“Perhaps Allah will put, between you and those to whom you have been enemies among them, affection. And Allah is competent, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Quran, 60:7]
“Perhaps Allah will put, between you and those to whom you have been enemies among them, affection. And Allah is competent, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Quran, 60:7]
For all of our problems, questions, and troubles in life, the Quran provides us with hope, answers, and inspiration. The Holy Words of Allah should and will continue to inspire us in more ways than we may possibly comprehend – and in the hopes of helping us all understand the importance of community, solidarity, and kindness, here is what the Quran tells us about interfaith peace and dialogue:
1. Our differences are Allah’s Will
“And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.” [Quran, 5:48]
Here the Quran reminds us that our lives and societies are all designed and prescribed by Allah’s Will – meaning that all we should do is be the best we can as Muslims, and to respect our peaceful differences and let Allah be the sole Judger as He is.
2. We are different from each other for a reason
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” [Quran, 49:13]
The Quran explains here that we are different from each other not to fight and argue, but to understand and even celebrate – we must realize that we must stay united as a wider community not in spite of but because of our diversity.
3. There is no compulsion in religion
“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” [Quran, 2:256]
The religion of Islam does not allow someone to be forced into a religion – we cannot force or expect everyone to follow the religion of Islam. We must, therefore, respect and understand that there is much to be said in judging the character of a person before their declared religion.
4. We should not judge a person by their community
“…And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.” [Quran, 5:2]
Here the Quran tells us to focus on cooperating with others on the path of righteousness and piety – in whatever we do in life. This means that we must continue to uphold the morals of compassion and goodness above all else.
5. Those you see as enemies may in fact be your greatest companions
“Perhaps Allah will put, between you and those to whom you have been enemies among them, affection. And Allah is competent, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Quran, 60:7]
While we acknowledge that Allah Knows best, it is important to remember that we cannot live our lives with preconceived stereotypes or notions about those who may seem different to us. We must continue to be the first ones to offer our hands of peace and solidarity – the rest is up to Allah.
