Yes To Religious Tolerance, No To Religious Fanaticism -By Ishaq Habeeb

Oftentimes, non Muslims judge Islam by the actions and utterances of its followers, not the true teachings of the deen as enshrined in the glorious Quran and Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (SAW). Which is peace, love, tolerance, etcetera.

Consequently, each and every one of us, as Muslims, is an ambassador of Islam in our own individual capacities, thus our speech, actions and dealings -especially with- non Muslims must represent the true teachings of Islam such that it puts Islam in a good light.

You can’t tell non Muslims who are ignorant of the true teachings of the religion that Islam is a religion of peace, when you’re violent in speech and action.

You can’t tell non-Muslims that Islam is a religion of love, when your heart is filled with unbridled intolerance and unfiltered hatred for everybody outside your belief system. “To each, his own.” Guidance is with Allah.

Besides, most of us are probably only Muslim, because we were born as one (Muslim by birth), for we didn’t get to choose. Therefore if at all, proselytizing should be achieved, shouldn’t we then, as Muslims, treat non Muslims, a whole lot better? Since just like most of us and Islam, they were also born into different religions, believing same to be true.

You can’t tell non Muslims that Islam is a religion of tolerance, when you go about hauling insults on every news headline from outside your region or religion, claiming it is a coded assault against your region or religion, maligning others intolerantly.
Even if you were right, Islam did NOT ask you to use cusswords or violence to express your disapproval with the people who holds different beliefs outside your belief system, especially in a secular, democratic state like Nigeria.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said to nonbelievers, in Surah al-kafirun “To You Your Religion and To Me Mine”, “You have your way, and I have my Way.” (Qur’an 109:1-6). Therefore, just worship, and let worship. Do your thing, and let others have their way. “There is no compulsion in religion” Quran: 2:256.

On a final note, Islam, for every true Muslim, is not only a religion, it is an identity and a badge we carry around; sanctity, purity and honor of which we must safeguard and uphold at all times.

May God guide us all to the right path