Islam_in_Focus_text

The point is that no one can call himself a true Muslim un-
less his Faith is based on strong convictions and his mind is
clear from doubts. Because Islam is complete only when it is
based on strong convictions and freedom of choice, it cannot
be forced upon anybody, for God will not accept this forced
Faith. Nor will He consider it a true Islam if it does not de-
velop from within or originate from free and sound convic-
tions. And because Islam insures freedom of belief many
non-Muslim groups lived and still live in the Muslim coun-
tries enjoying full freedom of belief and conscience. The
Muslims take this attitude because Islam forbids compulsion
in Religion. It is the light which must radiate from within,
because freedom of choice is the cornerstone of responsibili-
ty. This does not exempt the parents from responsibility for
their children. Nor does it condone their being indifferent to
the spiritual welfare of their dependents. In fact, they must
do everything possible to help them to build a strong inspir-
ing Faith.
To establish Faith on sound grounds, there are various
parallel avenues. There is the spiritual approach which is
based mainly on the Qur'an and the Traditions of Muham-
mad. There is also the rational approach which eventually
leads to Faith in the Supreme Being. This is not to say that
the spiritual approach lacks sound rationality. Nor is the ra-
tional approach deprived of inspiring spirituality. Both ap-
proaches, in fact, complement one another and may well be-
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