The Koran makes an unambiguous statement about religious freedom: “There is no compulsion in matters of Faith. Distinct now is the way of guidance from error. One who turns away from the forces of evil and believes in God, will surely hold fast to a handle that is strong and unbreakable, for God hears all and knows everything” (Koran 2:256).
The Koran also teaches that each person is given the capacity to discern right and wrong, and it is up to the individual to follow his or her own conscience (Koran 91:8-9). A Muslim’s only obligation is to explain the true nature of Islamic teachings. Beyond that, it is a matter between the individual and their Lord: “If it had been your Lord’s Will, all people would all have believed. Will you then compel humanity against their will, to believe!” (Koran 10:99)
As an American Muslim, I long for the day that authentic Islam and democratic governance can be practiced in Muslim populated countries. One of the biggest misconceptions of Islam is that governments such as Saudi Arabia and Iran represent a true practice of Islam. This is a topic unto itself, but in short, the vast majority of American Muslims do not see a genuine representation of Islam in most Muslim majority countries. The prime reason is the lack of a developed democracy.
