Islam, the Quran and the Prophet, all stood for Pluralism

Narrative for countering radicalisation Islam, the Quran and the Prophet, all stood for Pluralism

 Islam has consistently and universally promoted human rights and freedom as fundamental for peace, prosperity and development of the people world over. “O mankind! We have created you from a single (pair) of male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is the most pious of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)” [Q49:13]. 

This single Qur‟anic verse is alone a testament to the foundation of diversity and pluralism in Islam. A striking example of central values of Islamic pluralism is evident from the contact „Mithaq al‐Madinah‟ other hand when the Prophet reached Madina as arbitrator among various warring factions which placed all groups within the city into a mutual alliance in which they agreed to protect the city, to come to the aid of allies, and to embrace Muhammad as a political and military leader. This alliance was in no way contingent upon religious affiliation or homogeneity. There was no obligation to adhere to the religious rites practiced by Muhammad, and in fact, religious communities were explicitly granted rights to autonomy and self‐determination. Muhammad declared “No one is to destroy a house of their religion,” or to carry anything from it to the Muslims‟ houses”, their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants. It states: “Surely those who have accepted faith [that is the Muslims], those who are Jews, the Sabaeans, the Christians, the Magians and those who have associated other gods with God, God will judge among them on the Day of Resurrection. God is witness over all things.”(Q. 22:17) 

The Qur‟an further states, “Say, „We believe in God and in that which He has revealed to us and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, the descendants and that which was revealed to Moses, Jesus and that which was revealed to the prophets from their Lord, We make no difference between one and another and we bow in submission to Him'” (Q2:136). The Qur‟an emphasizes, “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Q2:256) and “Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?” (Q10:99). Islam prohibits oppression irrespective of the faith, gender, race or economic status of the victim or perpetrator. The Quran instructs, "Help one another in benevolence and piety, and help not one another in sin and transgression" (Q5:2).

 Thus, Muslims are spiritually prohibited from oppressing the adherents of other faith groups. Thus, killings, mutilation, burnings, discrimination and violence against minority religious communities. Abu Bakr, one of Muhammad‟s trusted advisors, is on record stating, “The most important foundation of a truly Muslim country is justice and equality for all. In fact, a country that is bereft of justice and equality, though it may be inhabited by Muslims, is not really a Muslim country at all”. Regarding Dhimmis, non-Muslim citizens of a Muslim state, Prophet Muhammad said, "If anyone wrongs a man with whom a covenant has been made [i.e., a Dhimmi], or curtails any right of his, or imposes on him more than he can bear, or takes anything from him without his ready agreement, I shall be his adversary on the Day of Resurrection” and "Whoever killed a Mu'ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims, i.e. a Dhimmi) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling)." Before his death, in the hand of a non-Muslim assassinator, Caliph Umar ordered specifically: “I urge him (i.e. the new Caliph) to take care of those non‐Muslims who are under the protection of Allah and His Messenger in that he should observe the convention agreed upon with them, and fight on their behalf (to secure their safety) and he should not over‐tax them beyond their capability.” Indeed, the Islam, the Quran, the Prophet and the earlier Caliphs had always stood for „Pluralism‟ for the welfare happiness of the people at large, irrespective of their different religious beliefs.