Emphasis on the Teaching of Tolerance in Islam

Promotion of Tolerance In Islam

Main Points:

1.    The concept of tolerance in Islam is that people with different views have equal rights.

2.    The Holy Qur'an teaches us moderation and balance in order to sustain global success, wealth, honour, and dignity, as this noble verse demonstrates.

3.    From an Islamic perspective, tolerance serves as the foundation of society

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By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam

8 August 2022

One of the characteristics that contribute significantly to the civilization and development of a multi-religious nation or multicultural country is tolerance.

What Is Tolerance?

Commonly used definitions of tolerance include bearing another person's comments with patience and respect while avoiding bias, obstinacy, malice, or jealousy. Tolerance is the antithesis of intolerance, that is, it is another name for patience and forbearance.

The concept of tolerance in Islam is that people with different views have equal rights. This tolerance calls for refraining from criticising them in any way that would offend people who have opposing ideas, beliefs, or thinking while also taking into account their feelings. Coercion should never be used to persuade someone to abandon their religious convictions and practices or to stop them from engaging in such practices.

Islam explicitly tells us to be tolerant. It is evident from a study of the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's hadiths that Islam has established a number of justifications for the advancement of tolerance and humanity that seek to instil in people a sense of treating others with sincerity and striving for their welfare.

The desire for tolerance transcends national boundaries and has universal applications. It is simple to foster harmonious international and interreligious ties if a nation fosters tolerance on a national level. Along with enhancing moral and human values, this procedure also helps to rebuild international trust and boosts the nation's economy.

Social behaviour characterized by a spirit of tolerance, whether it be on a national, regional, or worldwide scale, does not foster hostility and resentment among people, but rather creates new opportunities for societal prosperity and a well-functioning political order. Thus, from an Islamic perspective, tolerance serves as the foundation of society, but its widespread application fosters an environment of attachment and love among people, which is currently the most pressing need and desire.

Islam is a patient and tolerant religion. There is no place in it for compulsion of any kind. It is a deception and slander to assert that Islam has been imposed on the globe by the use of force and the sword. In the Quran, Allah Azzawajal declares:

“There is no compulsion in the Religion” (2:256)

The Holy Qur'an teaches us moderation and balance in order to sustain global success, wealth, honour, and dignity, as this noble verse demonstrates. Islam is, without a doubt, a religion of moderation and equilibrium where coercion has no place at all.

The Holy Prophet's deeds are what constitutes the foundation of Islamic culture. For the Muslim Ummah, the Qur'an declared:

“And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.” (2:143)

Tolerance, moderation and balance have been described in various places in the Holy Quran. The following are some verses in this regard:

Peace and Harmony

The Holy Qur'an always exhorts peace, harmony, tolerance, mutual love, forgiveness, patience and forgiveness. Allah says:

“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous (3:133) Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good” (3:134)

Instead Of Cruelty and Transgression, Moderation And Tolerance

In Islam, it is stressed that vengeance should be exacted in accordance with what has been done, even though it is allowed to exact retribution for the brutality and abuse of the opponent. Overstepping the boundary is not permitted at all. Allah Almighty urged forgiving and reconciliation and said:

“And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.” (42:40)

Adopting A Positive Outlook In The Face Of Rudeness And Poor Behaviour

The Islamic faith and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbid us from acting badly in retaliation for someone else's bad behaviour. Instead, every chance has been taken to teach tolerance and patience. This tactic turns the adversary into an ally. Allah says:

“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better, and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” (41:34)

Testimony Of The Qur'an On The Gentleness Of The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)

While praising the gentleness of His Prophet, Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:

“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them on the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (3:159)

These verses of the Quran make it very evident that Allah Azzawajal has commanded us to practise tolerance and forgiveness at all times.

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Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.

 

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islam-tolerance/emphasis-teaching-tolerance/d/127668

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