If a person does not have proof that Islam is the truth, can he ever become a muslim?
The question of whether a person can become a Muslim without proof that Islam is the truth touches on the fundamental nature of faith and belief in Islam. The Qur'an emphasizes that faith is not solely based on evidence or proof but involves a deep conviction in the heart.
In Surah Aal-i-Imraan, it is stated: How can ye disbelieve, when it is ye unto whom Allah's revelations are recited, and His messenger is in your midst? He who holdeth fast to Allah, he indeed is guided unto a right path.
3:101 This verse suggests that being exposed to the truth of Islam, through the guidance of the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is crucial in understanding and accepting faith.
Furthermore, Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that true submission to Allah encompasses belief in His oneness, His messengers, and the revealed scriptures. It indicates that while evidence may be sought, the essence of becoming a Muslim lies in the acceptance and submission to Allah's will, which doesn't solely rely on tangible proof but also on personal conviction and faith.
From a practical standpoint, a person may embrace Islam and identify as a Muslim even if they struggle with doubts or lack concrete proof, as belief itself is a journey that evolves over time. Additionally, Al-Kafi mentions that faith is a matter of the heart, signifying that a sincere intent to submit to Allah can be the initial step towards becoming a Muslim, even if one does not possess all the evidences at that moment.
In conclusion, a person can indeed become a Muslim based on their intention and conviction, even if they do not have complete proof of Islam's truth at that point. The journey of faith often involves seeking knowledge and understanding, which can gradually reinforce one's belief.
Sources
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3:101 · Aal-i-Imraan
3:101 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَكَيْفَ تَكْفُرُونَ وَأَنتُمْ تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ءَايَٰتُ ٱللَّهِ وَفِيكُمْ رَسُولُهُۥ ۗ وَمَن يَعْتَصِم بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ هُدِىَ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍۢ مُّسْتَقِيمٍۢ
How can ye disbelieve, when it is ye unto whom Allah's revelations are recited, and His messenger is in your midst? He who holdeth fast to Allah, he indeed is guided unto a right path.
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 3:101
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 3:101
Allah Almighty warns His believing servants not to follow a faction of those who were given the Scripture, those who envy the believers for what Allah has bestowed upon them of His grace, including sending His Messenger. This is affirmed by Allah's statement in another verse: “Many of the People of the Scripture wish that you would disbelieve after your faith out of envy from themselves.” Similarly, here He says: “If you obey a group of those who were given the Scripture, they will turn you back after your faith to disbelief.” Then He adds: “But how can you disbelieve while the verses of Allah are being recited to you and His Messenger is among you?” Meaning that disbelief is distant from you, far removed and unlikely; because Allah's revelations continuously come to His Messenger day and night, who recites them to you and conveys them clearly. This parallels the statement: “Why do you not believe in Allah while the Messenger invites you to believe in your Lord and has taken your covenant if you are believers?” (Surah Al-Hadid 57:8 and the following verses). Additionally, a hadith reports that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once asked his companions, “Which believers do you find the most admirable in faith?” They said, “The angels.” He replied, “How could they not believe, being in the presence of their Lord?” They mentioned the prophets. He said, “How could they not believe when revelation descends upon them?” They said, “What about us?” He responded, “How could you not believe when I am among you?” They asked, “Then who among people has the most admirable faith?” He said, “A people who will come after you and find the scriptures and believe in what is contained in them.” I have related the chain and commentary of this hadith in the introduction to Sahih al-Bukhari. Praise be to Allah. Then Allah says: “And whoever holds fast to Allah has been guided to a straight path.” This means that along with what has been mentioned, holding firmly to Allah and relying upon Him is the fundamental means to guidance. It is the tool that keeps one away from misguidance, the path to soundness, uprightness, and achieving the desired aim.
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