SOCIETY

SOCIETY Mutual Respect T HE teachings of Islam on the subject of multi-religious society amounts to an easily applicable formula for mutual respect. It teaches 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 conviction is publicly expressed by different groups through the widely differing practices of different faiths. In the multi-religious context, it also takes broadmindedness, compassion and fellow feeling. Only when in possession of these virtues can members of society display their acceptance in their dealings with others, which will ensure a lasting peace. The principle of mutual respect is a natural one and is to be found in all areas of civilized living. One of the major demands made by Islam is that this natural principle be upheld and acted upon by the adherents of different religions, so that societal structures may be strengthened by stable and enduring human relationships. For the greater part of his life, the Prophet of Islam lived in a society where adherents of other religions existed side by side with believers in Islam. The Prophet’s behaviour towards the former was invariably that of respect and acceptance. At a time when the majority of the denizens of Makkah were of different beliefs, his conduct consistently conveyed his high moral character. On the one hand, he communicated to them the message of tawhid (oneness of God) with love and kindness and, on the other, fulfilled all of their human rights. That is why the people of Makkah irrespective of their beliefs had such great confidence in him—to the point of entrusting their belongings to his care. This they continued to do right up to the last days of his stay in Makkah. One of the major demands made by Islam is that the natural principle of mutual respect be upheld and acted upon by all, so that societal structures may be strengthened by stable and enduring human relationships.