Respect begets respect

Sep 05, 2020

As a citizen of this country and a Muslim, I am distressed that the debate in Parliament on Aug 26 about the penalty for drink-driving, which causes the death of other road users, degenerated into an unnecessary dispute about the authenticity or interpretation of some parts of the Bible.

The Bible is the firm religious foundation of 2.4 billion Christians around the world and the view that its translations have “terpesong” or deviated from the original version must indeed be very hurtful to the believers.

In my view, insulting other religions is against the tenets of Islam.

The Holy Quran says: “And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best” (29: 46).

“And insult not those who invoke other than Allah, lest they should insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge” (6:108).

Cooperation with and courtesy towards other religions is recommended by the Holy Quran (6:108).

We must not ape Western societies where blasphemy and profanity are regarded as part of freedom of speech.

In innumerable passages, the Holy Quran recognises religious diversity.

In 2:256, it states: “There is no compulsion in religion.” In 109:6, there is this exquisite passage: “Unto you your religion, unto me mine.”

In Surah 11:118, it is declared: “If thy Lord had so willed, He could have made mankind one people: but they will not cease to dispute.”

In Surah 10:99, there is this admonition: “Had your Lord willed, those on Earth would have believed, all of them together. Will you then compel people against their will to believe?” In 18:29, it is commanded: “Let  him who will, believe; and let him who will, disbelieve.”

“Allah alone is the One who will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection” (2:113).

The Prophets of all revealed religions are regarded as brothers. Muslims are obliged to believe in them all. Every nation has its messenger (10:47).

“Nothing has been said to you save  what was said to the messengers before you” (41:43).

“We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers” (2:87).

In Surah 2:136, it is stated: “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqoob (Jacob), and to Al-Asbaat (the offspring of the 12 sons of Yaqoob), and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and Esa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims in submission to Him.”

The Hebrew prophets and Christ are deeply respected by Muslims. The tombs of the Hebrew prophets are revered by Muslims.

The Virgin Mary is given an exalted spiritual position, and Chapter 29 of the Holy Quran (Maryam) is named after her.

In a multireligious society, we must abjure a sense of superiority over others because of what we have and they have not. The character of faith is not vitriol for “the other”.

The character of faith is to recognise that love of God and fidelity to religion are manifested in kindness towards all humanity.

A truly religious person must reject hatred, ill-will and prejudice.

At least this is the message of Islam that I was brought up in.

Shad Saleem Faruqi
Kuala Lumpur

Source: The Star