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Spirit of tolerance in
Islam
What is tolerance? Literally the word "tolerance" means "to
bear." As a concept it means "respect, acceptance and
appreciation of the rich diversity of the world's cultures, forms of expression
and ways of being human." In Arabic it is called "Tasamuh".
There are also other words that give similar meanings, such as
"Hilm" (forbearance) or "'`Afu" (pardon, forgiveness)
or "Safh" (overlooking, disregarding). In the Persian and Urdu
languages, we use the word "rawadari" which comes from
"rawa" meaning "acceptable or bearable" and
"dashtan" meaning "to hold". Thus it means to hold
something
acceptable or bearable.
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And do not abuse those whom they call upon
besides Allah, lest exceeding the limits they should abuse Allah out of
ignorance. Thus have We made fair seeming to every people their deeds; then
to their Lord shall be their return, so He will inform them of what they did. [Quran, chapter-6, Verse-108]
Tolerance
is a basic principle of Islam. It is a religious moral duty. It does not mean
"concession, condescension or indulgence." It does not mean lack of
principles, or lack of seriousness about one's principles.
Sometimes it is said, "people are tolerant of things that they do not
care about." But this is not the case in Islam. Tolerance according to
Islam does not mean that we believe that all religions are the same. It does
not mean that we do not believe in the supremacy of Islam over other faiths
and ideologies. It does not mean that we do not convey the message of Islam
to others and do
*Tolerance comes from our recognition of:
1.
the dignity of the human beings,
2. the basic equality of all human beings,3. universal human rights, and 4.
fundamental freedom of thought, conscience and belief.
The Qur'an speaks about the basic dignity of all human beings. The Prophet,
peace and blessings be upon him, spoke about the equality of all human
beings, regardless of their race, color, language or ethnic background.
Shari`ah recognizes the rights of all people to life, property, family, honor
and conscience.
Islam emphasizes the establishment of equality and justice, both of these
values cannot be established without some degree of tolerance. Islam
recognized from the very beginning the principle of freedom of belief or
freedom of religion. It said very clearly that it is not allowed to have any
coercion in the matters of faith and belief. The Qur'an says, "There is
no compulsion in religion." (Al-Baqarah: 256)
If in the matters of religion, coercion is not permissible, then by
implication one can say that in other matters of cultures and other worldly
practices it is also not acceptable. In Surat Ash-Shura Allah says to the
Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "If then they turn away, We
have not sent you as a guard over them. Your duty is but to convey (the
Message)ï?½" (Ash-Shura: 48) In another place Allah says, "Invite
(all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue
with them in ways that are best and most gracious. Your Lord knows best, who
have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance." (An-Nahl:125)
Further, Allah says to the Believers, "Obey Allah, and obey the
Messenger, and beware (of evil): if you do turn back, know then that it is
Our Messenger's duty to proclaim (the Message) in the clearest
manner."(Al-Ma'idah: 92)
One can also cite Allah's words: "Say: 'Obey Allah, and obey the
Messenger: but if you turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed
on him and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on right
guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear
(Message)."(An-Nur:54)
All these verses give note that Muslims do not coerce people; they must
present the message to them in the most cogent and clear way, invite them to
the truth and do their best in presenting and conveying the message of God to
humanity, but it is up to people to accept or not to accept. Allah says,
"And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whosoever wants let him
believe and whosoever wants let him deny." (An-Nahl: 29)
The question then comes: If Allah gave choice to believe or not to believe,
then why did He punish the people of Prophet Nuh, the `Ad, the Thamud, the
people of Prophet Lut, the people of Prophet Shu`aib and Pharaoh and his
followers? The answer is in the Qur'an itself. Those people were not punished
simply because of their disbelief. They were punished because they had become
oppressors. They committed aggression against the righteous, and stopped
others to come to the way of Allah. There were many in the world who denied
Allah, but Allah did not punish every one. Ibn Taymiyah, the outstanding
Muslim scholar, said, "The states may live long inspite of their
people's unbelief (kufr), but they cannot live long when their people become
oppressors."
Another question is raised about Jihad. Some people say, "Is it not the
duty of Muslims to make Jihad?" But the purpose of Jihad is not to
convert people to Islam. Allah says, "No compulsion in religion."
(Al-Baqarah: 256). The real purpose of Jihad is to remove injustice and
aggression. Muslims are allowed to keep good relations with non-Muslims.
Allah says, "Allah does not forbid you that you show kindness and deal
justly with those who did not fight you in your religion and did not drive
you out from your homes" (Al-Mumtahinah: 8)
Islam teaches that fighting is only against those who fight. Allah says,
"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress
limits; for Allah loves not transgressors." (Al-Baqarah:190)
Islam may tolerate anything, but it teaches zero tolerance for injustice,
oppression, and violation of the rights of other human beings. Allah says,
"And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who,
being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children, whose
cry is: 'Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and
raise for us from Yourside one who will protect; and raise for us from
Yourside one who will help!'"(An-Nisa': 75)
Islam teaches tolerance on all levels: individual, groups and states. It
should be a political and legal requirement. Tolerance is the mechanism that
upholds human rights, pluralism (including cultural pluralism), and the rule
of law. The Qur'an says very clearly: "To every People have We appointed
rites and ceremonies which they must follow, let them not then dispute with
you on the matter, but do invite (them) to your Lord: for you are assuredly
on the Right Way. If they do wrangle with you, say, 'God knows best what it
is you are doing.' 'God will judge between you on the Day of Judgment
concerning the matters in which you differ.'" (Al-Hajj: 76-69)
*There are many levels of tolerance:*
A. Between family members, between husband and wife, between parents and
children, between siblings etc.
B. Tolerance between the members of the community: tolerance in views and
opinions, tolerance between the Madhahib (Islamic Juristic Schools).
C. Tolerance between Muslims and the people of other faiths (interfaith
relations, dialogue and cooperation).
Muslims have been generally very tolerant people. We must emphasize this
virtue among us and in the world today. Tolerance is needed among our
communities: We must foster tolerance through deliberate policies and
efforts. Our centers should be multi-ethnic. We should teach our children
respect of each other. We should not generalize about other races and
cultures. We should have more exchange visits and meetings with each other.
Even marriages should be encouraged among Muslims of different ethnic groups.
With non-Muslims we should have dialogue and good relations, but we cannot
accept things that are contrary to our religion. We should inform them what
is acceptable to us and what is not. With more information, I am sure the
respect will develop and more cooperation will develop.
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