How to Live in a Multifaith Society

a formula for difference management rather than a formula for eliminating differences. I have studied almost all major religions and have found that every religion, including Islam, provides the art of difference management. Every religion tells us how to live in a multi-religious society with peace and harmony. We find this formula, for instance, in the famous words of Jesus Christ: “Love your enemies.” (Luke, 6:27). To love one’s enemies means managing the problem of enmity by the power of love. A similar principle is given in the Quran: “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.” (41:34) There is nothing mysterious about this teaching. It is a well-known Law of Nature. It means that everyone is our potential friend. We have only to turn this potential into actuality. This principle was beautifully represented by many Sufis in South Asia and elsewhere. For example, a Sufi poet has described this principle: “We do not know the stories of kings and generals. We know only the stories of love and compassion.” For centuries, Sufis devoted themselves to spreading the universal message of love and compassion. Due to the peaceful efforts of the Sufis and other saints, the spirit of love and compassion became so deeply embedded in our society that it became part and parcel of our value system.