Does Islam abhor coercion and intolerance?
In this section, Siddiqui quotes from theses verses: 2:256; 18:29; 2:114; 22:40; 109:6; 35:25; 42:48; 18:29. Then he concludes with these words: “All these verses make it clear that there is no room for coercion or compulsion in matters of faith.” Analysis: Again, Siddiqui quotes from Meccan suras, except in two references. It should be recalled that the Meccan suras promote a modicum of peace and tolerance, but after Muhammad s Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, his tone changes. He becomes belligerent. But in Sura 2, early in Medina, he wants to be accepted by the non-Muslim Medinans and the Jews, so some verses reflect peace. First, Sura 2:256 says that there is no compulsion in religion, but Sura 9:5, a much later verse, says that there is compulsion (see “No Monopoly,” above). Why would not hard line Muslims use this later verse to force people to convert? Why did not Siddiqui quote and deal with this violent verse? Second, Sura 2:114 says that anyone who forbids the mention of Allah s
