Al-Kahf
الكهف
وَقُلِ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيُؤْمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ
Translation
And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills — let him believe; and whoever wills — let him disbelieve.'
Tafsir (Commentary)
This verse is a powerful declaration of free will in matters of faith. Together with 2:256 ('There is no compulsion in religion'), it forms the Qur'anic foundation for religious freedom. The verse places the responsibility of belief squarely on the individual: truth has been made clear, and each person must choose. While the verse continues with a warning about consequences in the Hereafter, the principle established here is that God does not compel belief — He presents truth and respects human agency.
Context of Revelation
Revealed in Mecca in Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave), a surah known for its stories of faith under trial. The verse is addressed to the Prophet Muhammad, instructing him to declare the message without coercing acceptance.