Author: Sayyed Muslih al-din
The Spread of Islam and Its Interaction with Non-Muslims from the Perspective of Orientalists (Part
One)
Summary:
Achieving the truth and being saved from misunderstandings and deviations is the desire of every human being. In order to achieve this desire, it is necessary to observe certain principles, the most important of which is creating a suitable environment for cultivating the spirit of seeking truth. A person can only realize the truth when he faces different thoughts and ideas without any prejudice and examines the reasons for each one to recognize and accept the best of them. Of course, if a person with a certain mindset encounters a matter, he cannot distinguish its truth from falsehood.
Therefore, religious leaders and Muslims, relying on the Prophet (PBUH) and his Sahaba, should speak to their audience in such a way that they can better understand the beliefs and teachings of Islam so that they can be guided. Violence and aggression are not something that human nature and reason accept, and every healthy person runs away from it. A Muslim and a preacher of Islam must deal with followers of other religions in a way that stimulates their spirit of seeking justice.
One of the important social issues in Islam is interaction with non-Muslims. Considering that Islam is a religion of thought and rationality, interaction with non-Muslims has been given attention and emphasis. Islam values free thinking, and therefore, in interactions with non-Muslims, it recommends the path of rationality and observance of human dignity.
Introduction:
Since Islam is a religion of mercy and humanity, it emphasizes logical and reasonable interactions with non-Muslims and any other human beings, preventing Muslims from confrontation and antagonism with followers of other religions. Such interactions allow followers of other religions to recognize the value of Islam.
However, violence, confrontation, and antagonism in interactions with non-Muslims cause hatred among followers of other religions towards Islam, which is not compatible with the spirit of Islam. Therefore, the Holy Quran states: «وَ لا تَسُبُّوا الَّذینَ یَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ فَیَسُبُّوا اللَّهَ عَدْواً بِغَیْرِ عِلْمٍ» Translation: “And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge.”
Therefore, Muslims must follow the commands of Allah and behave properly towards non-believers and non-Muslims, presenting the religion of Islam in a beautiful and reasonable manner to attract others to it. Violent and confrontational behavior, in addition to violating the purpose of Islam, creates hatred in the minds of others toward the religion of Islam.
The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and his sincere Sahaba, recognizing the positive and beneficial effects of good and reasonable behavior in dealing with non-Muslims, have shown kindness and tolerance toward followers of other religions. Compassion and tolerance in any human relationship and interaction—whether in individual relationships, family relationships, or in the relationships of a larger community—are the most important rules for organizing and regulating relationships properly. This principle is evident in the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his Sahaba.
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