Question # 581: Some Muslims consider the verse from Soorah Baqarah, 256, as a relaxation to do whatever they feel because there is no compulsion in religion in deen, which I believe is not the case. For example, I saw a convert sister on Instagram using this verse not to wear hijab. Please shed light on this.

Bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,

Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Dear questioner,

First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.

Shorter Answer: The ayah from Soorah Al-Baqarah (2:256), “There is no compulsion in religion,” is often misunderstood or misapplied as a blanket permission to disregard religious obligations. In fact, this verse was revealed during a time when some Ansars had vowed to raise their children as Jews if they survived infancy. After Islam was established, they wanted to compel their children to convert to Islam, but this verse prohibited such coercion. Therefore, this principle only applies to non-Muslims, indicating that they should not be forced into Islam because its truth is evident. At the same time, it does not imply that Muslims are free to neglect Islamic pillars and obligations (like prayer, fasting, wearing hijab, etc.), which are neither optional nor subject to personal preference. Once a person embraces Islam, it is mandatory for him/her to follow its guidelines as an act of submission to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).

Long Answer: The ayah from Soorah Al-Baqarah (2:256), “There is no compulsion in religion,” is often misunderstood or misapplied as a blanket permission to disregard religious obligations, but this is not the scholarly consensus. Here is a detailed explanation to clarify its meaning and context:

Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) says in the Qur’an: “There is no compulsion in religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut (false gods) and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Soorah Al-Baqarah, 2:256). This verse emphasizes that faith cannot be forced upon anyone because true belief stems from inner conviction, not external coercion. Islam’s teachings are clear and self-evident, making compulsion unnecessary for someone to recognize its truth.

This verse was revealed during a time when some Ansar (residents of Madinah) had vowed to raise their children as Jews if they survived infancy. After Islam was established, they wanted to compel their children to convert to Islam, but this verse prohibited such coercion.

Ibn Kathir explains that this verse applies to non-Muslims, indicating that they should not be forced into Islam because its truth is evident. However, once someone willingly accepts Islam, they are bound by its rules:

“Do not force anyone to become Muslim, for Islam is plain and clear, and its proofs and evidence are plain and clear. Therefore, there is no need to force anyone to embrace Islam. Rather, whoever Allah directs to Islam opens his heart for it, and enlightens his mind will embrace Islam with certainty. Whoever Allah blinds his heart and seals his hearing and sight, then he will not benefit from being forced to embrace Islam.

It was reported that the Ansar were the reason behind revealing this ayah, although its indication is general in meaning. Ibn Jarir recorded that Ibn `Abbas (رضي الله عنه) said that before Islam, “When (an Ansar) woman would not bear children who would live, she would vow that if she gives birth to a child who remains alive, she would raise him as a Jew. When Banu An-Nadir (the Jewish tribe) were evacuated from Al-Madinah, some of the children of the Ansar were being raised among them, and the Ansar said, `We will not abandon our children.’ Allah revealed [the above verse]. Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i also recorded this hadith.

As for the hadith that Imam Ahmad recorded, in which Anas (رضي الله عنه) said that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said to a man, “Embrace Islam.” The man said, “I dislike it.” The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said, “Even if you dislike it.”. First, this is an authentic hadith, with only three narrators between Imam Ahmad and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم). …the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) did not force that man to become Muslim. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) merely invited this man to become Muslim, and he replied that he does not find himself eager to become Muslim. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said to the man that even though he dislikes embracing Islam, he should still embrace it, `for Allah will grant you sincerity and true intent.’” (Tafseer Ibn Kathir, Vol II)

In all cases, following the famous maxim “العبرة بعموم اللفظ لا بخصوص السبب”‎ (Consideration is granted to the Generality of the Language, not to the Specificity of the Reason [for Revelation]) it is concluded that the verse is general in meaning. Thus, the verse has been understood over the centuries as a general command that people cannot be forced to convert to Islam.

Other Scholarly Interpretations

Ibn Juzayy [(Maliki Scholar; died 741 AH)] said: “There is no compulsion in religion,” means: the religion of Islam is very clear, and its proof of its soundness is self-evident, so there is no need to compel anyone to enter this religion…” (at-Tasheel)

As-Sa‘di [(died 1376 AH)] said: “Something similar may be said concerning the verse: “‘The truth is from your Lord.’ Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve” (Soorah al-Kahf, 18:29), i.e., this is the truth that clear evidence demonstrates is true, so that whoever wants to believe may do so and let whoever wants to disbelieve may do so.” (al-Qawaa‘id al-Hisaan)

[In effect, the scholars are of the view that the above verse applies to non-believers (Non-Muslims) and that they should not] be compelled to enter the religion of Allah reluctantly and by force; rather, what it means is that Islam is easy and clear, with no compulsion to enter it. Some of the scholars are of the view that this verse applies specifically to the People of the Book and those who come under the same rulings, such as the Magians; they are not to be compelled to enter Islam. (Islamqa.info)

Misinterpretations

The principle of “no compulsion in religion” applies to acceptance of faith and freedom of belief but does not extend to exemption from the core practices and obligations of the faith once someone has embraced Islam. However, some mistakenly use this verse to justify neglecting Islamic obligations, like prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), and modesty (such as wearing the hijab for women). However, this interpretation contradicts the essence of Islam, which requires submission to Allah’s commands once a person accepts the faith. While the verse prohibits forcing others into Islam, it does not imply that Muslims are free to disregard the pillars and teachings of Islam. Once a person embraces Islam, it is mandatory to follow its guidelines as an act of submission to Allah by adhering to its principles and laws, which are not optional or subject to personal preference. It is essential to differentiate between a person’s initial choice to embrace Islam (which cannot be coerced) and the subsequent adherence to the faith’s laws, which are part of what it means to be a Muslim.

Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.

Wassalaam