The Way of Tolerance

THE WAY OF TOLERANCE I further said I had received education primarily in an Islamic madrasa (Islamic seminary). After completing my education at the madrasa, when I interacted with people around me, I realized that what we are taught at the madrasa is not in keeping with modernity. I explained that Islam has been taught in a traditional idiom for more than a thousand years. After a deeper self-study, I realized that there are many aspects of Islam that, if explained, can be applied to describe Islam in a contemporary style. Having spent a lifetime studying Islam and modernity, I can say that Islam is entirely compatible with the modern age. My writings present Islam in a contemporary idiom. I also explained that after graduating from the madrasa, I extensively studied Islam and other religions in a structured manner. Then, the truth of Islam was revealed to me again, and I discovered Islam again. In this way, Islam is a personal discovery for me rather than merely an inherited traditional belief. I further said that besides Islam’s innate teachings, what particularly influenced me was its historical aspect, for Islam has obtained unique and exclusive historical credibility. In a meeting, the issue of religious values was discussed. I stated that the real significance lies in the ‘spirit’ of Islam. If you read the Quran, you will find that it emphasizes matters related to the soul or spirit. There are relatively fewer explicit legal injunctions in the Quran. The Quran contains more verses about issues concerning the spirit. In another session, I mentioned that all principles of Islam are based on common sense. Common sense is a creation