RESPECT ALL CULTURES

RESPECT ALL CULTURES Do not Discriminate G OD Almighty sent more than one hundred thousand prophets or messengers to every group of people. All the messengers of God enjoy the same status. In the chapter Al-Baqarah (The Heifer), the Quran refers to these messengers: The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) believers. They all believe in God and His angels, His scriptures, and His messengers. They say, “We do not differentiate between any of His messengers. We hear and obey. Grant us your forgiveness. Lord, to You we shall all return”. (2: 285) The verse relates directly to the messengers or the prophets of God. It also has a broader significance that, everyone is worthy of respect, regardless of his creed or culture. A healthy society is not necessarily uni-religious but one based on religious freedom and religious tolerance. Such belief promotes a culture of equal respect among mankind. Difference in belief is necessarily subject to discussion, but not a reason for discrimination. If your belief is different from that of others, you have the right to engage in discussion and dialogue on the subject, but no right to show disrespect. This holds true, even if you feel that your personal ideology enshrines the supreme truth. The culture of discrimination is alien to the divine religion. Islam has two aims regarding society—dissemination of the truth as set forth in the Quran, and maintaining a healthy society that honours the principles of respect and peaceful co-existence. To this end, the Quran lays great emphasis on restraint and discipline—conflict and extremism being completely alien to the Islamic system of thought. In everyday life, everyone should be disciplined and tolerant, for others have a right to live according to their convictions , just as you do. This is the best way to build a healthy society, one that is not necessarily a uni-religious society; one which is based on religious freedom and tolerance. Respect for all cultures is greatly supportive of intellectual development.