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in the heavens and on earth having been pressed into his service. All the things necessary for his leading a good life on earth and the building of a civilization have been provided in abundance. Man experiences these blessings at every moment. It is, therefore, incumbent on man to thank God for His blessings at all times. His heart should be eternally brimming with gratitude for these divine blessings. Thanksgiving is the most comprehensive term for worship: gratefulness is the essence of the godly life. The best expression of gratefulness is the expenditure of time and money in the way of God. It is God, after all who has given man the reason to worship Him and the means to do so. What are the teachings of Islam regarding living in a multi-religious society? In chapter 109 of the Quran the Prophet is enjoined to address the adherents of other religions in these words: “To you your religion, to me mine”. This verse of the Quran coupled with other of its teachings amounts to an easily applicable formula for mutual respect. It simply means that all believers, whatever their elected religion, must have due reverence for the religions adhered to by others. What established 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 broad mindedness, compassion and fellow feeling. Only when in possession of these virtues can members of society display that tolerance 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 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 tolerance. The Prophet’s conduct with them consistently conveyed his high moral character. On the one hand, he communicated to them the message with love and kindness and on the other, fulfilled all of their human rights.