Yahya - Justice and Tolerance in the Qur'an (2003)

THE PROPHETS HAVE BROUGHT JUSTICE
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and the first Christians. The communities who first believed
in God always remained faithful to God's messengers,
despite being subjected to difficulty and torture. In the
Qur'an, God relates that the first Christians in the time of Isa'
were sincere Muslims who surrendered themselves to their
Lord:
When Isa' sensed disbelief on their part, he said, "Who
will be my helpers to God?" The disciples said, "We are
God's helpers. We believe in God. Bear witness that we
are Muslims." (Qur'an, 3:52)
And when I inspired the Disciples to believe in Me
and in My Messenger, they said, "We believe. Bear
witness that we are Muslims." (Qur'an, 5:111)
The tolerant attitude adopted by the Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) towards Jewish communities also sets a good
example for all believers. During the period of the
Constitution of Medina, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
treated Jews kindly and tolerantly. He encouraged that there
be co-operation, counselling and goodness between Muslims
and Jews. 10 Indeed, this was put into practice in daily life.
This just and tolerant attitude of the Prophet (pbuh) surely
applied to all people from all religions and races. Despite
treachery, attacks and plots, the Prophet (pbuh) always
forgave the perpetrators in compliance with the verse "those
who pardon other people" (Qur'an, 3:134). And as the verse
suggests, "Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and
kindly instruction, and discuss (things) with them in the
politest manner..." (Qur'an, 16:125), he always summoned
people to Islam with gracious advice.