Monotheism in Islam
Islam, like other divine religions, advocates several precepts and beliefs which Allah has required its followers to believe and propagate, but coercion is not a valid means to achieve this end. Allah ( y) says: "There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right (Path of) Guidance has become distinct from the wrong path." [2:256]
Islam commands its adherents to propagate the religion in a good and fair manner. Allah (
y) says:
"Invite to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better."
[16:125]
It is a fundamental principle that a person must be convinced before declaring their acceptance of
Islam; for if they do so out of compulsion, their speech and outer actions will be incongruent
with their belief, and this is defined as hypocrisy in Islam. Islam has warned sternly against
hypocrisy and regards it as a sin greater than mere disbelief. Allah (
y) says:
"Indeed the hypocrites are in the lowest depth of the Fire."
[4:145]
This is the role of the Prophets: to convey the message to humans and to guide them to righteousness
without compulsion or force. Allah (
y) says:
"And obey Allah and obey the Messenger (
s). And if you turn away, then (know) Our Messengers have only been sent to clearly convey
[the message]."
[64:12]