Islam As A Religion Of Tolerance And Moderation

Islam-Religion Of Peace And Harmony

Islam-religion of peace derives its meaning from the word “salaam”. The meaning of “salaam” is peace. It means submitting yourself to the teachings of Allah that are based on peace and tranquility.

Before the advent of Islam. The conditions of the land of Arab were extremely inhuman and barbaric. There was no justice or tolerance at all.

The Holy Prophet came and provided rights to the weak and poor. Slaves were badly mistreated. Prisoners of war were denied basic human rights. Women were objectified and considered inferior. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came as savior of all such segments of society.

Teachings Of Islam To Promote Tolerance And Peace:

Teachings of Islam are based on equality, tolerance, and peace. Islam advocates brotherhood and unity amongst Muslims. It teaches that all Muslims are equal in the eyes of Allah regardless of gender, race, cast or creed. Only piety is the distinguishing factor that raises a person’s stature in the eyes of Allah.

The last sermon of Holy Prophet (PBUH) at the plains of Arafat stands as the best and most comprehensive Charter of Peace until this world lasts. He clearly laid out principles of equality and justice as being the fundamentals of Islam.

Islam was the first religion to recognize the importance of social rights such as that of neighbors, orphans and poor and above all religious freedom for all. Giving Zakat is emphasized at many places in the Holy Quran so that money is circulated appropriately in society leading to income equality for all.

Not only humans Islam preaches to exercise tolerance and moderation even when it comes to animals. Islam preaches to be merciful even towards plants and trees. This shows the extent to which Islam promotes peace and tranquility.

Examples Of Tolerance Set By Muslims In The Past:

We can draw numerous examples from Islamic history to indicate how tolerant and peace-loving Islam is as a religion. The way Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spread the message of Allah that in itself is a beautiful example of how peaceful Islam is.

People came to Islam not because of the forceful or tyrant behavior of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rather his excellent mannerism, benevolent conduct and sweet speech made people believe in the message of Allah and embrace Islam. The Conquest of Makkah is one of the best examples of peaceful conquest. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clearly laid the principles on the basis of peace such as:

• Do not cut trees or harm animals.
• Don’t harm the old, women or children.
• Do not attack anyone while worshipping.
• Don’t harm anyone who is not involved in the fight.

 

After the Conquest of Makkah, the prisoners of war were treated with dignity and mercy. There was absolute religious freedom for people following religions other than Islam. After looking at such tolerant and benevolent behavior of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) many people embraced Islam.

Islam preaches to avoid war as much as possible. Islam strongly condemns fight and dispute. However, when the rights of people are denied and oppressors become unstoppable, then Muslims are ordered to wage Jihad.

Even in that case, Islam encourages dialogue and table talk for an amicable resolution. Physical Jihad is to be avoided as much as possible. But if it becomes inevitable. We have seen the rules set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) indicates how much peace loving Islam is. Even during a war, Islam advocates to adopt a defensive strategy rather than taking an aggressive stance.

Muslims have ruled over different parts of the world for many centuries. They have exercised tolerance and moderation during their reign. Prophet Muhammad PBUH said:

“I am the enemy of any who injures non-Muslims. And whomever I am an enemy to, I will reckon with him on Judgment Day.”