5 Foundations of Tolerance in Qur’an
The Qur’an: A Beacon of Mercy and Tolerance
In an age where waves of violence
rise, voices of bigotry grow louder, and many hearts narrow with hatred, the
Qur’an remains a shining beacon guiding humanity to vast horizons of mercy and tolerance. It draws a path for mankind built on justice, compassion,
and equality.
Islam came to free minds from the
chains of fanaticism, hearts from the diseases of cruelty, and nations from the
oppression of tyranny. It is the religion of ease and compassion, as described by Allah in His clear verses.
Every verse in the Book of Allah
carries within it the spirit of mercy and affirms that its higher objectives
are built on removing hardship, lifting burdens, eliminating injustice, and
establishing justice for all people.
Tolerance in the Qur’an is not a
slogan to be raised, nor a claim to be repeated. It is a foundational creed, a
legislative principle, and a moral value. It manifests in dealings, appears
in actions, and is
rooted in ethics and principles.
Thus arises the importance of
studying the Qur’anic foundations of tolerance, to recognize its features,
explore its theological, legislative, and ethical dimensions, and show how it
can contribute to building a world of understanding and coexistence, far from
the conflicts of hatred and confrontation.
Principles of Tolerance in the Qur’an
1.
Theological Foundation
Tolerance in Islam rests on the
belief that Allah is the Creator of all things and that His mercy encompasses
everything. Allah Says, {Allah is the Creator of
all things, and He is the Maintainer of everything.} [Az-Zumar 39:62] And
He Says, {But My mercy encompasses everything.} [Al-A`raf
7:156]
The word “thing”
in these verses is indefinite, and in Arabic grammar, indefinites denote
universality. Thus, Allah is the Creator of all beings and His mercy covers all
creation—humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects.
Believing in this encourages
Muslims to practice mercy toward all creatures as a foundation for interactions,
with people, whether in agreement or disagreement, and with all forms of life.
The basis of interaction is mercy and tolerance, not violence or cruelty.
Added to this is the Muslim’s
belief in the honor Allah Granted to all humanity, regardless of religion,
color, or gender: {Indeed, We have dignified the
children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful
provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures.} [Al-Isra
17:70]
2.
Legislative Foundation
Islamic legislation is built upon
promoting tolerance in dealing with all creatures. The Shariah was founded on
ease and the removal of hardship. Allah Says, {Allah
intends ease for you, not hardship.} [Al-Baqarah 2:185] He also Says, {And it is Allah’s Will to lighten your burdens, for
humankind was created weak.} [An-Nisa 4:28] And: {And laid upon you no hardship in the religion.} [Al-Hajj 22:78]
Furthermore, Islamic law is
founded upon moderation and balance. Allah Says, {And
so We have made you ˹believers˺ an upright community.} [Al-Baqarah 2:143]
This moderation establishes justice and fairness while steering away from extremes, whether
negligence or excess, which leads to tolerance and ease in life.
3.
Ethical Foundation
Islamic ethics call for tolerance in dealing with all realms of
creation—humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate beings. The foundation of
all interaction is gentleness, kindness, and removing harm, except in cases of
injustice or violation.
Allah Says, {If you retaliate, then let it be equivalent to what you
have suffered. But if you patiently endure, it is certainly best for those who
are patient.} [An-Nahl 16:126] And He Says, {The
reward of an evil deed is its equivalent. But whoever pardons and seeks
reconciliation, then their reward is with Allah. He certainly does not like the
wrongdoers.} [Ash-Shura 42:40]
Thus, ethics encourage preserving
rights and elevate interaction to forgiveness and pardon: {So forgive graciously.} [Al-Hijr 15:85]
Islamic ethics also emphasize justice,
fairness, excellence, and kindness, all of which are foundations of tolerance
and mercy. Allah Says, {O believers! Stand firm for
Allah and bear true testimony. Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to
injustice. Be just! That is closer to righteousness.} [Al-Ma’idah 5:8]
And He Says, {Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and fairly
with those who have neither fought nor driven you out of your homes. Surely
Allah loves those who are fair. Allah only forbids you from befriending those
who have fought you for ˹your˺ faith, driven you out of your homes, or supported ˹others˺ in doing so. And whoever takes them as friends, then it is they
who are the ˹true˺ wrongdoers.} [Al-Mumtahanah 60:8–9]
4.
Social Foundation
Tolerance in Islam is also based
on social principles. The Qur’an acknowledges diversity, plurality, and differences among people. Allah Says, {Had your Lord so willed, He would have certainly made
humanity one single community ˹of believers˺, but they will always ˹choose to˺ differ—except those shown mercy by your Lord—and so He created them.} [Hud
11:118–119]
Thus, human differences are by
divine will, and complete uniformity is impossible. Therefore, Islam calls for peaceful coexistence, allowing every individual the freedom to follow
the religion they choose, without aggression: {You
have your way, and I have my Way.} [Al-Kafirun 109:6]
The Qur’an also affirms human
unity, reminding us that Allah created all people and urging respect despite
differences, calling for mutual recognition and cooperation: {O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a
female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of
Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.} [Al-Hujurat
49:13]
Furthermore, the Qur’an calls for
social
solidarity, encouraging acts of kindness and charity: {And give food—despite their desire for it—to the poor,
the orphan, and the captive.} [Al-Insan 76:8] Such solidarity softens
hearts and nurtures compassion and love among people.
5.
Advocacy (Da`wah) Foundation
The da`wah is one
of the most important foundations of Islamic tolerance. Neglecting this aspect
leads to rejection and alienation. The Qur’an highlighted the methods and
principles of da‘wah, ensuring proper communication and fostering mercy and
tolerance.
Allah Says, {Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “This is my way. I invite to Allah with insight—I and those
who follow me. Glory be to Allah, and I am not one of the polytheists.”} [Yusuf
12:108] And
He Says, {Invite ˹all˺ to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and only
debate with them in the best manner. Surely your Lord ˹alone˺ knows best who has strayed from His Way and who is ˹rightly˺ guided.} [An-Nahl 16:125]
Allah also explained that
gentleness in da`wah is the key to unity and harmony, while harshness only
leads to discord: {It is out of Allah’s mercy that
you ˹O Prophet˺ have been lenient with them. Had
you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you. So
pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision,
put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.} [Aal `Imran
3:159]
You May Also Read:
- Why Islam Champions Peace Like No Other Religion?
- Human Attributes in Qur'an Perspective
- How the Qur’an Heals Anxiety and Sadness
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