It is written in the Quran as a warning for the early Muslims
and forewarning Muslims of future generations: ‘Believers! You will certainly
be put to test in regard to your properties and lives, and you will certainly
hear many hurtful things from those who were granted the Book before you, and
from those who have associated others with Allah in His Divinity (Mushrikeen).
If you remain patient and God-fearing this indeed is a matter of great
resolution’. S3 V186
Islam does not preach hatred towards anyone and forbids the
use of abusive language or the degradation of the religious beliefs of other
peoples, even though it may be strongly opposed to such beliefs. Indeed the
Quran is quite categorical in the stance that should be taken against its opponents,
saying: ‘Do not revile those other than Allah whom they invoke, because they
will revile Allah in ignorance out of spite. For We have made indeed the deeds
of every people seem fair to them.Thereafter, they will return to their Lord
and He will inform them of what they have done’. S6 V108
Islam uses logical arguments even when convincing people in
their religious belief: if anyone has different ideas about their belief in
Islam, leave them alone and tell everyone to wait until they are all brought before
their Lord the Almighty for accountability.
The Quranic guidance is given in Surah 2, verse 256, saying:
‘There is no compulsion in religion. The Right Way stands clearly distinguished
from the wrong. Hence he who rejects the evil ones and believes in Allah has
indeed taken hold of the firm, unbreakable handle. And Allah (Whom he has held
for support) is All-Hearing, All-Knowing’. The Quran goes further and
emphasises the point saying: ‘And proclaim: ‘This is the Truth from your Lord.
Now let him who will, believe; and let him who will, disbelieve’.
The Quran adopts a stance of reconciliation even with those
who are vehemently opposed to its guidance for no good reason. Of course the
Quran does not dilute any of its messages, but rather sets out a co-existence
policy for communities with differing beliefs. It says in the Surah 109, 1-6:
‘Say O unbelievers! I do not worship those that you worship. Neither do you
worship Him Whom I worship. Nor I will worship those whom you have worshipped.
Nor are you going to worship Him Whom I worship. To you is your religion, and
to me, my religion’.
Islam, through its sublime teachings, has always shown the
Path for the co-existence of nations, even when it seems impossible to co-exist
because of differences in religious beliefs or racial and colour prejudice. But
God’s teachings have always faced abuse and vehement opposition, even from
those who claim to believe in God: the Quran says regarding the attitudes of
the Jewish rabbis: ‘And believe in the Book which I have revealed and which
confirms the scripture you already have and be not foremost among its deniers.
Do not sell My signs for a trifling gain, and beware of My wrath’. S2 V41
After migrating to the city of Madinah the Prophet Mohammad,
peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, constituted the first ever charter or
convention for the national co-existence between people of different faiths.
When we compare Islam’s attitude with the attitudes of people
from many other faiths and religious groups we encounter many who are
antagonistic towards any form of reconciliation. Many reasons for this have
surfaced but for some it appears their only reason is that they wish to jump on
the bandwagon of Islamophobia!
How many people have criticised the Quran, even though they
have never even seen a Quran let alone read it? How many people have displayed
animosity towards Islam just because they hold different religious views? How
many people have attacked the gracious person of the Prophet Mohammad, peace
and mercy of Allah be upon him, just because it has become the fashion to
criticise him, slander his character and to demonise Islam?
Islam seeks a fair debate, free from any malicious slander
and hurtful accusations. The purpose of any such debate would be to look at our
beliefs intelligently, with reasoning and wisdom and to decide whether they are
from the Almighty Creator or not. With our belief in God, we either elevate the
Majesty of God or it will be lowered. The Islamic call or chant of ‘Allahu
Akbar’ means that God should be elevated higher than any other
consideration. The Quran tells us:
‘Allah’s are the most excellent attributes’ S16 V60
In our time, when social media has provided an outlet for
anyone and everyone, it has become ever easier for any maliciously intentioned
person to direct abuse at the Quran, Islam or its Prophet Mohammad, peace and
mercy of Allah be upon him, without any justification.
Islam has become a prime target for attacks by many ignorant
people with prejudicial attitudes. Muslims are abused and their communities are
targeted in many nations of the world.
Muslims should reach out and engage their fellow human beings
everywhere, showing them respect and treating them fairly and fulfil the
responsibilities that Islam teaches us.
It is becoming ever
more important to engage with people with the right conduct and right message.
The Quran says: ‘O people! Call to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and goodly
exhortation, and reason with them in the best manner possible. Surely your Lord
knows best who has strayed away from His Path, and He also knows well those who
are guided to the Right Way. If you take retribution, then do so in proportion
to the wrong done to you. But if you can bear such conduct with patience,
indeed that is best for the steadfast. And bear with patience, (O Prophet) and
your patience is only because of the help of Allah, and do not grieve over
them, nor feel distressed by their evil plans, for surely Allah is with those
who hold Him in fear and do good.’ S16 V125-128
