❖ Understanding the Verse:
The verse
"لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ" means that
no one can be forced in matters of religion, and we do not attempt to convert anyone to Islam by coercion. To fully comprehend the implications of this verse, it is essential to inform prospective entrants into Islam beforehand that
Islam does not allow an open exit once entered. Thus, anyone deciding to embrace Islam must do so with
clear intent and permanent commitment.
❖ Avoiding Hypocrisy and Compulsion:
Portraying the
punishment for apostasy as coercion into hypocrisy is a
misinterpretation. The real objective is to
exclude those who treat religious beliefs lightly, as if they were part of a philosophical game or entertainment. Such individuals
cannot contribute to the serious task of building a principled system of life.
❖ Seriousness and Discipline of the Community:
Any system of life demands
serious commitment. A community striving for the establishment of Islam must consist only of those who
firmly believe in its teachings. Only those individuals should be part of this collective who
accept Islam with full sincerity, and once they enter, they must devote themselves wholly to its establishment and preservation.
❖ Precaution Before Entry:
Therefore, it is crucial that anyone seeking to join the Muslim community be
warned beforehand that
leaving the religion results in capital punishment. This will ensure they
deeply reflect before taking such a decisive step. As a result, their
acceptance of Islam will be with full contentment and conviction.
❖ Condemnation of Hypocrisy:
We firmly
condemn hypocrisy and desire that every member of our community is a
true believer at heart. If someone, through their own folly, enters a door they were
clearly informed has no exit, the blame lies solely upon them. We
cannot compromise the discipline of our community to accommodate such a person’s regret.
Derived from Fatawa of Ahl-e-Hadith Scholars, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1
