Is verse 40 of Surat Al-Hajj: (For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is much mentioned, would surely have been pulled down) considered evidence for freedom of belief, and that Islam allows equality between disbelief and faith?

The meaning of the Almighty’s saying: (And had Allah not checked the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries…), is that what is meant by monasteries, churches, and synagogues are the houses of worship of the People of the Book, Jews and Christians. Allah has bestowed His grace upon His servants through this checking, which was the reason for the preservation of these houses and their protection from demolition. This checking is the cause of the soundness of the divine laws and the gathering of places of worship.

As for the claim that the verse is evidence for freedom of belief, it is incorrect. The verse does not provide an argument for those who advocate for freedom of belief in the comprehensive sense that approves of all religions. Rather, it explains the importance of jihad in preserving religion and repelling corruption.

If the intent of freedom of belief is the absence of compulsion in religion, then this is a true meaning; for Islam does not compel anyone to embrace it. However, this freedom does not mean Allah’s approval of disbelief; rather, it is an argument against disbelievers. As for the claim that all religions are true, this is absolutely false, for Islam is the only true religion in the sight of Allah, and clear verses have stipulated the disbelief of those who contradict it.

Thus, the verse explains the importance of jihad in reducing corruption on earth, not that it endorses beliefs contrary to Islam.