Islam enjoins Muslims to live peacefully and maintain good relationship with people of other faith provided they do not wage wars against them (Muslims) or deprive freedom of practising their chosen religion. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) was full of this good relationship with non-Muslims. During his lifetime, non-Muslims used to keep their property with him
The relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims will be discussed under the following :
- Forgiveness
- Tolerance
- Kindness
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender. Forgiveness is one of the virtues in relating to non-Muslims and Muslims in alike. It entails overlooking the faults and mistakes of others. The possession of the spirit of forgiveness is one of the prominent virtues in relating peacefully with non-Muslims and Muslims alike. Many Quranic verses and Hadith are found on this subject.
Allah says: Had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair…” Q3:159
The Qur’an also states: “Hold to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant.” Q7:199
In another verse Allah commands: “They should rather pardon and overlook. Would you not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ” Q24:22.
The above quoted verses urge that as we need Allah’s forgiveness over our own sins and mistakes, we must also forgive those who have offended us in order to restore good relationship among the people.
The Prophet (peace be on him) said: “Forgive the one who does wrong to you; join him who cuts you off; do good to him who does evil to you, and speak the truth even if it be against yourself ”
Importance of Forgiveness
- A Muslim should therefore be a forgiving person.
- A Muslim should Forgives those who offend him.
- He should not seek revenge, but he should forgive and forget.
- A Muslim should Forgives his enemy when he has the opportunity to punish him.
- He should learn the virtue of the prophet Muhammad (SAW) who forgave the people of Makkah when he was in a position to punish them, but he did not.
- A Muslim should remember that he is a human being who commit sins against Allah. As Allah is ready to forgive his sins, he should also be ready to forgive the faults of other human beings.