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2. Tolerance is a characteristic
that cannot be isolated from Islam.
In sending off his messenger on a mission,
the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) advised as follows:
“Make it convenient and do not make it
difficult, tell them the good news and do
not make them run away” (Related by Al-
Bukhari)
In addition, the Prophet also reminded
“Indeed, you have been sent to make
things easy (for the people), not to make
things difficult for them.” (Related by Al-
Bukhari)
Aisyah r.a. said:
“When the Prophet is given two choices,
he will choose the one that is more
convenient between the two, so long as it is
not sinful.” (Related by Al-Bukhari)
Among the hallmarks of convenience in
practising Islam as a faith, is the provision
of rukhsah (exemptions), when one faces
difficulty in fulfilling certain requirements.
This characteristic is based on
the commandment that there is to
be no compulsion to accept Islam.
Allah Almighty says,
“Let there be no compulsion in
religion.” (The Holy Quran 2: 256)
“Will you then compel mankind,
against their will, to believe…?”
(The Holy Quran 10: 99)
Islam encourages respect for
other faiths, and does not interfere
in other faiths acts of worship.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy
Quran:
“Say : O you who reject Faith ! I
worship not that which you
worship. Nor do you worship that
which I worship. And I will not
worship that which you have been
worshipping. Nor will you
worship that which I worship. To
you be your Way, and to me,
mine.” (The Holy Quran 109: 1-6)
Another Islamic injunction
which aims to inculcate respect for others, is
the prohibition against rebuking or insulting
other faiths. This is mentioned in the Holy
Quran;
“Do not revile those whom they call upon
besides Allah, lest they out of spite, revile
Allah in their ignorance. Thus have We made
alluring to each people its doings. In the
end will they return to their Lord, and We
shall then tell them the truth of all they did.”
(The Holy Quran 6: 108)
In the effort to foster tolerance, Muslims
are encouraged to counter wrong-doing with
good deeds.
“Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal.
Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will
he between whom and you were hatred,
become as it were, your friend and
intimate!” (The Holy Quran 41: 34)
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