He seeks the truth and wishes to conform to Allah’s ruling, but was not granted success in reaching it; such a person is excused and will still be rewarded. That said, we are not allowed to follow him in his mistake. The same rule applies to the fatwas of jurists or the decisions of judges who strive with all their ability to attain the truth yet do not reach it—their errors are forgiven, but we may not adopt them. (83) Allah says: “There is no compulsion in religion; right guidance has now become distinct from error. Whoever disavows the taghut (false deities and tyrants) and believes in Allah has grasped the most secure handhold, one that will never break. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” The phrase “There is no compulsion in religion” means that no one is forced to enter Islam, for acceptance of Islam must come from personal conviction and heartfelt belief. Coercion is impossible, because only Allah controls the hearts. We cannot compel anyone to embrace Islam; possession and direction of the hearts belong solely to Allah, exalted is He.