Tolerance
A universal system should tolerate differences in belief and cultural diversity among people. If there is a unique attribute that our world has, it is diversity in culture and beliefs. Therefore, any system which claims universality should have tolerance towards other cultural and religious practices as a non-negotiable principle.In this section part of the article, light will be shed onthe principle of tolerance based on historical evidence drawn from practices of several religions and ideologies in comparison to Islam.
Toleration of Islam
A very important aspect when defining Islam is that it means complete submission to Allah by choice and convection, not through seduction or compulsion. Islam accommodates and welcomes all people as brothers and sisters regardless of their particular backgrounds. The Islamic attitude towards other religions is not only to show tolerance to other beliefs, but to confirm the non-negotiable Islamic principle of tolerance and religious responsibility. Allah Almighty Says (what means):
"There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taaghut (false deities) and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing." [Quran 2:256]
Islam, through the course of its history, has granted people of other faiths the highest degree of tolerance by allowing them to follow their way, although some of their practices might conflict with the religion of the majority. It was this degree of tolerance that the Muslims adopted towards their non-Muslim citizens.
There is another aspect of this matter which cannot be found in the law nor can it be enforced by the courts or the government: this is the so-called “spirit of tolerance” which underlines upright attitudes, benevolent dealings, respect for one’s neighbors, and all the sincere sentiments of piety, compassion, and courtesy. Such attitudes are required in every life and cannot be obtained through constitutional legislation or the courts’ jurisdiction. The spirit of tolerance in Islam is exclusively practiced in an Islamic society. ([1])
Many Quranic verses have emphasized dealings with the non-Muslims with justice and respect, especially those who live in peace with the Muslims and do not raise enmity against them, such as the following verses (what mean):
"Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes — from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." [Quran 60:8]
"And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance [i.e. approval] of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’" [Quran 76:8- 9]
Although Muslims might disagree with other belief systems and religious dogmas, it should not prevent them from demonstrating the correct manner of discussion and interaction with non-Muslims, as Allah Says (what means):
"And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, ‘We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is One; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.” (The Quran 29:46)
In this context, it seems appropriate to raise the question; is tolerance withother religions as preached by Islam a matter left to the Muslims to decide about? As a matter of fact, tolerance in Islam has ideological basis in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and it is not left for any human intrusion. Therefore, it is an Islamic principle that does not change over time or place. According to the Quran, every being is to be honored, for Allah Almighty Says (what means):
"And We have certainly honored the children of Aadam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference." [Quran 17:70]
Muslims believe that Islam is the final revelation of Allah Almighty and it is the religion of universal truth that is the best way of life for all mankind. All its doctrines can withstand any challenge. Therefore, the existence of different religions - man-made or supposedly revealed religions - is only to allow the human intellect to choose. These principles are emphasized in the following verses (which mean):
"Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge-[that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them-out of jealous animosity between them. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, and then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account." [Quran 3: 18-19]
"And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed — all of them entirely. Then, , would you [O Muhammad] compel the people in order that they become believers?" [Quran 10:99] ([2])
In Islam, injustice is looked at as one of the greatest sins. Therefore, oppressing people because they have different beliefs is rejected. Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “The supplication of an oppressed person, even though he is a pagan, is heard directly, without any veil”. ([3])
[1] Yusuf al-Qaradawi. Non-Muslims in the Islamic Society. (Tr, by K.M. Hamad and SM.A. Shah) American Trust Publication, Indianapolis, 1985. P. 28
[2]In the actual world as it is, man has been endowed with various faculties and capacities, so that he should strive and explore, and bring himself into harmony with Allah's Will. Hence-faith becomes a moral achievement, and to resist faith becomes a sin. As a complementary proposition, men of faith must not be angry if they have to contend against Unfaith and most important of all, they must guard against the temptation of forcing faith, i.e., imposing it on others by physical compulsion. Forced faith is no faith. (Part of the translators comment on the 10:99 verse, The Noble Quran, King Fahad Printing Complex, PP 556.557)
[3]Related by Imam Ahmed in his Musnad. As reported in al-Qaradawi 1985
