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Soon We shall show them Our signs on the horizon (ãfãq) and in
themselves (anfus), until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth
[Qur'an 41:53]
The Qur'ãn clearly says that,
There is no compulsion in the religion [Qur'an 2:256]
What this verse actually means is that: "There is no compulsion in [accepting] the religion of
Islam." Why?
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The verse continues, "Surely the Right Path is clearly distinct from the crooked path." So
Muslims can always show the difference between the right and the wrong paths, and non-
Muslims are invited to reflect upon the truths revealed in the noble Qur'an in total liberty, may
they live in Muslim lands or not. Non-Muslims are never forced to accept Islam.
Once a person enters into the fold of Islam, the rules change.
As soon as one becomes a Muslim by his own choice, he is expected to submit himself to Allãh
totally and completely.
O You who believe! Enter into submission, kãffatan!
[Qur'an 2:208]
Kãffatan in the sense of "all" and "completely". Once a person becomes a believer, he surrenders
the right of making decisions to Allãh and Messenger:
No believing man and no believing woman has a choice in their own
affairs when Allãh and His Messenger have decided on an issue
[Qur'an 33:36]
People who reverted to Islam played a great role in spreading Islam and encouraging
Islamic expansion. During the Middle Ages, the Berbers of Morocco were the main armies that
conquered Spain. They were all reverted to the fold of Islam!
Reverts historically counterbalanced the evil coming from the kafirs (non-believers) and helped
create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood between people.
How do you think some of the people just mentioned have contributed to Islam? What do you
think other converts could do?
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Balance: Good-Bad
Examples:
Yusuf Islam by formation is a singer. He used his ability
Allah gave him in order to create and propagate Islamic songs
over the world. His songs (nasheeds) can easily replace the
songs of the kafirs we are imposed upon.
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KNOWLEDGE
Islam points out that people who seek knowledge are better than people who spend days
and nights in prayer. Praying is of course essential (we have to pray five times a day without
obmission), but it can never replace the understanding of the ways the world has been created.
And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend
from the sky, therewith providing you with water (in abundance),
though you are not the guardians of its stores.
[Surah Al-Hijr (Stoneland): 15: 22]
Those who understand our earth (ecology) and Allah’s message (Muslims) are more
able to act upon their discoveries. They are more able to be vicegerents on earth. Even if the
more we know, the more we are responsible for the bad things happening on earth, we cannot
escape this responsibility because it is an obligation set by Allah Ta'alah upon Muslims, men and
women alike.
Each good from one of us should balance the bad other people do, that is why our
involvement is important in protecting animals and plants.
But how can we manage that?
How does it work?
Examples:
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