The Holy Quran 2:256 — Surah Al-Baqarah

Arabic text

لَآ إِكْرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشْدُ مِنَ ٱلْغَىِّ ۚ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِٱلطَّـٰغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسْتَمْسَكَ بِٱلْعُرْوَةِ ٱلْوُثْقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

Translation

There is no compulsion in Deen (no one can be forced to enter the fold of Islaam). The right direction (the truth) has already become distinct from the wrong (falsehood). So whoever rejects rebelliousness (Shaytaan, idols) and believes in Allaah has grasped a strong handhold which will never break. Allaah is the All Hearing, All Knowing (Allaah knows one's intentions and the condition of one's heart. No one's treachery can be hidden from Him).

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

There is no compulsion in religion: when the proofs of tawhid (divine oneness) have been set out fully, so that no excuse remains for the disbeliever, what need can there now be to make anyone a Muslim by force? People of understanding should grasp this for themselves.

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.