Freedom of belief is guaranteed in
Islam. It should be very
clear that Islam tolerates not only other faiths but even its
enemies. This is stated clearly in the Qur'an:
"God forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them, for God loves those who are just." [60:8]
It is one function of
Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and
this is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over
the Islamic world. Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities
to set up their own courts to implement family laws drawn up by
the minorities themselves and to govern their own affairs.
History provides many
examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths. When the great
leader and second Caliph, Umar, entered Jerusalem in the year
634, Islam guaranteed freedom of worship to all religious
communities in the city. In fact, so careful was Umar in setting
an example for his people that he not only went to a church to
pray, he prayed outside in the courtyard, lest his followers
after his death be tempted to convert the church into a mosque.
Islam teaches that the closest to Allah and the most beloved of Allah are those who are the best in piety. Thus all people, male and female, and regardless of race, color, nationality or ethnicity, are considered and treated as equal before Allah and before the law. This concept of tolerance did not reach the West even in theory until the 18th century, and in practice not until the 20th century.
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