Principles of Islam
56. Tolerance
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56. TOLERANCE
Tolerance is a noble humanitarian and Islamic
virtue. Its practice means making concessions to
others. Intolerance, on the other hand, means
showing a self-centered unconcern for the needs of
others. Tolerance is a worthy, humane virtue, which
has been described in different terms in the Shariah:
for instance, gentle behaviour, showing concern for
others, being softhearted, being compassionate.
When true God-worship and religiosity is born
within a person, he reaches above all those evils
which emanate from selfishness. Instead of living
within the confines of the self, he begins to live in
the world of reality. The truly pious person begins
to look upon people with love and compassion. He
does not expect anything from anyone, that is why
even when others differ from him or do not behave
well towards him, he continues nevertheless to
make concessions to them, and continues to be
tolerant towards them.
Tolerance implies unswerving respect for others,
whether in agreement or disagreement with them.
