Quran teaches tolerance, respect of other faiths

From: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/may/12/quran-teaches-tolerance-respect-of-other-faiths/

By Mohammad Hussain

The Muslims revere the Quran as the word of God Almighty. This divine book lays the principles that help Muslims achieve salvation, become better individuals and useful members of society. Muslims believe the Quran originated with God and Muhammad was the man chosen to deliver it.
The Quran was revealed to Muhammad in seventh-century Arabia. Born and raised in Mecca, Muhammad was the favorite son of the city until he started giving the message of Quran.
Initially ridiculed, his opponents soon realized the Quran had magical appeal, and people believed in it. Its message of monotheism and equality of all irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity or social status threatened the established practice of polytheism and exploitation of the poor and the weak by the rich and the powerful.
Its acceptance by the people created a divide between and pitted family against family, husband against wife, parents against children, friends against friends and neighbors against neighbors. Muhammad was then opposed and persecuted by the aristocracy, hierarchy and the leadership of the city. The message of the Quran spread rapidly in the polytheistic society.
Believed to be a marvel ofthe Arabic language, the Quran is organized in 114 chapters. Compiled 14 centuries ago, its original text has been preserved without any changes. It recognizes the Jewish and Christian faiths and teaches respect for the followers of these sister religions. The Quran recognizes the truth contained in the doctrines of Judaism and Christianity, and it confirms Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others as true prophets who preceded Muhammad.
Muslims grow up reading the stories of the biblical prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Jesus and others in the Quran. The Quran is not anti-Christian or anti-Jewish, and it teaches tolerance and is explicit in directing its followers to respect all other faiths.
The birth of Jesus to a virgin mother is narrated in the Quran and is a part of the Islamic belief. Mary is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. "Oh Mary ... God has chosen you above all the women in the world" (Quran 3:42).
The Quran regulates every phase of the life of a Muslim in religious practice, culture and morals. It contains directions for the leaders as well as for the common man, for the rich and the poor, for war and peace and for spiritual as well as the temporal. It speaks of the rules relating to social life, commerce, inheritance, marriage and penal law. It lays down the principles for the tenets of Islam.
Some principles are explained while some are interpreted in separate bodies of writings. Many interpretations are complementary to the peaceful and noble teachings of the Quran, but some are not. Subject to interpretation and difference of opinion, some teachings have been taken out of context or literally and have been exploited as a pretext to foment extremism, fanaticism, violence or discord.
The message of the Quran has moved countless minds and hearts and will continue to do so for those who pay attention to its substance. Through the Quran, Islam teaches moderation, tolerance, love for fellow humans, justice, fairness, compassion, spirit of sharing and respect for all faiths. Demanding equal rights for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, social status or religion, it teaches respect for all faiths. It harkens its followers to be useful citizens and to answer the call of conscience.
Reading the Quran is an act of worship. It is respected, revered and read widely by Muslims in all walks of life. Being a "book of guidance" (Quran 2:2), it is fundamental to principles and practice of the faith. Obligated to follow its teachings, Muslims recite Quran during the five daily prayers. Some Muslims understand it and apply its message in their daily living. Moved by its verses, most people are enthralled to hear and recite it as the Holy Book, but fail to apply its message in their daily lives.
Muslims across the world try to follow noble and sublime teachings of Quran. It is recited at religious, social, private or public gatherings and read widely. Many who read it don't understand its meanings or follow its spirit in their daily practice. Some have relegated it to reverence and respect and are content listening to it in weddings, funerals, birthdays and ceremonies.
The Quran has predicted such treatment: "The Messenger will say: Oh my Lord! Truly my people have taken this Quran for just foolish nonsense" (Quran 25:30). The fact remains that irrespective of the degree of understanding by individual Muslims, the Quran will continue to be the most influential religious scripture.


Dr. Mohammad Hussain is a pediatrician and a member of the Islamic Society of Evansville.