Islam and Peace
Religious Harmony
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it then advocates the policy of tolerance and respect
for one another in everyday dealings. This is on a
parallel with the principle expressed in the English
saying, ‘Let’s agree to disagree.’
In this connection, one of the commands of the
Qur’an is that, in principle, ‘there shall be no
compulsion in religion’ (2:256). At another place it
declares that ‘you have your religion and I have
mine’ (109:6). It was as a result of this
commandment that, when the Prophet Muhammad
migrated to Medina, he issued a declaration
reaffirming his acceptance of the religion of
Muslims for the Muslims and the religion of Jews
for the Jews.’ In order to perpetuate the atmosphere
of mutual harmony, the Qur’an commands the
Muslims in their dealings with unbelievers not to
‘revile (the idols) which they invoke besides God,
lest in their ignorance they should spitefully revile
God.’
This principle formulated by Islam is best described
not as religious harmony, but as harmony among
religious people. This is a principle whose utility is
a matter of historical record. It is evident that in the
