Scientific Journal of New Islamic Civilization Fundamental Studies

Scientific Journal of New Islamic Civilization Fundamental Studies

Methodologies for Addressing the Misconception of Coercion in Islam: A ‎Civilizational Perspective Based on the Book "The Review of the Sophesteies about ‎the ‎Holy Qur’an"‎

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Soraya Ghotbi 1
Azam‎ ‎ Shahbazi‎ 2
1 Department of The Quran Sciences and Hadith [Tradition], Faculty of Human Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, I.R. of Iran
2 Master’s graduate in Qur’anic and Hadith Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
10.22070/nic.2026.20902.1435
Abstract
This study examines one of the most persistent doctrinal challenges in shaping the ‎new ‎Islamic civilization: the misconception of coercion in belief attributed to Islam. ‎This ‎misconception has been propagated with the intent to distort the true image ‎of Islam and to ‎portray Muslims as inherently violent. The present research analyzes various methodological ‎approaches employed to address this misconception from a civilizational standpoint, as ‎articulated in the book Qur’anic Inquiry into Doubts. Employing a descriptive-analytical ‎methodology alongside documentary analysis, the study identifies several key strategies for ‎addressing ‎this issue.‎ The findings of the research showed that, in confronting the idea of ‎‎"compulsion in belief," the ‎author used a variety of methods, including the historical-‎narrative method, criticism and refutation of the basis of doubt, presentation of objective ‎examples, patience and division, counter-response, and questioning. In light of these ‎multilayered methods of response, a ‎precise distinction between "freedom of belief in the ‎realm of development" and "exclusive ‎acceptance of belief in the realm of legislation" ‎becomes clear, and the negation of coercion in ‎religion finds meaning within the framework ‎of the modern Islamic civilization system. The ‎civilizational analysis of these methods plays a ‎strategic role in deepening the spiritual ‎discourse of the contemporary Islamic civilization‎.‎
Subjects
Scientific Journal of New Islamic Civilization Fundamental Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 July 2026