Tolerance

Islam's Tolerance

Freedom
of belief is guaranteed in Islam. It should be very clear that
Islam tolerates not only other faiths but even its enemies. This
is stated clearly in the Qur'an:

"God
forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for (your)
faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and
justly with them, for God loves those who are just."
[60:8]

It
is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status
of minorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of worship have
flourished all over the Islamic world. Islamic law also permits
non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts to implement
family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves and to govern
their own affairs.



History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other
faiths. When the great leader and second Caliph, Umar, entered
Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam guaranteed freedom of worship
to all religious communities in the city. In fact, so careful
was Umar in setting an example for his people that he not only
went to a church to pray, he prayed outside in the courtyard,
lest his followers after his death be tempted to convert the church
into a mosque.

Islam
teaches that the closest to Allah and the most beloved of Allah
are those who are the best in piety. Thus all people, male and
female, and regardless of race, color, nationality or ethnicity,
are considered and treated as equal before Allah and before the
law. This concept of tolerance did not reach the West even in
theory until the 18th century, and in practice not until the 20th
century.