Principle Fifty-Two: Once the truth has become clear and manifest, there is no room left for scholarly or practical objection.

This is a juristic, rational, and innate principle that the Quran states explicitly and to which it alludes in many passages.

It is self-evident that debate, the raising of objections, hesitation, and consultation are called for only when a matter is ambiguous or admits multiple possibilities; such measures are the means to clarification and explanation.

But when a matter admits only one obvious meaning and the benefit is unmistakable, disputation and opposition are sheer futility. The objector is disregarded, for he resembles someone who stubbornly denies what the senses perceive.

Allah the Exalted says, “There is no compulsion in religion; right guidance has become distinct from error” (2:256). In other words, once the distinction is clear, coercion has no place, for coercion is employed only when the benefit is hidden. As for an affair whose welfare and the happiness of both abodes are plainly tied to it, what need is there for compulsion?

Likewise, He says, “And say, ‘The truth is from your Lord; so whoever wills—let him believe, and whoever wills—let him disbelieve’” (18:29), meaning: this is the truth, supported by clear proofs; whoever wishes may believe, and whoever wishes may disbelieve.

He also says, “So that those who perish [do so] after a clear proof, and those who live [do so] after a clear proof” (8:42).

And He, exalted is He, says, “Consult them in the matter” (3:159)—that is, in affairs that truly require consultation and in which the best course of action must be sought. But regarding a matter whose benefit is already determined and whose obligation is evident, He says: “Then, when you have resolved, put your trust in Allah” (3:159).