"And as for his saying, 'O my Lord, truly these are a people who believe not,' bear with them and say, 'Peace,' For soon they will know."
Quran 43:89
And building upon yesterday's discussion, here's a passage from the 43rd surah, al-Zukhruf, here rendered as "Gold Ornaments." Now, does it answer the question I was discussing - the issue of diversity, respecting religious diversity, but drawing the line at those who believe in nothing - with any certainty? No, of course not. It does remind us that even if we disagree with someone else's religious beliefs, and even if they believe in nothing, we should bear with it patiently and leave them with "Peace." And this is true even if we're doing so for what I would consider the worst of all reasons, that we're certain that they're wrong and that God will sort them out later. When we as Muslims do not respect people of other faiths then we're not being Muslims. But, again, why would we as Muslims not respect someone who adheres to no set faith but who lives a righteous life? I would say we should, and not simply on the level of bearing patiently with them and wishing them "Peace." First off, obviously, who the hell are we to judge anyone? When we're absolutely certain that we know what God thanks and wants in regards to someone else aren't we being far more blasphemous than the person we're judging? I would go even further with this, however. As I often propose, if you want to worship God simply be kind to everyone and everything in your life, no matter how far or near. Who is to say that someone of no faith who is helping others isn't actually being far more "religious" than we are?
Quran 43:89
And building upon yesterday's discussion, here's a passage from the 43rd surah, al-Zukhruf, here rendered as "Gold Ornaments." Now, does it answer the question I was discussing - the issue of diversity, respecting religious diversity, but drawing the line at those who believe in nothing - with any certainty? No, of course not. It does remind us that even if we disagree with someone else's religious beliefs, and even if they believe in nothing, we should bear with it patiently and leave them with "Peace." And this is true even if we're doing so for what I would consider the worst of all reasons, that we're certain that they're wrong and that God will sort them out later. When we as Muslims do not respect people of other faiths then we're not being Muslims. But, again, why would we as Muslims not respect someone who adheres to no set faith but who lives a righteous life? I would say we should, and not simply on the level of bearing patiently with them and wishing them "Peace." First off, obviously, who the hell are we to judge anyone? When we're absolutely certain that we know what God thanks and wants in regards to someone else aren't we being far more blasphemous than the person we're judging? I would go even further with this, however. As I often propose, if you want to worship God simply be kind to everyone and everything in your life, no matter how far or near. Who is to say that someone of no faith who is helping others isn't actually being far more "religious" than we are?
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