Islam and Peace
Limits of Tolerance
~ 121 ~
creating and fostering the spirit of tolerance
towards diversities. In this world, unity is
achievable only by learning to unite in spite of
differences, rather than insisting on unity without
differences. For total eradication of differences is an
impossibility. The secret of attaining peace in life is
tolerance of disturbance of the peace.
There is nothing wrong in diversity of opinions. In
fact, this is a positive quality which has many
advantages. The beauty of the garden of life is
actually enhanced if the flower of unity is
accompanied by the thorn of diversity.
An advantage flowing from this attitude is that it
builds character. If you are well-mannered towards
those whose views are similar to yours, you may be
said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if you
behave properly with those holding divergent
views from you or who criticise you, then you
deserve to be credited with having an excellent
character.
In the same way, a society whose members hold
identical views and never have any controversial
discussions, will soon find itself in the doldrums.
