THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN THE THOUGHT OF SHAYKH MUHAMMAD HASBI ASH-SHIDDIEQY AS APPEARED IN HIS BOOK “TAFSIR AN-NUUR”

This descriptive and analytical study aims to describe Muhammad Hasbi’s thought about freedom of religion based on his exegesis work in his book “Tafsir An-Nuur”. This study is essential to be discussed continuously to preserve a peaceful atmosphere and harmony among followers of different religions and beliefs. Widely known that the freedom of beliefs is the right of everyone, and it cannot be separated from the life of modern society, but on the other hand, Islam obligates to deliver Islamic teachings to all mankind and jihad. So, what is the essence of jihad in Islam; what its purpose? And how does Islam respond to apostates?
The finding clearly shows that the jihad in Muhammad Hasbi’s view is just the way of Islam to convey Islamic teachings ffectively for people. Hasbi also emphasized that the command of jihad as a holy war was revealed only to realize the freedom of belief among human beings. On the contrary, he rejected apostasy as inconsistency in belief, and considered it as an insult to Islam.