Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, Freedom of religion is one of the cornerstone principles for a great nation (Quran 2:256, 10:99, 88:21-22). God says there is no compulsion in religion and has given humans freedom of choice. Whether someone exercises this choice correctly (to worship God alone) or incorrectly (to commit idol worship), it is a God-given freedom. We cannot take away a freedom that God Almighty has given to all. God tells us in the Quran: No Compulsion in Religion [2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. [10:99] Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed.* Do you want to force the people to become believers? *10:99-101 The test demands that we denounce idolatry on our own, without divine intervention in our initial decision. God blocks out those who choose to disbelieve. Absolute Freedom of Religion [18:29] Proclaim: "This is the truth from your Lord," then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. ... History shows us that forcing people to believe usually has the opposite effect of repelling people from a religion. God's system must be upheld in full by those who believe, including preserving the freedoms God has given. Belief in God is chosen freely. One cannot force someone to love God. References: What Price A Great Nation, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix36.html No Compulsion in Religion, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2010/may/page1.html Peace.