#Advocate Nizam Ali Khan
Advocate Nizam Ali Khan, a well-known expert on Islam, used a recent interview in Hyderabad as an opportunity to clarify the practice of forced conversions, which is sometimes misunderstood. Khan highlighted that Islam categorically opposes the idea of converting someone through force or compulsion, regardless of the circumstances, in a world where false information frequently predominates.
As Khan noted, one of the pervasive myths is the notion that Islam empowers its adherents to force people into embracing the faith without them having any understanding about it. This opinion is shared by some prejudiced politicians and media sources. Nizam Ali Khan passionately refuted this idea, claiming that Islamic teachings do not support any kind of coercion when it comes to matters of faith. No practicing Muslim has the right to force a born Muslim to follow the path of Islam, even if they stray from it. They can only politely ask for adherence instead.
Advocate Nizam Ali Khan cited a scripture from the Quran to support his argument, notably verse 256 of Chapter 2, which clearly indicates, “There is no compulsion in Religion.” This verse emphasizes the fact that no one should be forced to follow Islamic teachings or convert to Islam against their will.
Advocate Nizam Ali Khan also addressed the criticism that often arises from orientalists in the West, who sometimes present Islamic teachings in a negative light. He referred to several incidents from the time of Prophet Muhammad to illustrate the principle of non-coercion in Islam. For instance, when Abu Talib, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad, was on his deathbed, the Prophet merely invited him to accept Islam but did not force him to convert.
Similarly, when the people of Taif rejected and mistreated the Prophet during his invitation to Islam, he did not resort to force but continued to extend his peaceful message. Even in the case of Sumama, a governor of Yamama, who initially opposed Prophet Muhammad, he eventually embraced Islam of his own free will due to the exemplary conduct of the Prophet.
Advocate Nizam Ali Khan underlined that the non-Muslims of Mecca were not forced to convert, not even during the conquest of Mecca, when Prophet Muhammad and his followers took possession of the city. These historical occurrences serve to underline the fundamental Islamic tenet that no one should be forced to convert to Islam.
Advocate Nizam Ali Khan also cited Islamic principles, focusing on Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which upholds religious freedom. He emphasized that while one is free to practice, preach, and spread their faith, forcing others to do so is never permitted. Each and every Indian citizen is free to follow their own traditions, beliefs, and religion, as well as to convert to a different religion if they so want.
Advocate Nizam Ali Khan concluded by restating that any attempt by a Muslim or by anyone else to force someone to convert to Islam is illegal under Indian law and goes against Islamic teachings. It is crucial to debunk myths and promote an understanding of Islam’s perspective on religious tolerance and freedom, which has been exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad himself.
Video Link- https://www.facebook.com/AlifIndiaorg/videos/198709429734360/
