Introduction:
Extremevoices in the three religions that claim the monotheist heritage ofProphet Abraham--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--are busy sowing theseeds of confrontation and hate. They have recently taken the advantageof the politically rooted tensions between western and Middle Easterncountries to develop misunderstanding and mistrust among the followersof these religions.
Overview
Quotingselectively from Islamic sources, they have painted Islam as anintolerant religion that urges its followers to hate people of otherfaiths. This depiction belies both the historical record of Muslimsdealing with the followers of other faiths, and, most importantly, theQur'anic message itself.
Althoughhistorical Muslim societies were imperfect, there are plenty ofexamples to show that Islamic values inspired Muslims to developmulti-religious societies in which people of diverse religiousbackgrounds lived in considerable harmony. The tolerance of MedievalMuslim Spain and the invitation extended to Jews expelled fromJerusalem to return to the city upon the defeat of the Crusaders aretwo shining examples.
The glorious light of the Holy Quran
TheQur'an reiterates a fundamental truth taught by all the prophets whowere sent by God to guide human endeavors. It asserts that true andhonest living is the assured way for spiritual and social harmony, andfor protecting the long term self interests of every human being.
TheQur'an further asserts that humans are fallible and can never be freeof error in understanding and judgment. Human knowledge is imperfect,and subject to bias and error. Knowledge of intentions and innerthoughts are beyond human capacity, and so is the knowledge of thefinal destiny of individuals. People of faith must show humility andput their trust in divine wisdom and the absolute justice of God, andmust focus on doing what is right and just, instead of sitting injudgment on the eternal salvation of others. The Qur'an is clear thatonly God knows who is true and sincere in worship and service, and whohas gone astray.
"Your lord knows best who strays from his way: He knows best who they are that receive His guidance." (6:117)
"Andwe granted them clear signs in matters (of religion): it was only afterknowledge had been granted to them that they fell into schisms, throughinsolent envy among themselves. Verily your lord will judge betweenthem on the Day of Judgment as to those matters in which they set updifferences." (45:17)
What is our duty as Muslims?
Theduty of the faithful is, therefore, not to judge others and look downon those who have different understanding and faith, but respect theirchoices and try his or her best to live an upright life and manifestthe values of his and her faith through good work and good deeds.
"Toyou we sent the scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that camebefore it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by whatAllah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging fromthe truth that has come to you. To each among you have we prescribed alaw and an open way. If Allah had so willed, he would have made you asingle People, but (his plan is) to test you in what he hath given you;so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah;it is he that will show you the truth of the matters in which youdispute." (5:48)
The Qur'ancame to confirm the truth revealed in early scriptures, and the peopleof the book, the followers of the revealed scriptures, have a specialplace in the Qur'an, particularly those who carry the Abrahamic legacy.Significant portions of the Quran focus on the story of the Biblicalprophets and their followers, the Jews and Christians.
Itpresents their stories as the story of the journey of faith, remindingthe followers of the last revelation of the ups and downs in thestruggle of the early communities of faith.
Some commentators have stressed the down side ofthat story by focusing on the Qur'anic critique of the People of theBook. The Qur'an has pointed out several excesses and mistakescommitted by the followers of the Biblical prophets, and warned thefollowers of Prophet Muhammad (saws) against committing similarexcesses.
Yet the Qur'an is also full of stories of greatstruggles and shining examples of the followers of early prophets whosecommitment and devotion were crucial for establishing the monolithictraditions and translating divine guidance into social practices:
Thestrong faith of Saul (Talout) and those who stood firmly with him(2:249); the devotion of the people of the Trench who remained true totheir faith in the face of a horrifying aggression committed byruthless enemies (85:1-11); and the unwavering commitment of thefollowers of Christ to the ethical code and compassionate spirit hebrought to humanity (61:14).
ProphetMuhammad (saws) repeatedly emphasized that his mission confirmed thoseof early prophets. He directed early Muslims to seek refuge inAbyssinia, pointing out that the country was ruled by a just ChristianKing. This was the beginning of an excellent relationship and strongalliance between Muslims and Christians in Abyssinia that lasted for athousand years.
Conclusion:
Therefore,Muslim attitude toward the followers of other religions, particularlythe People of the Book, should not be one of self-righteousness andpride, but one of compassion, mutual respect, and concern for thewellbeing and welfare of other communities. The Quran an encouragesMuslims to cooperate for the common good and to search from a commonground, based on mutual respect and help.
"Say:O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: thatwe worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; thatwe erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other thanAllah." If then they turn back, say: "Bear witness that we (at least)are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will)." (3:94)
- The common ground:
Thecommon ground Muslims are asked to seek with the followers of otherreligions is a society in which people are free to worship God. In suchopen society Muslims must display positive attitude and unwaveringrespect of the followers of other faiths. Dealing with respect andpositive engagement does not mean that differences in doctrine andinterpretation do not matter. Rather, it means that those differencesmust be addressed through free and open dialogue.
It is thisopen, free, and dignified dialogue that allows the followers of variousreligious traditions to affirm their diversity and discuss theirsimilarities and differences, and it is what Islam requires from itsfollowers.
Muslims have a moral and religious obligation toengage in interfaith dialogue with other communities of faith, and theymust do that by maintaining ethical standards required by the Qur'an,including the directive to: "argue with [the follower of the revealed books] in ways that are best and most gracious."
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى guide us all by enabling us tocarry the magnificent torch of Islam and illuminating the darknessencompassing the folds of humanity - by moving forward under theglorious flag of the truth, in the immaculate name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى!
Maywe stand as a shining beacon with unwavering faith - guiding ourbrothers and sisters in humanity to a road that leads to nothing butprosperity and beauty more than we as mere mortals can ever envision -both in this life and the hereafter!
Ameen!
Allahu Akbar
Source:
- Islam City website
