Magnificent examples of tolerance in Islam
10-4-2011 | IslamWeb
Question:
I would like to know more about tolerance in Islam.
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Islam is the true religion. It is based on Tawheed (Monotheism) and was sent by Allah, The Almighty. This is a fact that has been proven logically, by textual proofs from the Quran and Sunnah, as well as other sources. Islam is a way of life that governs man’s conduct from birth to death. It is a methodology that connects and encompasses all systems of life and legislation. It rules the individual and society with what Allah, The Almighty, wants from His slaves and recompenses or punishes them based on this.
If people are reasonable enough and ponder upon the meaning of Islam and upon its divine methodology, they will certainly regard it in a more positive manner. That is to say, they will definitely declare their full submission to, satisfaction with and acceptance of this religion. However, when this methodology clashes with people’s whims and desires, they turn their backs on it. Moreover, they may even attack it or arouse suspicions and spread lies about it just to keep people away from it, or to shake the faith of those who adopt it. They do this out of envy and injustice.
It is true that the one who is fair enough to regard Islam as it really is will find that its rulings and principles set the most magnificent examples of justice, tolerance and respect for humanity. Moreover, he will find that this great methodology enhances purity, charity, cooperation, solidarity, mercy, mutual advice, love, goodness, chastity, forgiveness and hope.
He will also find that Islam fights interest and usury (Riba), stinginess, selfishness, egoism, individualism, quarreling, fighting, hatred, exposure of others’ defects, oppression, injustice and uncleanliness.
It is worth noting that Islam is the only religion that has allowed other religions to co-exist under its supremacy, and has granted their followers the right to live in safety without fearing any threat against their honor or wealth.
Therefore, the one who tries to make malicious allegations about Islam or focuses on a certain issue and a certain ruling, and accuses Islam of injustice, is definitely distorting the truth. It is wrong to make unfair judgments without proof that cannot be acknowledged by any reasonable person, because one must first carefully examine the case and be aware of all its aspects before being able to judge it fairly. If each of these cases is given due attention, it will become evident that Islam has always been wronged by others, and yet it has always been just and fair in every situation.
Allah Knows best.