Skip to main content

The concept of tolerance in Islam

Tolerance means ‘’to bear.’’ As a concept, it refers to respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human. In Arabic, it is called tasamuh. Words like hilm (forbearance) or ‘afw (forgiveness) or saf-h (overlooking) also convey the meaning of tolerance. In Persian and Urdu, we use the word rawadari which is derived from rawa meaning acceptable or bearable anddashtan meaning “to hold”. Thus it means to hold something acceptable or bearable.
Intolerance has become the culture of the day. It is causing death, genocide, violence, religious persecution as well as confrontations at different levels. Sometimes it is racial and ethnic, sometimes it is religious and ideological, and sometimes it is political and social. Whatever may be the reason, intolerance is painful in each situation. How can we solve the problem of intolerance? How can we bring tolerance in the world today? I have tried to discuss these issues from an Islamic point of view.
Tolerance is a basic principle of Islam. It is a religious and moral duty. It does not mean concession. It does not mean lack of principles, or lack of seriousness about one’s principles. Sometimes it is advocated that 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 do not believe that Islam is the final edition of divine faith and is superior to other faiths and ideologies as such. It does not mean that we do not present the message of Islam to all Mankind.
The Qur’an speaks about the basic dignity of all human beings regardless of their race, colour, language or ethnicity. The Shari’ah recognizes the right to life, property, family honour and conscience of all people. From the very beginning, freedom of religion has been guaranteed by Islam. It prohibits coercion in matters of faith and belief. The Qur’an says: “There is no compulsion in religion.” In matters of religion coercion is not permitted and by implication it is accepted that in matters like culture and other worldly practices also the use of force and undue influence is prohibited. In Surah al-Shura, Allah says to the Prophet (pbuh): ‘’If they turn away, we have not sent you as a guard over them. Your duty is but to convey (the message).’’ In Sura al-Nahl, Allah further reveals to the Prophet (pbuh) the method to be followed while preaching the Message of Allah: “Invite [all] to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful graciousness. Your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.’’
Allah further addressing Mankind saids: “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.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ratio of the Sea and Land surface Miracle

The word “the sea” (al-bahr) is used 32 times in the Quran. The word “al-bahr” is used both for sea and other waters like lakes and rivers. The word “al-berr” (the land) is used 12 times in the Quran. The surface of the world is 510 million square kilometers. Approximately 360 million kilometers are made up of waters, like seas, lakes, etc. In addition, 15 million kilometers are ice-sheets; if we exclude these ice-sheets from the rest, approximately 135 million square kilometers are land. The ratio of the words “al-bahr” (the land) and “al-berr” (the sea) in the Quran is 12/32 = 0.375. The ratio of the land and the sea in the world is 135 mill sq. km / 360 million sq. km=0.375. So, there is a very interesting harmony between the usages of these words in the Quran and the existing phenomena in the world. He is the One who moves you across the land and the sea. (10-Jonah, 22) (Reference:The Quran Unchallengeable Miracle by CANER TASLAMAN  ,page:283)
Post a Comment
Read more

Economic System of Islam

Islam views life as a compact whole and does not divide it into many separate and conflicting parts. The economic aspect is one of the most important parts of our life, while not being the whole of it. The Islamic system is balanced and places everything in its right place. Islam has given detailed regulations for the conduct of our economic life which concerns mainly the earning and use of wealth.  Man needs bread to live but he does not live for bread alone. This means that earning and spending money is essential for our living, but we do not live only for this. We have a greater purpose in life. We are Allah’s agents (Khalifah) on earth. We not only have a body but we also have a soul and a conscience. Without our soul and conscience, we would be considered little more than animals.  Everything in Islam is for the benefit and welfare of mankind. The economic principle of Islam aim at establishing a just society wherein everyone will behave responsibly and honestly, and not ...
1 comment
Read more

ZAKAT (ALMS GIVING) – THE PURITY AND ETERNITY!

When it comes to  Zakat , many a time people discuss only about items, rates and the difference of opinions among scholars about these. But, they tend to ignore the very important side- that is establishing a  Zakat  system in place.  Many times, Qur’an discusses  Zakat  right after mentioning Salah. The very first problem arose in the Islamic society after the demise of beloved Prophet, who established an ideal  Zakat  system, was some people declining the payment of  Zakat . Some hypocrites claimed that Prophet is no more, so they don’t have to pay  Zakat . This is how Khalifa Abu Bakr(R) responded to them: I swear upon Allah, I will declare war against those who distinguish (offering one and denying another) between Salah and  Zakat . And the Companions of Prophet supported him. The hesitation in giving out wealth is a human nature. Remember what Qur’an says: Indeed mankind, to his Lord, is ungrateful. And indeed, he is t...
Post a Comment
Read more