Topic: No Compulsion In
View Aspects
وَقَٰتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ ٱلدِّينُ لِلَّهِ ۖ فَإِنِ ٱنتَهَوْا۟ فَلَا عُدْوَٰنَ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
8:40.
本节经文还指出, 只有当对方使战争强加在他们身上时, 穆斯林才可以进行自卫战斗, 并一直打到确立宗教完全自由为止。假如安拉的指令是继续战斗到所有不信教的人接受伊斯兰教为止, 穆圣不可能同不信教的人订立了许多和平条约。对 جِهَادْ (Jihad, 为主道抗战) 的详细注释参阅867-871。
عُدْوَان (‘Udwan) 意指, (1) 敌对行动; (2) 非法行为; (3) 对非法行为的惩罚; 及 (4) 以借口或托词对付一个人 (مُفْرَدَات , Mufradat和Lane)。
这四节经文 (191－194) 体现了关于战争的下列准则: (a) 采取战争只能是为了安拉而不是为了任何自私的动机, 也不是为了民族或其他利益的扩张或增迸。 (b) 穆斯林只能为了对抗那些首先进攻他们的人而去作战。 (c) 即使敌人已经发动进攻, 他们仍应该把交战保持在限定范围之内, 而不得把它超过直接的目标。 (d) 他们只应针对正规军作战, 而不应袭击或骚扰非战斗人员。 (e) 在作战期间各种宗教的仪式和典礼都应享有安全的环境。 (f) 绝对禁止侵袭宗教场所或予以任何性质的损害, 因此甚至在它们的附近也不允许作战。 (g) 如果敌人利用礼拜场所作为进攻据点, 那么, 在这种情况下, 穆斯林可就地或在近旁进行回击。 (h) 只要对宗教自由的干扰持续下去, 战斗也就得继续下去。也可参阅8:40; 9:4-6; 22:40, 41等节。
عُدْوَان کے لفظی معنے ظلم کے ہیں۔ لیکن لَاعُدْوَانَ کے معنے محاورہ میں الزام اور گرفت کے بھی ہیں۔ کہتے ہیں۔ لَاعُدْوَانَ عَلَیَّ اَیْ لَاسَبِیْلَ عَلَیَّ مجھ پر کوئی الزام و گرفت نہیں۔ (اقرب الموارد)
8:40.
This verse also shows that Muslims are allowed to fight in self-defence only when war is inflicted upon them by the other party and to continue it till complete freedom of religion is established. The Holy Prophet could not have entered into a number of treaties of peace with disbelievers if the Divine commandment had been to continue fighting until all disbelievers had embraced Islam. For a detailed note on Jihad see {1956} - {1960}.
‘Udwan means, (1) hostility; (2) wrongful conduct; (3) punishment for wrongful conduct; and (4) approach to a person by way of justification or excuse against him (Mufradat & Lane).
These four verses (191-194) embody the following rules about war: (a) War is to be resorted to only for the sake of God and not for any selfish motive, nor for aggrandisement or the advancement of national or other interests. (b) Muslims can go to war only against those who attack them first. (c) Even after the enemy has initiated the attack, they are enjoined to keep warfare within limits and not to extend it beyond the immediate objective. (d) They are to fight against only the regular army and not to attack or molest non-combatants. (e) During the course of fighting immunity is to be afforded to all religious rites and ceremonies. (f) To attack religious places or to do any kind of harm to them is absolutely forbidden, so that no fighting is allowed even in their neighbourhood. (g) If the enemy uses a plac
8:40; See 2:191.
Important Words:
الدین (religion) has a number of meanings including (1) religion; (2) rule and government (Aqrab). See also 1:4.
عدوان (hostility) is derived from عدا. They say عداه meaning, he passed beyond it. The expression عدا علیه means, he acted wrongfully towards him or he exceeded the proper limit against him. The words عاداه mean, he treated him with enmity and hostility. Thus عدوان means: (1) hostility; (2) wrongful conduct; (3) punishment for wrongful conduct and; (4) approach or way to a person by way of justification or excuse against him (Munjid, Mufradat & Lane).
Commentary:
This verse is often quoted by the opponents of Islam in support of their allegation that the Quran inculcates the carrying-on of war against unbelievers until all traces of false religions are wiped out and the whole world embraces Islam. But such a view is clearly wrong. The word which throws light on the true significance of this verse is فتنة (persecution) which, as has been explained in the preceding verse, means religious persecution. This verse therefore enjoins Muslims to fight only till persecution for religion is over. It is on record that during the war between Hadrat ‘Ali and Mu‘awiyah, ‘Abdullah, son of ‘Umar, was once asked why he did not take part in the war when the Quran enjoined the Muslims to fight to put an end to فتنة. He replied: "We did indeed act upon this injunction of the Quran when in the time of the Holy Prophet the number of Muslims was small and a man was subjected to فتنة i.e. persecution for his religious beliefs, being either put to death outright or tortured, until at last Islam spread and the "فتنه was over" (Bukhari, ch. on Tafsir). These words of ‘Abdullah, son of ‘Umar, leave no doubt that the word فتنة in this verse means persecution for religious beliefs and nothing else. Muslims are enjoined to fight until there is no فتنة i.e. no persecution for religious beliefs.
The words that follow, i.e. and religion is professed for Allah, would, therefore, mean that Muslims should fight till profession of a faith is not influenced by the fear of men, but that whatever religion a man follows, he should follow it only for the sake of God, and not out of the fear of men. The above interpretation is also borne out by the fact that the Holy Prophet entered into a number of treaties of peace with disbelievers, which could have no justification if the divine commandment had been to continue fighting until all embraced Islam. The object of the jihad or holy war which the Holy Prophet was bidden to undertake is clearly stated in 22:40-42, which were the first verses that gave Muslims the permission to take up arms against disbelievers and the idea has been further clarified in 2:191, 193 above. Among the numerous other verses which throw light on this subject the reader is referred to 2:195, 218, 257; 3:135; 4:91, 92; 5:3, 9, 33; 8:39, 62, 63; 9:6, 8, 10, 13; 22:39,41; 41:35; 42:49; 50:46; 60:9, 10.
The concluding clause i.e. but if they desist, then remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors, further confirms the interpretation of the verse as given above. If the Quran enjoined the waging of war till Islam obtained universal acceptance, then there would be no sense whatever in the injunction that if disbelievers desisted from fighting and no longer remained aggressors, Muslims should also stop hostilities; for, as the verse puts it, fighting is not permissible "except against the aggressors".
d
8:40.
129
本节经文还指出, 只有当对方使战争强加在他们身上时, 穆斯林才可以进行自卫战斗, 并一直打到确立宗教完全自由为止。假如安拉的指令是继续战斗到所有不信教的人接受伊斯兰教为止, 穆圣不可能同不信教的人订立了许多和平条约。对 جِهَادْ (Jihad, 为主道抗战) 的详细注释参阅867-871。
130
عُدْوَان (‘Udwan) 意指, (1) 敌对行动; (2) 非法行为; (3) 对非法行为的惩罚; 及 (4) 以借口或托词对付一个人 (مُفْرَدَات , Mufradat和Lane)。
131
这四节经文 (191－194) 体现了关于战争的下列准则: (a) 采取战争只能是为了安拉而不是为了任何自私的动机, 也不是为了民族或其他利益的扩张或增迸。 (b) 穆斯林只能为了对抗那些首先进攻他们的人而去作战。 (c) 即使敌人已经发动进攻, 他们仍应该把交战保持在限定范围之内, 而不得把它超过直接的目标。 (d) 他们只应针对正规军作战, 而不应袭击或骚扰非战斗人员。 (e) 在作战期间各种宗教的仪式和典礼都应享有安全的环境。 (f) 绝对禁止侵袭宗教场所或予以任何性质的损害, 因此甚至在它们的附近也不允许作战。 (g) 如果敌人利用礼拜场所作为进攻据点, 那么, 在这种情况下, 穆斯林可就地或在近旁进行回击。 (h) 只要对宗教自由的干扰持续下去, 战斗也就得继续下去。也可参阅8:40; 9:4-6; 22:40, 41等节。
4
عُدْوَان کے لفظی معنے ظلم کے ہیں۔ لیکن لَاعُدْوَانَ کے معنے محاورہ میں الزام اور گرفت کے بھی ہیں۔ کہتے ہیں۔ لَاعُدْوَانَ عَلَیَّ اَیْ لَاسَبِیْلَ عَلَیَّ مجھ پر کوئی الزام و گرفت نہیں۔ (اقرب الموارد)
a
8:40; See 2:191.
200
Important Words:
الدین (religion) has a number of meanings including (1) religion; (2) rule and government (Aqrab). See also 1:4.
عدوان (hostility) is derived from عدا. They say عداه meaning, he passed beyond it. The expression عدا علیه means, he acted wrongfully towards him or he exceeded the proper limit against him. The words عاداه mean, he treated him with enmity and hostility. Thus عدوان means: (1) hostility; (2) wrongful conduct; (3) punishment for wrongful conduct and; (4) approach or way to a person by way of justification or excuse against him (Munjid, Mufradat & Lane).
Commentary:
This verse is often quoted by the opponents of Islam in support of their allegation that the Quran inculcates the carrying-on of war against unbelievers until all traces of false religions are wiped out and the whole world embraces Islam. But such a view is clearly wrong. The word which throws light on the true significance of this verse is فتنة (persecution) which, as has been explained in the preceding verse, means religious persecution. This verse therefore enjoins Muslims to fight only till persecution for religion is over. It is on record that during the war between Hadrat ‘Ali and Mu‘awiyah, ‘Abdullah, son of ‘Umar, was once asked why he did not take part in the war when the Quran enjoined the Muslims to fight to put an end to فتنة. He replied: "We did indeed act upon this injunction of the Quran when in the time of the Holy Prophet the number of Muslims was small and a man was subjected to فتنة i.e. persecution for his religious beliefs, being either put to death outright or tortured, until at last Islam spread and the "فتنه was over" (Bukhari, ch. on Tafsir). These words of ‘Abdullah, son of ‘Umar, leave no doubt that the word فتنة in this verse means persecution for religious beliefs and nothing else. Muslims are enjoined to fight until there is no فتنة i.e. no persecution for religious beliefs.
The words that follow, i.e. and religion is professed for Allah, would, therefore, mean that Muslims should fight till profession of a faith is not influenced by the fear of men, but that whatever religion a man follows, he should follow it only for the sake of God, and not out of the fear of men. The above interpretation is also borne out by the fact that the Holy Prophet entered into a number of treaties of peace with disbelievers, which could have no justification if the divine commandment had been to continue fighting until all embraced Islam. The object of the jihad or holy war which the Holy Prophet was bidden to undertake is clearly stated in 22:40-42, which were the first verses that gave Muslims the permission to take up arms against disbelievers and the idea has been further clarified in 2:191, 193 above. Among the numerous other verses which throw light on this subject the reader is referred to 2:195, 218, 257; 3:135; 4:91, 92; 5:3, 9, 33; 8:39, 62, 63; 9:6, 8, 10, 13; 22:39,41; 41:35; 42:49; 50:46; 60:9, 10.
The concluding clause i.e. but if they desist, then remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors, further confirms the interpretation of the verse as given above. If the Quran enjoined the waging of war till Islam obtained universal acceptance, then there would be no sense whatever in the injunction that if disbelievers desisted from fighting and no longer remained aggressors, Muslims should also stop hostilities; for, as the verse puts it, fighting is not permissible "except against the aggressors".
d
8:40.
222
This verse also shows that Muslims are allowed to fight in self-defence only when war is inflicted upon them by the other party and to continue it till complete freedom of religion is established. The Holy Prophet could not have entered into a number of treaties of peace with disbelievers if the Divine commandment had been to continue fighting until all disbelievers had embraced Islam. For a detailed note on Jihad see {1956} - {1960}.
223
‘Udwan means, (1) hostility; (2) wrongful conduct; (3) punishment for wrongful conduct; and (4) approach to a person by way of justification or excuse against him (Mufradat & Lane).
These four verses (191-194) embody the following rules about war: (a) War is to be resorted to only for the sake of God and not for any selfish motive, nor for aggrandisement or the advancement of national or other interests. (b) Muslims can go to war only against those who attack them first. (c) Even after the enemy has initiated the attack, they are enjoined to keep warfare within limits and not to extend it beyond the immediate objective. (d) They are to fight against only the regular army and not to attack or molest non-combatants. (e) During the course of fighting immunity is to be afforded to all religious rites and ceremonies. (f) To attack religious places or to do any kind of harm to them is absolutely forbidden, so that no fighting is allowed even in their neighbourhood. (g) If the enemy uses a plac
لَآ إِكْرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشْدُ مِنَ ٱلْغَىِّ ۚ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسْتَمْسَكَ بِٱلْعُرْوَةِ ٱلْوُثْقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
31:23.
10:100; 11:119; 18:30; 76:4.
为宗教事业而作出特殊牺牲以及向伊斯兰教的敌人作战的这一命令 (在以前几节经文中体现过的), 很可能引起误解, 认为安拉要穆斯林用武力来传播他们的宗教。这节经文消除了这一误解。它不仅用最强调的话禁止穆斯林强迫非穆斯林皈依伊斯兰教, 而且要讲道理, 为什么不能用武力来达到目的。这是因为正道与邪道已经分明, 因此没有使用武力的理由。伊斯兰教是明显的真理。
طَاغُوْت (Taghut) 是超出正当范围的人; 恶魔; 导致他人走离正道的一些人; 所有的偶像。此字可以用作单数和复数 (2:258和4:61)。
رُشْدٌ کے معنے صداقت پر استقلال سے قائم رہنا ہے نیز غَیٌّ کے اضداد میں سے ہے۔ (اقرب)
اَلْغَیُّ۔ اَلضَّلَا لَۃُ گمراہی۔ اَلْھَلَا کَۃُ تباہی۔ اَلْخَیْبَۃُ ناکامی۔ (اقرب)
مِنْ کے کئی معنے ہوتے ہیں۔ ان میں سے ایک باہمی فرق کے بھی ہیں۔ یعنی جب دو چیزوں میں فرق ہو اور وہ ایک دوسرے سے جداگانہ نوعیت رکھتی ہوں تو اس فرق کو بتانے کے لئے ان دونوں کے اسماء میں مِنْ لاکر اس مضمون کو بتا دیا جاتا ہے۔ یہ ابن مالک نحوی کا قول ہے (مغنی)
تَبَیَّنَ باب تفعّل سے ہے اور یہ باب تکرار اور مبالغہ کے معنے بھی دیتا ہے اس لئے خوب کا لفظ بڑھایا گیا ہے۔ ورنہ خالی ظاہر ہونے کے لئے بَانَ کا لفظ استعمال ہوتا ہے۔
اَلطَّاغُوْتُ : حد سے بڑھنے والا‘ ہر شخص جو گمراہی کا سردار ہو شیطان‘ نیکی سے روکنے والا (اقرب) نیز ہر کاہنؔ۔ معبود ؔباطل‘ ساحرؔ‘ جناتؔ میں سے سرکش۔ ہر نیکی سے روکنے والا طاغوت ہے (مفردات)
اَلْعُرْوَہ۔ عَرَا یَعْرُوْ عَرْوًا سے نکلا ہے جس کے ایک معنے کسی شخص کی طرف اس کا احسان طلب کرنے کے لئے جانے کے ہیں۔ عُرْوَۃٌ انہی معنوں سے بنا ہے۔ گویا جو چیز دوسری چیز سے چمٹ جائے۔ کیونکہ طالب احسان ایسا ہی کرتا ہے۔ وہ عُرْوَہ ہے اسی معنے سے برتن کے دستہ کو عُرْوَہ کہتے ہیں۔ اسی طرح کپڑے کے کاج کو عُرْوَہ کہتے ہیں کیونکہ اس کے ذریعہ سے بٹن چمٹ جاتا ہے۔ پس عُرْوہ ہر اس شے کو کہتے ہیں جس پر اعتماد کیا جاسکے اور سہارا لیا جا سکے۔ (اقرب) عِرْوٌ ایک طرف کو بھی کہتے ہیں۔ بعض نے کہا ہے چونکہ برتن کا دستہ ایک طرف ہوتا ہے اس لئے اسے عُرْوَۃ<
10:100; 11:119; 18:30; 76:4.
31:23.
The injunction (embodied in the preceding verses) to make special sacrifices in the cause of religion and to fight the enemies of Islam was likely to give rise to the misunderstanding that Allah desired Muslims to use force for propagating their religion. This verse removes that misunderstanding and not only forbids Muslims in most emphatic words to use force for converting non-Muslims to Islam, but also gives reasons why force should not be used for this purpose. It is because truth stands out distinct from error, so there has remained no justification for using force. Islam is manifest Truth.
Taghut is one who exceeds proper bounds; the Devil; such persons as turn others from the right path; all idols. The word is used both as singular and plural (2:258 & 4:61).
10:100; 11:119; 18:30; 76:4.
31:23.
Important Words:
الطاغوت (those who transgress) is derived from طغا i.e. he transgressed; he exceeded the just limit. Hence طاغوت is primarily one who exceeds the bounds laid down for him. The Devil (i.e. the Evil One) or such men as turn others from the right path as well as all idols come under the word Taghut. The word is used both as singular and plural as in 4:61 and 2:258.
العروة (handle) being derived from عرا means: (1) the handle of a bucket or a mug, etc.; (2) a ring; etc. which is grasped and clung to for support, or anything which serves as a support (3) a pasture that remains green even in time of drought; (4) the best and excellent part of property and wealth (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The injunction to make special sacrifices in the cause of religion and to fight the enemies of Islam who had transgressed against the Faithful was likely to cause the misunderstanding that Allah desired Muslims to use force for propagating their religion. The verse under comment removes this misunderstanding. The object for which Muslims have been commanded to take up arms against the disbelievers is not to force them to accept Islam, but only to check mischief and put a stop to persecution. The verse enjoins Muslims in the clearest and strongest of words not to resort to force for converting non-Muslims to Islam. In the face of this teaching embodied in the words, There should be no compulsion in religion, it is the height of injustice to accuse Islam of countenancing the use of force for the propagation of its teaching.
The verse not only gives the commandment that in no case is force to be resorted to for the purpose of converting non-Muslims to Islam, but also gives the reason why it should not be used, saying: Surely, right has become distinct from wrong, i.e. the true path has become distinct from the wrong one and therefore there is no justification for using force. Islam is a manifest truth. Anyone who sincerely desires to see this truth can easily see it; but if there is a person who does not desire to see it, no force can possibly make him do so. One only needs to point out its beauties to non-Muslims; it rests with them to accept it or reject it as they like. ایـمان or faith, as defined by Islam, consists in believing something with the heart or the mind and expressing that belief with the tongue. No force on earth can bring about that change.
The person who sticks to true faith and shuns false ones is here represented as laying hold of a strong عروہ (‘urwah) which word, as shown above, gives a number of meanings. Taking it in the first-mentioned sense, i.e. the handle of a mug, etc., the Quran compares Islam to the pure life-giving liquid which is put into a mug, and the believer is represented as taking fast hold of the handle thereof. Taking the word in the second sense, i.e. anything which is grasped and clung to for support; the true faith is represented as something on which complete reliance can be placed in all circumstances. If one adheres to it, there is no fear of one’s stumbling or falling down. Following the third significance, i.e. a pasture that remains green even in time of drought, Islam has been likened to a grazing ground the herbage of which is everlasting. There can be no spiritual famine in Islam. Following the last-mentioned meaning of عروة Islam is represented as a storehouse of spiritual treasures that are without equal.
a
31:23.
g
10:100; 11:119; 18:30; 76:4.
197
为宗教事业而作出特殊牺牲以及向伊斯兰教的敌人作战的这一命令 (在以前几节经文中体现过的), 很可能引起误解, 认为安拉要穆斯林用武力来传播他们的宗教。这节经文消除了这一误解。它不仅用最强调的话禁止穆斯林强迫非穆斯林皈依伊斯兰教, 而且要讲道理, 为什么不能用武力来达到目的。这是因为正道与邪道已经分明, 因此没有使用武力的理由。伊斯兰教是明显的真理。
198
طَاغُوْت (Taghut) 是超出正当范围的人; 恶魔; 导致他人走离正道的一些人; 所有的偶像。此字可以用作单数和复数 (2:258和4:61)。
1
رُشْدٌ کے معنے صداقت پر استقلال سے قائم رہنا ہے نیز غَیٌّ کے اضداد میں سے ہے۔ (اقرب)
2
اَلْغَیُّ۔ اَلضَّلَا لَۃُ گمراہی۔ اَلْھَلَا کَۃُ تباہی۔ اَلْخَیْبَۃُ ناکامی۔ (اقرب)
3
مِنْ کے کئی معنے ہوتے ہیں۔ ان میں سے ایک باہمی فرق کے بھی ہیں۔ یعنی جب دو چیزوں میں فرق ہو اور وہ ایک دوسرے سے جداگانہ نوعیت رکھتی ہوں تو اس فرق کو بتانے کے لئے ان دونوں کے اسماء میں مِنْ لاکر اس مضمون کو بتا دیا جاتا ہے۔ یہ ابن مالک نحوی کا قول ہے (مغنی)
4
تَبَیَّنَ باب تفعّل سے ہے اور یہ باب تکرار اور مبالغہ کے معنے بھی دیتا ہے اس لئے خوب کا لفظ بڑھایا گیا ہے۔ ورنہ خالی ظاہر ہونے کے لئے بَانَ کا لفظ استعمال ہوتا ہے۔
5
اَلطَّاغُوْتُ : حد سے بڑھنے والا‘ ہر شخص جو گمراہی کا سردار ہو شیطان‘ نیکی سے روکنے والا (اقرب) نیز ہر کاہنؔ۔ معبود ؔباطل‘ ساحرؔ‘ جناتؔ میں سے سرکش۔ ہر نیکی سے روکنے والا طاغوت ہے (مفردات)
6
اَلْعُرْوَہ۔ عَرَا یَعْرُوْ عَرْوًا سے نکلا ہے جس کے ایک معنے کسی شخص کی طرف اس کا احسان طلب کرنے کے لئے جانے کے ہیں۔ عُرْوَۃٌ انہی معنوں سے بنا ہے۔ گویا جو چیز دوسری چیز سے چمٹ جائے۔ کیونکہ طالب احسان ایسا ہی کرتا ہے۔ وہ عُرْوَہ ہے اسی معنے سے برتن کے دستہ کو عُرْوَہ کہتے ہیں۔ اسی طرح کپڑے کے کاج کو عُرْوَہ کہتے ہیں کیونکہ اس کے ذریعہ سے بٹن چمٹ جاتا ہے۔ پس عُرْوہ ہر اس شے کو کہتے ہیں جس پر اعتماد کیا جاسکے اور سہارا لیا جا سکے۔ (اقرب) عِرْوٌ ایک طرف کو بھی کہتے ہیں۔ بعض نے کہا ہے چونکہ برتن کا دستہ ایک طرف ہوتا ہے اس لئے اسے عُرْوَۃ<
a
10:100; 11:119; 18:30; 76:4.
b
31:23.
263
Important Words:
الطاغوت (those who transgress) is derived from طغا i.e. he transgressed; he exceeded the just limit. Hence طاغوت is primarily one who exceeds the bounds laid down for him. The Devil (i.e. the Evil One) or such men as turn others from the right path as well as all idols come under the word Taghut. The word is used both as singular and plural as in 4:61 and 2:258.
العروة (handle) being derived from عرا means: (1) the handle of a bucket or a mug, etc.; (2) a ring; etc. which is grasped and clung to for support, or anything which serves as a support (3) a pasture that remains green even in time of drought; (4) the best and excellent part of property and wealth (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The injunction to make special sacrifices in the cause of religion and to fight the enemies of Islam who had transgressed against the Faithful was likely to cause the misunderstanding that Allah desired Muslims to use force for propagating their religion. The verse under comment removes this misunderstanding. The object for which Muslims have been commanded to take up arms against the disbelievers is not to force them to accept Islam, but only to check mischief and put a stop to persecution. The verse enjoins Muslims in the clearest and strongest of words not to resort to force for converting non-Muslims to Islam. In the face of this teaching embodied in the words, There should be no compulsion in religion, it is the height of injustice to accuse Islam of countenancing the use of force for the propagation of its teaching.
The verse not only gives the commandment that in no case is force to be resorted to for the purpose of converting non-Muslims to Islam, but also gives the reason why it should not be used, saying: Surely, right has become distinct from wrong, i.e. the true path has become distinct from the wrong one and therefore there is no justification for using force. Islam is a manifest truth. Anyone who sincerely desires to see this truth can easily see it; but if there is a person who does not desire to see it, no force can possibly make him do so. One only needs to point out its beauties to non-Muslims; it rests with them to accept it or reject it as they like. ایـمان or faith, as defined by Islam, consists in believing something with the heart or the mind and expressing that belief with the tongue. No force on earth can bring about that change.
The person who sticks to true faith and shuns false ones is here represented as laying hold of a strong عروہ (‘urwah) which word, as shown above, gives a number of meanings. Taking it in the first-mentioned sense, i.e. the handle of a mug, etc., the Quran compares Islam to the pure life-giving liquid which is put into a mug, and the believer is represented as taking fast hold of the handle thereof. Taking the word in the second sense, i.e. anything which is grasped and clung to for support; the true faith is represented as something on which complete reliance can be placed in all circumstances. If one adheres to it, there is no fear of one’s stumbling or falling down. Following the third significance, i.e. a pasture that remains green even in time of drought, Islam has been likened to a grazing ground the herbage of which is everlasting. There can be no spiritual famine in Islam. Following the last-mentioned meaning of عروة Islam is represented as a storehouse of spiritual treasures that are without equal.
a
10:100; 11:119; 18:30; 76:4.
b
31:23.
319
The injunction (embodied in the preceding verses) to make special sacrifices in the cause of religion and to fight the enemies of Islam was likely to give rise to the misunderstanding that Allah desired Muslims to use force for propagating their religion. This verse removes that misunderstanding and not only forbids Muslims in most emphatic words to use force for converting non-Muslims to Islam, but also gives reasons why force should not be used for this purpose. It is because truth stands out distinct from error, so there has remained no justification for using force. Islam is manifest Truth.
320
Taghut is one who exceeds proper bounds; the Devil; such persons as turn others from the right path; all idols. The word is used both as singular and plural (2:258 & 4:61).
قَدْ جَآءَكُم بَصَآئِرُ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَنْ أَبْصَرَ فَلِنَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَنْ عَمِىَ فَعَلَيْهَا ۚ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ عَلَيْكُم بِحَفِيظٍ
یعنی تم کو نافرمانی کی وجہ سے جو عذاب آئے اس سے بچا نہیں سکتا۔ یا بدیوں سے زبردستی بچا نہیں سکتا۔
7:204.
Basa’ir (plural of Basirah) means, proofs, arguments, signs, evidences (Lane).
Makes use of reason.
Shuts his eyes to truth and virtually becomes blind.
The duty of a Divine Prophet is confined to conveying what is revealed to him by God. It is not his business to compel people to accept it. Incidentally; the verse constitutes a refutation of the charge that Islam encourages or countenances the use of force for the propagation of its teaching.
7:204.
Commentary:
The word بصائر (proofs) also helps to explain the words, He reaches the eyes, occurring in the preceding verse and signifies that God reveals proofs by means of which man becomes able to know Him. By "proofs" is here meant the divine signs and evidences sent by God.
The words, whoever sees, mean, whoever makes use of his reason after proofs have been revealed to him by God. Similarly the words, whoever becomes blind, refer to such persons as shut their eyes to all truth and virtually make themselves blind.
The duty of the Holy Prophet described in the words, I am not a guardian over you, is only to convey what is revealed by God; it is not his responsibility to compel people to believe in God. Thus, the verse also provides a refutation of the baseless charge that Islam countenances compulsion in the propagation of religion.
d
7:204.
447
بَصَائِرْ (Basa’ir) 是 بَصِيْرَةْ (Basirah) 的复数, 其意思是, 证明、论证、迹象、明证 (Lane)。
448
使用推理或理智。
2
یعنی تم کو نافرمانی کی وجہ سے جو عذاب آئے اس سے بچا نہیں سکتا۔ یا بدیوں سے زبردستی بچا نہیں سکتا۔
a
7:204.
847
Commentary:
The word بصائر (proofs) also helps to explain the words, He reaches the eyes, occurring in the preceding verse and signifies that God reveals proofs by means of which man becomes able to know Him. By "proofs" is here meant the divine signs and evidences sent by God.
The words, whoever sees, mean, whoever makes use of his reason after proofs have been revealed to him by God. Similarly the words, whoever becomes blind, refer to such persons as shut their eyes to all truth and virtually make themselves blind.
The duty of the Holy Prophet described in the words, I am not a guardian over you, is only to convey what is revealed by God; it is not his responsibility to compel people to believe in God. Thus, the verse also provides a refutation of the baseless charge that Islam countenances compulsion in the propagation of religion.
d
7:204.
888
Basa’ir (plural of Basirah) means, proofs, arguments, signs, evidences (Lane).
889
Makes use of reason.
890
Shuts his eyes to truth and virtually becomes blind.
891
The duty of a Divine Prophet is confined to conveying what is revealed to him by God. It is not his business to compel people to accept it. Incidentally; the verse constitutes a refutation of the charge that Islam encourages or countenances the use of force for the propagation of its teaching.
وَقَٰتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ ٱلدِّينُ كُلُّهُۥ لِلَّهِ ۚ فَإِنِ ٱنتَهَوْا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
2:194.
Muslims were enjoined to fight till religious persecution had ceased and men were free to practise the religion of their choice. Islam undoubtedly is the greatest upholder of freedom of conscience (2:194).
2:194.
Commentary:
The verse shows that fighting was to be continued only so long as there was persecution and men were not free to profess the religion they liked. If the opponents of Islam desisted from
fighting, Muslims were also to desist. Islam fought only to defend itself and to establish freedom of conscience. See also 2:194.
The words, Allah is Watchful, imply that Muslims should not feel afraid that the disbelievers may desist only ostensibly and temporarily, and that they may attack the Muslims again when a favourable opportunity offered itself. God was Watchful of all that they do, and He would surely help Muslims, if the disbelievers acted faithlessly towards them.
c
2:194.
547
命令穆斯林战斗到宗教迫害结束以及人们可以自由选择自己的宗教信仰为止。伊斯兰教无疑是良心自由最伟大的支持者。(2:194)
a
2:194.
1128
Commentary:
The verse shows that fighting was to be continued only so long as there was persecution and men were not free to profess the religion they liked. If the opponents of Islam desisted from
fighting, Muslims were also to desist. Islam fought only to defend itself and to establish freedom of conscience. See also 2:194.
The words, Allah is Watchful, imply that Muslims should not feel afraid that the disbelievers may desist only ostensibly and temporarily, and that they may attack the Muslims again when a favourable opportunity offered itself. God was Watchful of all that they do, and He would surely help Muslims, if the disbelievers acted faithlessly towards them.
c
2:194.
1120
Muslims were enjoined to fight till religious persecution had ceased and men were free to practise the religion of their choice. Islam undoubtedly is the greatest upholder of freedom of conscience (2:194).
وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ لَءَامَنَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ كُلُّهُمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ أَفَأَنتَ تُكْرِهُ ٱلنَّاسَ حَتَّىٰ يَكُونُوا۟ مُؤْمِنِينَ
6:150; 16:10.
2:257; 18:30.
From this verse it is clear beyond any shadow of doubt that Islam does not allow or countenance the use of force for its propagation. See also {319}.
6:150; 16:10.
2:257; 18:30.
Commentary:
As the previous verse expressed a desire on the part of God that all men should believe, therefore there is likely to arise in the minds of some people the question why God, Who is All-Powerful, does not carry out His wish and force all men to believe. This question has been very beautifully answered in this verse, which says that if God had exercised compulsion to carry out His wish, He would not have confined His compulsion to one people but would have guided all who are in the earth. But He does not resort to compulsion and has left the matter of faith to the option of individuals, although He desires all His creatures to follow guidance and rise spiritually.
The clause, Wilt thou then force men to become believers?, is capable of two interpretations: (1) It may be taken as an argument in support of the statement made in the first part of the verse. In this case it would mean that God cannot resort to compulsion in the matter of faith, for to compel a person to accept a certain religion can serve no useful purpose. The Quran thus asks the Holy Prophet if he would like to force men to accept his faith against their will and, implying an answer in the negative,—for the Prophet would never countenance compulsion—the verse declares that God, Who knows the secrets of all hearts, cannot have recourse to compulsion. (2) The verse may also be taken to be addressed to each and every believer and to say to him that the denial of truth by disbelievers should not so enrage anyone as to make him resort to compelling men to accept it, arguing that when God, Who is the Lord and Master of all beings, does not use force, no mortal has any right to do so. Whichever of these two interpretations may be put upon this verse, it is clear beyond any shadow of doubt that Islam does not allow the use of force for its propagation.
a
6:150; 16:10.
b
2:257; 18:30.
605
从这节经文中, 可以毫不怀疑地清楚地看出, 伊斯兰教不容许或鼓励使用暴力来宣传它的教义。见注释197。
a
6:150; 16:10.
b
2:257; 18:30.
1371
Commentary:
As the previous verse expressed a desire on the part of God that all men should believe, therefore there is likely to arise in the minds of some people the question why God, Who is All-Powerful, does not carry out His wish and force all men to believe. This question has been very beautifully answered in this verse, which says that if God had exercised compulsion to carry out His wish, He would not have confined His compulsion to one people but would have guided all who are in the earth. But He does not resort to compulsion and has left the matter of faith to the option of individuals, although He desires all His creatures to follow guidance and rise spiritually.
The clause, Wilt thou then force men to become believers?, is capable of two interpretations: (1) It may be taken as an argument in support of the statement made in the first part of the verse. In this case it would mean that God cannot resort to compulsion in the matter of faith, for to compel a person to accept a certain religion can serve no useful purpose. The Quran thus asks the Holy Prophet if he would like to force men to accept his faith against their will and, implying an answer in the negative,—for the Prophet would never countenance compulsion—the verse declares that God, Who knows the secrets of all hearts, cannot have recourse to compulsion. (2) The verse may also be taken to be addressed to each and every believer and to say to him that the denial of truth by disbelievers should not so enrage anyone as to make him resort to compelling men to accept it, arguing that when God, Who is the Lord and Master of all beings, does not use force, no mortal has any right to do so. Whichever of these two interpretations may be put upon this verse, it is clear beyond any shadow of doubt that Islam does not allow the use of force for its propagation.
a
6:150; 16:10.
b
2:257; 18:30.
1289
From this verse it is clear beyond any shadow of doubt that Islam does not allow or countenance the use of force for its propagation. See also {319}.
وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفْسٍ أَن تُؤْمِنَ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَيَجْعَلُ ٱلرِّجْسَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ
6:126.
6:126.
It is not possible to attain true belief by the mere profession of certain doctrines with the tongue. It is possible only by the permission of God, i.e. by the observance of certain definite and fixed laws of God.
6:126.
Commentary:
The subject matter of the preceding verse is continued here. The words, And no soul can believe except by the permission of Allah, provide the reason why compulsion should not be resorted to in matters of faith. The verse points out that it is not possible to attain true belief by the mere profession of certain doctrines with the tongue but by the permission of God i.e. by the observance of certain definite and fixed laws of God. Hence it is inconceivable that a person can be made a true believer by compulsion. You cannot intimidate or compel a person into believing a certain thing against his will. It is against the law of nature and against all known workings of the human mind.
The expression, He makes His wrath descend on those who would not use their reason, means that mere lip-profession of those who accept a thing without reason is of no value whatever. On the contrary, such men earn only the wrath of God for their insincere and hypocritical professions.
c
6:126.
a
6:126.
1372
Commentary:
The subject matter of the preceding verse is continued here. The words, And no soul can believe except by the permission of Allah, provide the reason why compulsion should not be resorted to in matters of faith. The verse points out that it is not possible to attain true belief by the mere profession of certain doctrines with the tongue but by the permission of God i.e. by the observance of certain definite and fixed laws of God. Hence it is inconceivable that a person can be made a true believer by compulsion. You cannot intimidate or compel a person into believing a certain thing against his will. It is against the law of nature and against all known workings of the human mind.
The expression, He makes His wrath descend on those who would not use their reason, means that mere lip-profession of those who accept a thing without reason is of no value whatever. On the contrary, such men earn only the wrath of God for their insincere and hypocritical professions.
c
6:126.
1290
It is not possible to attain true belief by the mere profession of certain doctrines with the tongue. It is possible only by the permission of God, i.e. by the observance of certain definite and fixed laws of God.
قُلِ ٱنظُرُوا۟ مَاذَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَمَا تُغْنِى ٱلْءَايَٰتُ وَٱلنُّذُرُ عَن قَوْمٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ
7:186.
54:6.
The words, 'Ponder over what is happening in the heavens and the earth,' mean that the factors which are destined to lead to the success and prosperity of the cause of the Holy Prophet are already apparent both in the heavens and the earth, and so no compulsion is needed to help a cause which prospers by the force of its own beautiful teachings.
7:186.
54:6.
Commentary:
The words, Consider what is happening in the heavens and the earth, mean that the factors which are destined to lead to the success and prosperity of the cause of the Holy Prophet are already apparent both in the heavens and the earth and so no compulsion is needed to help a naturally prospering cause. The words, But Signs and Warners avail not a people who will not believe, make the point still clearer, for they establish the fact that when the Quran asks men to consider the happenings of the universe it often means Signs and Warners.
d
7:186.
e
54:6.
a
7:186.
b
54:6.
1373
Commentary:
The words, Consider what is happening in the heavens and the earth, mean that the factors which are destined to lead to the success and prosperity of the cause of the Holy Prophet are already apparent both in the heavens and the earth and so no compulsion is needed to help a naturally prospering cause. The words, But Signs and Warners avail not a people who will not believe, make the point still clearer, for they establish the fact that when the Quran asks men to consider the happenings of the universe it often means Signs and Warners.
d
7:186.
e
54:6.
1291
The words, 'Ponder over what is happening in the heavens and the earth,' mean that the factors which are destined to lead to the success and prosperity of the cause of the Holy Prophet are already apparent both in the heavens and the earth, and so no compulsion is needed to help a cause which prospers by the force of its own beautiful teachings.
وَقُلِ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيُؤْمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ ۚ إِنَّآ أَعْتَدْنَا لِلظَّٰلِمِينَ نَارًا أَحَاطَ بِهِمْ سُرَادِقُهَا ۚ وَإِن يَسْتَغِيثُوا۟ يُغَاثُوا۟ بِمَآءٍ كَٱلْمُهْلِ يَشْوِى ٱلْوُجُوهَ ۚ بِئْسَ ٱلشَّرَابُ وَسَآءَتْ مُرْتَفَقًا
2:257; 10:100.
25:38; 42:46.
2:257; 10:100.
25:38; 42:46.
Important Words:
سرادقھا (whose tent). سرادق is derived from سردق. They say سردق البیت i.e. he covered the house with an awning over its interior court. سرادق means, an awning extended over the interior court of a house; a tent of cotton or hair-cloth; a tent; smoke rising high and surrounding a thing; dust rising or spreading itself. They say سرادق المجد علیک ممدود i.e. the canopy of glory is extended over thee (Lane & Aqrab).
مرتفقا (resting place) is derived from رفق i.e. he was or became gentle or he acted or behaved gently ارتفق means, he bought or demanded aid or help or he profited by him or it (a thing) or he made use of it; he leaned upon his elbow; and, it was or became full. مرتفقا means, a place or thing upon which one leans, hence a place of rest (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words, It is the truth from your Lord, signify that the prophecy, implied in the foregoing verses, that the great material might and glory of Western Christian nations will be reduced to dust and that Islam will emerge triumphant and full of new life shall most surely come to pass.
The words, let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve, hint that the time of the Imam Mahdi will not be the time for waging jihad by the sword, but for the peaceful preaching of Islam.
The last part of the verse answers a natural question that arises from the first part, viz. if there was to be no jihad by the sword how was Islam to come into its own? To this question the last part of the verse returns the answer that God Himself will see to it that the seemingly irresistible might of western Christian nations is completely broken. Divine punish-ment will overtake these nations in the form of wars which will not end until their power is completely shattered and is reduced to ashes and dust. Molten lead and iron will scorch their faces. They will cry for peace and will get bombs and gun-shots instead. Their beautiful residences will become unfit for human habitation and life will become a veritable hell for them. All their efforts to bring about peace in the world, being insincere and dishonest, will come to nothing.
c
2:257; 10:100.
d
25:38; 42:46.
a
2:257; 10:100.
b
25:38; 42:46.
2070
Important Words:
سرادقھا (whose tent). سرادق is derived from سردق. They say سردق البیت i.e. he covered the house with an awning over its interior court. سرادق means, an awning extended over the interior court of a house; a tent of cotton or hair-cloth; a tent; smoke rising high and surrounding a thing; dust rising or spreading itself. They say سرادق المجد علیک ممدود i.e. the canopy of glory is extended over thee (Lane & Aqrab).
مرتفقا (resting place) is derived from رفق i.e. he was or became gentle or he acted or behaved gently ارتفق means, he bought or demanded aid or help or he profited by him or it (a thing) or he made use of it; he leaned upon his elbow; and, it was or became full. مرتفقا means, a place or thing upon which one leans, hence a place of rest (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words, It is the truth from your Lord, signify that the prophecy, implied in the foregoing verses, that the great material might and glory of Western Christian nations will be reduced to dust and that Islam will emerge triumphant and full of new life shall most surely come to pass.
The words, let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve, hint that the time of the Imam Mahdi will not be the time for waging jihad by the sword, but for the peaceful preaching of Islam.
The last part of the verse answers a natural question that arises from the first part, viz. if there was to be no jihad by the sword how was Islam to come into its own? To this question the last part of the verse returns the answer that God Himself will see to it that the seemingly irresistible might of western Christian nations is completely broken. Divine punish-ment will overtake these nations in the form of wars which will not end until their power is completely shattered and is reduced to ashes and dust. Molten lead and iron will scorch their faces. They will cry for peace and will get bombs and gun-shots instead. Their beautiful residences will become unfit for human habitation and life will become a veritable hell for them. All their efforts to bring about peace in the world, being insincere and dishonest, will come to nothing.
b
2:257; 10:100.
c
25:38; 42:46.
قُلْ مَآ أَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ أَجْرٍ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ أَن يَتَّخِذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِۦ سَبِيلًا
یہ آیت کتنی واضح ہے کہ اسلام کو جبر سے پھیلانا ناجائز ہے۔ اس آیت میں وضاحت سے کہا گیا ہے کہ میں تبلیغ اسلام کے بدلہ میں کوئی اجر نہیں چاہتا۔ میرا اجر یہی ہے کہ اگر کسی کا دل اسلام کی صداقت کو قبول کرلے تو اپنی مرضی سے اسلام میں داخل ہو جائے۔ میں اس پر کوئی جبر نہیں کر سکتا اور نہ کروں گا اس تعلیم کے ہوتے ہوئے یہ کہنا کہ اسلام تلوار کے ذریعہ سے پھیلا ہے اسلام پر کتنا ظلم اور تعدّی ہے۔ کیا کوئی اور مذہب بھی ہے جس نے اپنی اشاعت کے متعلق اس صفائی سے آزادیٔ ضمیر اور آزادیٔ رائے کی تائید کی ہو۔
38:87; 42:24.
Important Words:
إلا (save) is used to signify the sense of exception (إستثناء) and in Arabic إستثناء (exception) is of two kinds: (i) إستثناء متصل i.e. an exception in which the thing excepted belongs to the same class or species to which the things from which as exception is sought to be made belong; (ii) إستثناء منقطع i.e. an exception in which the excepted thing belongs to a different class or species. إلا in the present verse is of the latter category and the meaning is, he who will take a way to his Lord, let him do so.
Commentary:
The verse provides yet another unassailable evidence that the Quran gives complete and full freedom of conscience and choice of religious belief and practice.
e
38:87; 42:24.
921
按照这节经文的教导, 伊斯兰教明确禁止用武力来传播它的教义。
1
یہ آیت کتنی واضح ہے کہ اسلام کو جبر سے پھیلانا ناجائز ہے۔ اس آیت میں وضاحت سے کہا گیا ہے کہ میں تبلیغ اسلام کے بدلہ میں کوئی اجر نہیں چاہتا۔ میرا اجر یہی ہے کہ اگر کسی کا دل اسلام کی صداقت کو قبول کرلے تو اپنی مرضی سے اسلام میں داخل ہو جائے۔ میں اس پر کوئی جبر نہیں کر سکتا اور نہ کروں گا اس تعلیم کے ہوتے ہوئے یہ کہنا کہ اسلام تلوار کے ذریعہ سے پھیلا ہے اسلام پر کتنا ظلم اور تعدّی ہے۔ کیا کوئی اور مذہب بھی ہے جس نے اپنی اشاعت کے متعلق اس صفائی سے آزادیٔ ضمیر اور آزادیٔ رائے کی تائید کی ہو۔
c
38:87; 42:24.
2688
Important Words:
إلا (save) is used to signify the sense of exception (إستثناء) and in Arabic إستثناء (exception) is of two kinds: (i) إستثناء متصل i.e. an exception in which the thing excepted belongs to the same class or species to which the things from which as exception is sought to be made belong; (ii) إستثناء منقطع i.e. an exception in which the excepted thing belongs to a different class or species. إلا in the present verse is of the latter category and the meaning is, he who will take a way to his Lord, let him do so.
Commentary:
The verse provides yet another unassailable evidence that the Quran gives complete and full freedom of conscience and choice of religious belief and practice.
a
38:87; 42:24.
2086
According to this verse Islam clearly forbids the use of force for the propagation of its teaching.