Tolerance in Islamic Tradition

We are living in a globalised world, with diverse religious,ethnic, cultural, social, economic and political backgrounds. All these suggestthe importance for a better understanding one another through interfaithpartnership. The objective of interfaith partnership is to create mutualunderstanding, respect and tolerance to work in unity for peace and prosperityof humanity without harming the identity of any religious group inmulti-culture societies.

Every religion has some universal values as a common ground.The Holy Quran appeals its followers to engage in interfaith partnership withthe people of other faiths on the basis of what they have common in doingrighteous deeds for a better society.

   

Literally the word tolerance means “to bear” As aconcept it means respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity ofthe world’s cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human. In Arabic itis called “tasamuh”. There are also other words that give similarmeanings, such as “Hilm” (forbearance) or “`afu” (pardon,forgiveness) or “safh” (overlooking, disregarding). Thus it means tohold something acceptable or bearable. Tolerance is a deliberate choice ofnon-interference in the conduct that one disproves.

Tolerance is man’s ways of declaring his superiority to God,or to the unfaith hummable loved one- by not arraigning the latter, mantranscends his complete dependence on the beloved. The divine has manyattributes, enumerated by religious poets themselves, but tolerance does notappear to be among them. Tolerance is a specifically human and humane quality.

Tolerance is a multi-faceted concept comprising moral,psychological, social, legal, political and religious dimensions. The dimensionof tolerance addressed by this essay is specifically religious tolerance, suchas this principle finds expression within the Islamic tradition. Tolerance is anoble Islamic thought suggested in many verses of Quran in different forms,with complete emphasis and explicitness. The Islamic tradition, in principle aswell as in practice, provides compelling answers to many questions pertainingto the relationship between religious tolerance and the practice of one’s ownfaith.

Indeed, there is significant value in exploring Islam’s richtradition of tolerance. The Qur’an reveals an inherent ethic of tolerance. TheQuran says: “O humankind, God has created you from male and female and made youinto diverse nations and tribes so that you may come to know each other.”(Qur’an 49:13) An often-repeated verse, “There shall be no compulsion inmatters of faith.”(Qur’an 2:256) The Qur’anic declaration emphasizing thisIslamic injunction, numerous Hadith demonstrate a congruity between theQur’an’s directives toward tolerance and peaceful coexistence. 

The Quran is clear on its stand on religious tolerance.  Religious tolerance as practiced during thelife of Muhammad (PBUH). The spirit of tolerance and respect displayed byMuhammad was not a case in isolation in Islamic history. The first reign ofMuslim civilization was born, where people of different tribes and faiths wereunited and bound by the Madinah Charter. The very first provision of theCharter states that it is binding on all the people of Yathrib, who are now onecommunity.

Islam emphasizes tolerance in different ways; the Quranmentions that God has created people as different nations, societies,religions, race and color. It gives responsibility for individual commitmentsand it should be done in a particular way. The Holy Quran provides a frameworkof social equality and universal brotherhood. Islam stands for justice and fairplay for all, whether Muslims or non-Muslims. Islam is a progressive religionand approves pluralism, tolerance and acceptance. Islamic teachings negateextremism, radicalism, fundamentalism or fanaticism. 

(Dr. Meraj Ahmad Meraj is Assistant Professor Department ofArabic, Aliah University, Kolkata)

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