In a previous Friday editorial it had been pointed out with anguish that at a time when followers of all religions should work together to rescue modern man from the clutches of an all-devouring materialism, some people continue to undermine religions other than their own. It is pertinent in this connection to recall the Islamic way of preaching as embodied in the Quranic injunctions and the life example of the holy Prophet (SAW). The basic premise of this way is the fundamental Quranic position that freedom of choice in matters of religion is a right granted to man by Allah (SWT) and no one can deprive others of this inalienable right. One can invite others to the religion of his choice through fair, peaceful and democratic means. On Muslims, indeed it is incumbent to do the duty of inviting others to the Way of Truth. But no coercive or unfair means can ever be adopted for the purpose because that would defeat the very purpose of dawah. Islam lays it down as a fundamental principal that pure ends can never be achieved through impure means and even the noblest of ends can never justify unfair means. The Quran repeatedly asserts that evil cannot be removed through evil but only through good:
Good and evil can never be equal and alike; remove evil through that which is most good and you will see that he between whom and you was enmity is like a bosom friend (41:34)
The Prophet is commanded to invite people to the path of salvation with wisdom and fair exhortation (16:125). In his boundless affection and mercy for man, the Prophet used to gravely worry himself for those who refused to see the Truth. Allah asked him to be patient:
Remind them as you are a remembrancer only; you are not a warder over them. (88:21-22)

Lastupdate on : Thu, 1 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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