The Religion of God’s Chosen One

Whenever “religion” is mentioned in the Qur’an in an absolute sense, it refers to “Islam.” The connected evidence for this point is that after the phrase “God has chosen the religion for you,” “Indeed, God has chosen for you this religion” [Inna Allāha iṣṭafā lakum al-dīn], it is immediately followed with: “so do not die except while you are Muslims” [falā tamūtunna illā wa-antum muslimūn]. The disconnected evidence is that the known and recognized religion with God Almighty is Islam: “Indeed, the religion in the sight of God is Islam”(322).

This religion, which humans have been advised to follow, is the choice and selection of God Almighty. If He has accepted something for humans, no one has the right to choose against His selection and will from a religious perspective, although they are free in terms of creation and may disobey. This is because God is the Creator, and the right of choice and selection belongs absolutely to Him, not to the created beings. The very existence of the created being is not in its own hands, let alone the right to choose against the Creator’s choice: “And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted is God and high above what they associate with Him”(323), “It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when God and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys God and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error”(324). Of course, the exclusivity of the right to determine religion for God Almighty is entirely in favor of humanity, as God is aware of all their interests, is capable of fulfilling them, and generously expresses them.