When the children of a woman (in pre-Islamic days) did not survive, she took a vow on herself that if her child survives, she would convert it a Jew. When Banu an-Nadir were expelled (from Arabia), there were some children of the Ansar (Helpers) among them. They said: We shall not leave our children. So Allah the Exalted revealed; "Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error."
Abu Dawud said: Muqlat means a woman whose children do not survive.
Historical Context of the Revelation
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2682 provides crucial historical context for the revelation of the Quranic verse "Let there be no compulsion in religion" (2:256). The situation involved pre-Islamic Arabian customs where women whose children frequently died (muqlat) would vow to raise surviving children as Jews, hoping this would protect them.
When Banu an-Nadir, a Jewish tribe, were expelled from Medina, Muslim families faced the dilemma of whether to separate from children raised as Jews. This incident prompted divine guidance establishing the fundamental Islamic principle of religious freedom.
Scholarly Commentary on Religious Freedom
Classical scholars emphasize that this hadith establishes Islam's categorical prohibition against forced conversion. Imam Al-Qurtubi explains that the verse abrogates any previous allowance for compulsion in religion, making religious freedom an eternal principle.
Ibn Kathir notes that truth being clear from falsehood means Islam's evidences are so manifest that no coercion is needed - people embrace faith through conviction, not compulsion. This aligns with the Quranic declaration: "To you your religion, and to me my religion" (109:6).
Legal Implications and Wisdom
Islamic jurists derive from this that parents cannot force religious choices on children who reach maturity. The Hanafi school particularly emphasizes that adult children have complete religious autonomy.
The wisdom behind this ruling, as explained by Al-Ghazali, recognizes that coerced faith lacks spiritual value and creates societal discord. True faith must emerge from free will and conscious acceptance, which is why Islamic law protects religious minorities living under Muslim rule.