While explaining the meaning of the verse...

While explaining the meaning of the verse, Allamah Ṭabāṭabāī, writes: “The meaning of this verse is then as follows, and Allah knows better: For each nation from among you We have laid down and legislated a different law and distinct way; if Allah had pleased, He would have made you (creatively) a single nation and legislated for you a single set of law. But He has laid down for you different laws in order to test you in what He has given you of various favours.

This difference in favours demanded a difference in test (which in their turn) gives rise to divine laws and legislations. Naturally, there was a difference in various laws [5] .” One of the most direct expressions of this principle is found in Surah al-Baqarah (2:256): لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ There is no compulsion in religion: rectitude has become distinct from error. This verse establishes freedom of belief as a moral and spiritual right.

It underscores that faith must emerge from conviction, not coercion. In this regard, Allamah Ṭabāṭabāī writes: “There is no compulsion in the religion,” negates and disapproves compulsion and coercion in religion. Religion is a set of truths, which are believed in, and some of them are then acted upon. In short, religion is belief and faith; it is a matter of conscience, and such a thing cannot be created by coercion and compulsion.

One may force someone to do a certain physical action against his will, but he cannot be forced to believe against his will. Belief follows reason and understanding, and nothing but reason and understanding can create it. [6] ” Another essential verse comes from Surah Yūnus (10:99): وَلَوْ شَاءَ رَبُّكَ لَآمَنَ مَن فِي الْأَرْضِ كُلُّهُمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ أَفَأَنتَ تُكْرِهُ النَّاسَ حَتَّىٰ يَكُونُوا مُؤْمِنِينَ Had your Lord wished, all those who are on earth would have believed.

Would you then force people until they become faithful? This verse reinforces that belief cannot be forced, even by divine command. The Qur’an recognizes that diversity in faith is an enduring part of human reality — a result of divine wisdom. In this regard, Sayyid Faqih Imani writes: “Man is free and faith is based upon one’s voluntary choice; it is not to be accepted under compulsion or by imposition.

…And as His omniscience requires mankind to be free, He never compels them to accept faith by force.

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