The unifying idea
This axis brings together mercy, universality, the rejection of coercion, and freedom as the basis of the objectives. It also distinguishes between divine legislation and human ijtihad, and confines authority to what pertains to worldly life.
The theses included in the axis
- The Muhammadan message is a message of mercy and universality
- Religion rejects coercion, and it is regulated by the state’s worldly function
- Freedom is the basis of the objectives, and safeguarding it is a social responsibility
- Legislation after the seal becomes ijtihad, and prohibition is a divine right
The axis’s support from the atoms
- Terrorism, in Qur’anic terms, is deterrence, not killing
- Worship includes the spheres of life
- Freedom of choice is a foundational principle in religion
- Coercion contradicts the word of God
- Freedom is the first objective of the Sharia
- The objectives of the Sharia are rights and freedoms
- Legislation shifts to ijtihad
- Prohibition is a right belonging to God alone
How to read this
This page is read as a defense of the freedom to believe and of regulating religious authority. It shifts the center of gravity from compulsion to choice, and from guardianship to responsibility.