SOCIETY

50. Society ~ 147 ~ 50. SOCIETY What are the teachings of Islam on the subject of the multi-religious society? When Islam is studied with this question in mind, we find clear commandments in this regard. In chapter 109 of the Qur’an, the Prophet is enjoined to address non-Muslims thus: “I do not worship what you worship, nor do you worship what I worship. I shall never worship what you worship, nor will you ever worship what I worship. You have your own religion and I have mine.” This verse of the Qur’an coupled with other of its teachings amounts to an easily applicable formula for mutual respect. It means simply 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