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<strong>in</strong>duced by force. Furthermore, <strong>Islam</strong> presents the Truth of<br />

God <strong>in</strong> the form of an opportunity and leaves the choice for<br />

man to decide his own course. The Qur'an says:<br />

"The Truth is from your Lord. Let him<br />

who will, believe, and let him who will,<br />

disbelieve."<br />

(Our'an. 18:29)<br />

The <strong>Islam</strong>ic concept of freedom is an article of Faith, a<br />

solemn command from the Supreme Creator. It is built on<br />

the follow<strong>in</strong>g fundamental pr<strong>in</strong>ciples.<br />

First, man's conscience is subject to God only, to Whom<br />

every man is directly responsible.<br />

Secondly, every human be<strong>in</strong>g is personally responsible<br />

for his deeds and he alone is entitled to reap the fruits of his<br />

work.<br />

Thirdly, God has delegated to man the responsibility to<br />

decide for himself.<br />

Fourthly, man is sufficiently provided with spiritual<br />

guidance and endowed with rational qualities that enable<br />

him to make responsible, sound choices.<br />

Such is the foundation of the <strong>Islam</strong>ic concept of freedom<br />

and such is the value of freedom <strong>in</strong> <strong>Islam</strong>. It is a natural right<br />

of man, a spiritual privilege, a moral prerogative, and, above<br />

all, a religious duty. With<strong>in</strong> the framework of this <strong>Islam</strong>ic<br />

concept of freedom, there is no room for religious persecu-

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