Arguments from the Quran

and acts of worship. While we can invite others to consider beliefs and worship, we cannot command or prohibit them in these areas. However, the “command” concerning monotheism and the “prohibition” of polytheism, or the forced imposition of Islamic acts of worship on them, is beyond our authority. Doing so would amount to ikrah fi al-deen (coercion in religion), which is explicitly considered unacceptable in Shariah. In this matter, the relationship between us and nonMuslims is not one of ruler and subjects but rather one of inviter (da’i) and invited (mad’u). In specific circumstances, believers can carry out amr (command) and nahi (prohibition) with non-Muslims. However, the scope of amr and nahi regarding nonMuslims is limited. Therefore, these terms cannot encompass the entirety of what we are to undertake concerning non-Muslims. The primary goal regarding non-Muslims is to invite them to reflect on the truth of God’s oneness and the reality of the Hereafter, so that they may find spiritual guidance and salvation. The means for this endeavour are invitation (dawah), preaching, and admonition (tazkeer). If these efforts prove ineffective and they remain unwilling to follow the path of worshiping God, then the secondary goal is for the Islamic government to compel non-Muslims, to the extent necessary, to adhere to the laws of Shariah,