According to Cambridge Dictionary, tolerance is “Willingness to accept behaviors and
beliefs that are different from your own, although you might not agree with or
approve of them.”
According Merriam Webster is “Sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices from or conflicting
with one’s own.”
Tolerance is a cardinal principle of Islam. It is not a mere
fairy-tale phrase, but an obligation to live it in reality. Islam urges mankind
to be tolerant and forgive others, which is clearly indicated in both the Noble
Qur’an, and the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
One of the features of Islam is that of mercy, thus a Muslim
is expected to be easy going. He/she is expected to forgive when he/she is able
to take revenge and be tolerant when people make mistakes. Tolerance and patience
are traits of every believer; they are sometimes equated to faith. The prophet
peace be upon him was once asked “What is ‘Imaan’ (faith)?” he replied:
“’Imaan’ (faith) is patience and tolerance.”(Al-silsilah
al-sahihah, No 554)
Islam may tolerate many things, but it teaches zero tolerance
for injustice, oppression, violation of the rights of the Creator and that of
other human beings. But this does not, in any way, imply that people can take
law into their own hands; but it is the state or those in such authority to
sanction the vices mentioned above by force.
Tolerance is a religious moral duty. It does not mean lack of
principles or lack of seriousness about one’s principles. It is sometimes
stated that, “people are tolerant of things that they do care about.” This
contravenes the teachings of Islam. Tolerance does not in any way means that we
do not convey the message of truth and invite others to righteousness.
Remember, tolerance towards falsehood is indeed Intolerance.
As Islam is an all-embracing way of life, it is not only a
faith and worship but also a legal and political system, a moral code of
behavior, and a culture and a civilization. Its teachings, therefore, cover all
aspects of human life whether spiritual or material, individual or social, both
in this life and the life to come.
Therefore, Islam teaches tolerance on all levels of human
fabrics: 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 the law. There are many levels where
tolerance is required:
1.
Tolerance among family
members – husband
and wife (s), parents and children, siblings etc.
2.
Tolerance among members
of the community: Tolerance
in views and opinions, among different schools of thoughts.
3.
Tolerance between
different faiths:
(interfaith relations, dialogue and cooperation)
Many lessons could be drawn from the
life of the prophet (peace be upon him) to portray the high level of tolerance
shown to other people of other faiths. Allah the Almighty bestowed on him the
best attitude and conduct and the best way of dealing with different people and
different situations, which can benefit human beings if emulated.
The prophet (peace be upon him) did
not use to repay evil with evil; rather he would pardon and forgive. He got
angry only for the sake of the Creator, not for his sake, but yet implied
wisdom is such conditions. He would adhere to the truth even if that resulted
in harm for himself or his companions.
A’isha, the wife of the prophet
(peace be upon him) narrated that “The messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)
was never given the choice between two (2)
things, except he chose the easiest of them, so long as it was not a sin; but
if it was a sin, he would be furthest of the people from it.”
The prophet’s (peace be upon him)
tolerance, proves beyond all doubts. The stories, examples and proofs of the
magnificent tolerant nature of the final prophet (peace be upon him) are too
numerous. Let’s just navigate through some.
The tribe of Quraish where
archenemies of the prophet and Islam, for a period of 13 years while he was in Makkah, they would rebuke, taunt, mock,
beat him with some of his disciples, both physically and mentally.
They placed the afterbirth of a camel
on his back while he prayed and he was also boycotted with his companions until
the social sanctions became humanly unbearable. They plotted and attempted to
kill him in many occasions, and he escaped to Madinah. They rallied the majority
of the Arab tribes and wage many wars against him.
Amazingly, what was the reaction of
the prophet (peace be upon him) toward his Makkan enemies when he entered
Makkah and liberated it from falsehood, idolatry and paganism to the light of
righteousness. After Muslims’ victory with the high climax of joy, the prophet
(peace be upon him) converged Makkans together, who were afraid that he would
harm or kill them in revenge for the past abuses and killings of Muslims.
Then the prophet (peace be upon him)
addressed them, “O, you people of Quraish! What do you think of the treatment I
am about to do with you?” they answered, “You are a generous brother, the son
of an honorable brother of ours.” Then, the kind, tolerant, generous and
merciful prophet (peace be upon him) forgave them, announcing: “No harm will
come to you. You may go. You are free. (the Sealed Nectar pg. 467)
Islam has honored humans regardless
of their religion. When the prophet (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah, he
showed kindness to the Jews and drafted the Charter of Madinah to organize the
relationships between the different religions, clans and tribes inhibiting
Madinah. This document stated that justice must be done between the people of
Madinah regardless of their beliefs and religions.
Rarely in the annals of history such
level of tolerance and forgiveness is recorded. This shows the real tolerant
nature of Islam.
It is apparent that intolerance creates
a fertile ground for violent extremism. Islam is in total contravention with
violence. However, people have a legitimate right to fight against aggression or
when oppressed without being extreme. Islam equates an innocent life to the
life of all mankind. “…whosoever kills an innocent human being,
it shall be as if he killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one,
it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind…” Our’an 5:32
Islam’s opposition to violent
extremism is clearly manifested in the Noble Qur’an, the tradition of the
prophet (peace be upon him) and the actions of his disciples. Abubacarr Siddiq
the 1st Caliph of Islam
laid down the Islamic approaches to war by highlighting the following in the
battle field, one should not:
Ø Commit treachery
Ø Mutilate the
dead
Ø Deviate from the
right path
Ø Kill a woman,
child or aged man
Ø Harm and burn
trees, especially the fruitful
Ø Slay the enemy’s
flocks, except for food
Ø Harm those who
devote the life to worship
In our collective quest to prevent violent extremism, no
civilization should be imposed on other cultures, but there should mutual
respect. Any act of terror must be collectively and sincerely condemned. Anyone
who committed an act of violence should be guilty and accountable for his
crime; but not be attributed to his religion, or the religion he claims to
belief.
It is also crucial for governments and stake-holders to
invest on religious education. It is obvious that lack of proper religious
education leads to misinterpretations of many religious teachings which
undoubtedly is one of the major reasons for violent extremism in the world. Many
young people are being indoctrinated due to lack of understand of the
principles of their religions.
In conclusion, as we live in a multi-cultural and faith
society; tolerance is not an option but an obligation. Differences are bound to
occur, but with tolerance and respect we can live side-by-side in a peaceful
atmosphere which shall certainly be a common denominator in our collective
drive to live a peaceful world.
Picture source: https://myislam.dk/articles/en/obrien%20why-christians-and-muslims-worship-different-gods.php
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