No Compulsion


But because the issue of life after death is a categorical issue, the Qur'an also establishes belief in it through the same method of acceptable persuasion; look how gently Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) tackles this issue in the Qur'an:

O mankind! If you are in doubt concerning resurrection then lo! We have created you from dust; then from a drop of seed, then from a clot, then from a lump of flesh shaped and shapeless; that we may make it clear for you. And we cause what we will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term; and afterward we bring you forth as infants, then (we give you growth) so that you attain your full strength. And among you is he who dies, and among you is he who is brought back to the most abject time of life, so that after knowledge, he will know nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when we send down water on it, it thrills and swells and produces every lovely pair. All that is because Allah is the truth, and that he quickens the dead; and that he is capable to do all things. And because the hour will come, there is no doubt about it; and because Allah will resurrect those who are in the graves.( 22:5-7 )

Here is another quotation from the Qur'an. In order to understand the logic adopted by the Qur'an in introducing Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) we have to listen to sufficient verses from the holy book. This is a translation of parts of chapters 13 and 14:

In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful. A.L.M.R. These are verses of the book. That which is revealed to you from your lord is the truth, but most of mankind believe not. Allah it is who raised up the heavens without visible supports, then prevailed on the throne, and made the sun and the moon subservient, each runs for an appointed term; he fulfills the command (the affairs); he details the revelations, that perhaps you may be certain of the meeting with your lord. And he it is who spread out the earth and placed therein firm mountains and flowing rivers, and of all fruits he placed therein two pairs. He covers night with day. Herein verily are tokens for people who reflect. And in theearth are neighbouring tracts, vineyards and ploughed lands, and datepalms, like and unlike, which are watered with one water, but we have made some of them better than others in fruit (for eating). Herein are portents for People who have sense.(13:1-4)

Then again in the same chapter:

Allah knows that which every female bears and that which wombs absorb and that which they grow. And Everything with him is according to a certain measure. He is the knower of the unseen and the visible, the great, the highly exalted.( 13:8 )

He it is who shows you lightning, a source of fear and hope; and raises the heavy clouds. Thunder hymns his glory and praise and so do angels for awe of him. He sends Thunder-bolts and smites with them whom he will while they dispute (in doubt) concerning Allah and he is mighty in wrath.( 13:12-13 )

Say: who is lord of heavens and earth? Say: Allah. Say: take you then others beside him for protectors, which, even for themselves, have neither benefit nor hurt? Say : is the blindman equal to the seer, or is darkness equal to light? Or do they assign unto Allah partners that created like his creation so that creation seemed alike to them. Say: Allah is the creator of all things. And he is the one, the irresistible.

( 13:16 ) He sends down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood bears swelling foam and from that upon which they start the fire seeking ornaments or tools also rises foam just like it. Thus does Allah coin the similitude of truth and falsehood. As for the foam it passes away as scum, while, as for that which is useful to mankind, it remains in the earth. Thus does Allah coin the similitudes.( 13:17 )

Here are some more quotations from another chapter of the Qur'an introducing Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) almighty:

Alif-lam, ra. A book which we have revealed unto you (Muhammad) so that thereby you may bring forth mankind from darkness into light, by the permission of their lord, to the path of the mighty, the full of praise. Allah unto whom belongs what is in the heavens and what is in the earth; and woe unto disbelievers from an awful doom. (14:1-2 )

Allah is he who created heavens and earth, and caused water to descend from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you, and made ships subservient to you, so that they may run upon the sea at his command, and has made subservient to you rivers; and he made subservient to you also the sun and the moon which are constant in their course, and made of service to you the night and the day. And he gave you of all you ask of him. And if you would count the bliss of Allah you cannot reckon it. But man is indeed a wrong-doer, an ingrate. ( 14:32-34 )


Source: Muslim World League - Canadian Office