Forbearance / Tolerance / Reconciliation and Social Contract

 "Ah! Ye are those who love them, but they love you not, - though ye believe in the whole of the Book" (Ali Imran, 119).

While expanding its borders via developments in the means of communication, the world, paradoxically, is at the same time narrowing its areas of specialty. Differences that emerge due to an increase in relations with the environment are making themselves felt. Attitudes that are developed in view of these differences are reflected as cause and effect.

In order to reduce to a minimum the negative effects and tension that emerge with differences and in order for those who are different to attain a better and higher state, it should be thought that these differences are a vehicle opening new horizons in the minds of humanity and thus differences will be approached with a love that surrounds the universe. Only then we will be able to see such differences, not as markers of division or fragmentation that should be eliminated, but rather as the life perceptions and life styles of people with different characteristics and capabilities.

It is a law of human nature that each of us is unique and different from others. When uniformity is looked at from this point of view it seems strange. For the essence of every creature is singular and unique. They are the unique, unequalled creatures and works of the Highest Creator. They are each a divine breath.

Human beings have a physical aspect that dislikes and reacts violently against those things with which it is not familiar; this must be trained and controlled. That is why the prophets were sent to civilize man's physical/primitive aspects. Islam and the many words and actions of the prophets are examples for humanity in this regard; they have left behind them a beautiful inheritance. Who knows, perhaps the idea that "the differences in the ummah (community) and the scope and depth of the perceptions of these differences is a mercy which is a means for expansion and is suitable for expansion" ³  This is an expression in words by scholars that allows for an intellectual flexibility in the interpretation of Islam. Differences are not a potential source of conflict, but rather a potential source of power. Agreement and opposition/polarization are cultural nuances by which culture is nurtured. Ideas are born and begin to develop in the world of thought and inquiry and they are nurtured by differences. At least, laziness, stagnation, doubt, fear and oppression are born from the monotony of the status quo, sameness and uniformity.

There should be no acceptance of oppression for any reason whatsoever in regard to color, belief, or any other personal choices that should be made with free will, nor, in fact, for any other reason. The basic rights that are inherent in being human do not allow for such intervention and these are inalienable rights.

In the Era of Happiness there was a social agreement in which everyone defined themselves as they wished and there was a social structure in which all felt safe; this was based on justice. The intellectual texture of this social formation had been determined by the Quran and Prophet Muhammad was held responsible for this like everyone else. A socio-political and socio-cultural fabric was created that did not permit anyone to be changed by force - this was something to which everyone had to conform and to which there was no immunity...

There are many examples of the great tolerance of the Prophet who was sent as a mercy to mankind. However, there are statements from the Quran describes and defines this best: "Thou wouldst only, perchance, fret thyself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this message" (Al-Kahf, 6). "It may be thou frettest thy soul with grief, that they do not become Believers" (Al-Shuaraa, 3). The Prophet taught us many virtues in regard to social relations through interaction with the Jews, Christians and the members of other religions.

If historical examples of members of different religions who live together in harmony and accord in an environment in which there is no imposition of any policy or of assimilation are to be sought, they will be found only in those regions where there has been Islamic and Muslim dominance. In this respect, Islam's definition of the "other" offers a world in which differences are given the opportunity to flourish without any threat or danger to different thoughts or beliefs and in which there are no attempts to encourage assimilation.

In the Quran, which is in itself a system of human virtues and qualities, the following information and commands, which are related to tolerance, agreement and social contract, were given to Prophet Muhammad:

• Let Muslims forgive those who do not believe in the Doomsday and resurrection, for Allah will punish everyone according to what they have done. The benefit of good deeds is to the doer; the harm of evil deeds is again to the doer.
• Ask Jews and Christians if they have surrendered to Allah. If they have surrendered, that means they have found the true path. If they reject it, your only duty is to make the call. Allah sees and knows everything.
• Call them to stand up for the shared values and common denominator between you; Do not worship anyone but Allah, and do not take partners to Him; let no one deify another. If they do not accept this, then do not persist or argue. Say you are Muslims and that you will stand up for these values, even if you are on your own.
• Do not take seriously the arguments of the People of the Book that Abraham was a Jew or a Christian. Why do they debate this topic with you? The Old and New Testaments were revealed after the lifetime of Abraham. Then, how could Abraham be Jewish or Christian? This is the way they are! They debate subjects about which they have knowledge, but they do the same on subjects about which they do not have knowledge. Allah knows best. Abraham was neither Jewish nor Christian nor an idolater. He was a true Muslim.
• Be careful, some of the People of the Book want to deter you from your path and cause you to stray. However, they only confuse themselves, but they are not aware of it.
• O, People of the Book! Why do you deny God's verses, although you know better? Why do you mix truth and falsehood and knowingly hide the truth?
• O, Prophet! If the People of the Book side with peace, refrain from war. Side with peace!
• We cursed the Jews for breaking their word to God and We hardened their hearts. They corrupted and changed their books. Except for a few, you will always see betrayal from them. However, still forgive them! Do not be affected by their betrayal! Allah loves those who do good.
• Do not allow the Jews who act in darkness with the hypocrites disturb you! It is obvious that they listen to lies and constantly eat what is forbidden. They spread false news. However, judge fairly among them. For Allah loves those who act with justice.
• May Allah, Who is very merciful, give time to those in error! May they find the true path. However, when the time comes and they are tormented, those who are in trouble will be obvious and everyone will learn of their station and position.