The Quran states categorically that killing any innocent soul is a gross sin:
“...... You shall not kill - God has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand.” 6:151
“You shall not kill any person - for God has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. .....” 17:33
The prohibition to kill any innocent soul has always been the law of God, in the Quran and in all previous scripture:
“......, we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. “ 5:32
God does not allow fighting (war) except in the case of self defence:
“ .......... If they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then God gives you no excuse to fight them” 4:90
“If they resort to peace, so shall you, and put your trust in God. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.” 8:61
“do not aggress; God dislikes the aggressors.” 5:87
God commands that there will be no compulsion in religion:
“There shall be no compulsion in religion ...” 2:256
“You have your religion and I have mine” 109:6
“Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers?” 10:99
The commands in the above verses are very clear. The Quran confirms that belief must be attained voluntarily and not forcibly. If we are forced into becoming Muslims, there would be no credit due. The choice must be a voluntary one.
“Proclaim: “This is the truth from your Lord,” then Whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve” 18:29
“You shall remind, for your mission is to deliver this reminder. You have no power over them” 88:21-22
The message of no compulsion in religion is once again emphasised in the above Quranic words.
Quran advocates pardon, forgiveness and tolerance:
“You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant” 7:199
“Tell those who believe to forgive those who do not long for the days of (meeting) God. He will fully pay everyone for whatever they have earned.” 45:14
The Quran condemns the killing or even the persecution of people merely because they embrace a different religion. The Quran mandates absolute freedom of religion among all people. Respect and mutual co-existence must be exercised with those of other religions. The Quran urges Muslims to treat such people kindly and equitably:
“God does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. God loves the equitable.” 60:8
As all the above verses indicate, the Quran is clear in prohibiting all violence, unlawful killing and also forcing others into Islam.
