Studying the Separation of the Meaning of the Verse "There Is no Compulsion in Religion" and the Ruling on Apostasy, including a Reflection on the Laws Concerning Apostasy in Religions.

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Letters, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran.

2 PhD Student in Quran and Hadith Studies, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran

3 A graduate of the fourth level of the specialized interpretation center of Qom seminary.

Abstract

Despite differences in jurisprudential branches, Islamic sects share a common perspective on the issue of apostasy. Some may question the verses regarding apostasy due to their focus on the specific function of the verse "There is no compulsion...". Consequently, scholars have proposed various responses to these challenges. Research utilizing the library method, scientific analysis, and reflection on the intra- and extra-textual evidence surrounding the verses of apostasy and those addressing no compulsion seeks to demonstrate the hypothesis that the meaning of non-compulsion in the verse is rooted in the verbal and initial acceptance of the religion of Islam; thus, Islamic society does not coerce non-Muslims into accepting the religion without heartfelt conviction. On the other hand, an apostate who has chosen the religion of Islam out of their own free will and subsequently departs from it, declaring their departure, causes negative repercussions such as creating doubt within the religious community and becoming subject to punitive rulings. Therefore, the function of the verse regarding no compulsion does not conflict with the issue of apostasy in this regard, and there is no contradiction between the punitive rulings of apostasy and the concept of no compulsion in religion. This is supported by apostasy rulings in various religions that do not mandate conversion to their faith. Nonetheless, their leaders have reacted more severely to apostasy than the leaders of Islam.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 17 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 April 2025

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