SOCIETY

Mutual Respect

THE teachings of Islam on the subject of multi-religious society amounts to an easily applicable formula for mutual respect. It teaches that all believers, whatever their elected religion, must have due reverence for the religions adhered to by others.

What establishes the need for such a formula is the edifice of religion being founded on the total conviction that it is the whole truth. To have any followers at all, a religion must carry that conviction. It is in the nature of things. But religious conviction alone is not a broad enough base on which to form a just society, particularly if that conviction is publicly expressed by different groups through the widely differing practices of different faiths. In the multi-religious context, it also takes broadmindedness, compassion and fellow feeling. Only when in possession of these virtues can members of society display their acceptance in their dealings with others, which will ensure a lasting peace.

The principle of mutual respect is a natural one and is to be found in all areas of civilized living. One of the major demands made by Islam is that this natural principle be upheld and acted upon by the adherents of different religions, so that societal structures may be strengthened by stable and enduring human relationships.


One of the major demands made by Islam is that the natural principle of mutual respect be upheld and acted upon by all, so that societal structures may be strengthened by stable and enduring human relationships.

For the greater part of his life, the Prophet of Islam lived in a society where adherents of other religions existed side by side with believers in Islam. The Prophet’s behaviour towards the former was invariably that of respect and acceptance.

At a time when the majority of the denizens of Makkah were of different beliefs, his conduct consistently conveyed his high moral character. On the one hand, he communicated to them the message of tawhid (oneness of God) with love and kindness and, on the other, fulfilled all of their human rights. That is why the people of Makkah irrespective of their beliefs had such great confidence in him—to the point of entrusting their belongings to his care. This they continued to do right up to the last days of his stay in Makkah.

After the attainment of his prophethood, he lived in Makkah for a period of thirteen years, later migrating to Madinah, where he lived for ten years until his death. For about half of this period in Madinah, he was living among people belonging to different religions. The Prophet devised a constitution for these people, known in history as Sahifa-eMadinah (Madinah Charter).

This charter expressly mentioned that issues concerning the different groups domiciled in Madinah would be decided on the basis of their own religious traditions—those of Muslims according to their Islamic traditions, and those of polytheists and Jews according to their respective traditions. This principle of Islam was intended to apply at all places where Muslims lived along with adherents of other religions. This sunnah or practice of the Prophet, for a pluralistic society carries the same moral authority as other of his practices.

Islam recognizes no difference between Muslims and people of other faiths from the ethical standpoint. The rights granted to a Muslim are exactly the same as those granted to others.


Islam recognizes no difference between Muslims and people of other faiths from the ethical standpoint. The rights granted to a Muslim are exactly the same as those granted to others.

A saying in Sahih al-Bukhari gives us a telling example of how this principle should in practice be followed. According to this report when the Prophet was in Madinah, he saw a funeral procession passing along a street. The Prophet was seated at that time. On seeing it, the Prophet stood up in deference to the deceased person. One of his Companions said: “O God’s messenger, it was the funeral of a Jew (not a Muslim).”

The Prophet replied: “Was he not a human being?”

This tells us that every human being is worthy of respect. There might be differences between people in religion, culture and traditions but it is incumbent upon everyone to accord equal respect to others as all men and women are creatures of one and the same God. All are descendants of Adam and Eve.

Everyone has certainly the right to adopt one religion according to their beliefs. But with that choice comes the ineluctable responsibility of giving respect in full measure to adherents of other faiths and, in the light of those faiths, giving them what is ethically their due.