Prejudice against Islam

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