandbibleblog on The Age of Marriage and Sex in…
	Erassmus on The Age of Marriage and Sex in…
	quranandbibleblog on The Age of Marriage and Sex in…

The Quran and Bible Blog

“I have been ordered to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle…”

One thought on ““I have been ordered to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle…””

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Share this:

Related

One thought on ““I have been ordered to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle…””

Leave a comment Cancel reply