Hi Waterdrop,
It is not only forbidden to compel someone to accept Islam, it is impossible to do so. Please consider the meaning of the wordIslam before continuing to read:
'Islam'; Ar. from the root 'slm' (silm), to be in peaceful submission; to surrender; to obey; peace; Islam lit. 'The active willful surrender, submission, obedience, in purity to the will of another (Allah) in complete peace.'
The understanding from the meaning of the word Islam itself makes it clear that there is no way that you could possibly force someone to do something that requires them to do it of their own free will and accord. If someone were forced to enter Islam then it would not be Islam anyway, as a condition of Islam is that it is by free choice in peace. Forcing people into Islam is totally illogical and certainly not acceptable in concept nor practice
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It is the duty and obligation of the Muslims to establish the truth and proofs of Islam and then allow others the freedom of choice to accept or reject the proofs. There are two principle sources of proof for the Muslim. They are:
The Quran - considered by Muslims to be the absolute Speech or Recitation of Allah, the Almighty. ('Quran' Ar. from the root; qr'a: to recite; Quran; lit. That which is recited).
The Hadeeth - teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him. (hadeeth - Ar. meaning, stories or narrations. The hadeeths have been collected, authenticated [in collections by Bukhari and Muslim called 'sahih', categorized, preserved and memorized for over 1,400 years; all in the original language [Arabic]).
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Allah says in His Quran:
Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things. [Surah al-Baqarah: 256]
Allah also says in Quran: If it had been your Lord's will, all of the people on Earth would have believed. Would you then compel the people so to have them believe? [Surah Yunus: 99]
And Allah says: So if they dispute with you, say I have submitted my whole self to Allah, and so have those who follow me. And say to the People of the Scripture and to the unlearned: Do you also submit yourselves? If they do, then they are on right guidance. But if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message. And in Allah's sight are all of His servants. [Surah Al `Imran: 20]
Allah The Almighty has also said:
The Messenger's duty is but to proclaim the Message. [Surah Al-Maidah: 99]
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Islam is wide open and you are free to ask any questions that you like. You do not have to accept the statement, "Just believe. It is a matter of faith. Don't question." Islam has proofs to back up its statements. The Quran and teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him, are all preserved in tact and in the memories of over 9 million people.
The proofs are available to everyone.There is no clergy in Islam or any hierarchy to deal with. We are all the same in front of Allah.Faith works side by side with proof so that your mind and heart are never at odds with each other.
Nobody has the right to hear your confessions of sins and mistakes, except Almighty God. And only He can forgive them. No human can guarantee that someone will enter Paradise or Hell.No one can make up some worship for himself or for others and then expect that Almighty God has to accept that from them.There is no compulsion in Islam. If you want to worship God on His terms, then you are welcome as a brother in faith. If not, that is your choice. No one can carry the burden of another's sins or guilt.None shall be asked (much less punished) about the sins of another. Every atom's weight of good and every atom's weight of evil is recorded.
Regards
(text from yusuf estes website)
jazakallahu khair TheHumbleWun, i never would have found it.