Principles of Islam
50. Society
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50. SOCIETY
What are the teachings of Islam on the subject of the
multi-religious society? When Islam is studied with
this question in mind, we find clear commandments
in this regard. In chapter 109 of the Qur’an, the
Prophet is enjoined to address non-Muslims thus: “I
do not worship what you worship, nor do you
worship what I worship. I shall never worship what
you worship, nor will you ever worship what I
worship. You have your own religion and I have
mine.” This verse of the Qur’an coupled with other
of its teachings amounts to an easily applicable
formula for mutual respect. It means simply that all
believers, whatever their elected religion, must have
due reverence for the religions adhered to by
others.
What establishes the need for such a formula is the
edifice of religion being founded on the total
conviction that it is the whole truth. To have any
followers at all, a religion must carry that
conviction. It is in the nature of things. But religious
conviction alone is not a broad enough base on
which to form a just society, particularly if that
