Tolerance

Editor in Chief: Ameneh Mottaghi

Fact or Simple Motto

We live in a world, full of various phenomena, and live alongside them with our particular differences in colour, race,culture, and religion ; some of these differences are inherent to humans and there is no escape from them.The question that comes to mind is that, while people respect differences in natural traits and phenomena and deem their growth and security dependent on the understanding and acceptance of those traits, why do they become intolerant when faced with racial and cultural differences in others, and cause much trouble and chaos for themselves and their societies? In fact, despite the progressive development of humans and the emergence of modernism, around the world there are still signs of intolerance, such as: censorship, tampering with facts, religious fanaticism, terrorism and hatred towards followers of a particular religion. It is of note that these signs of intolerance are found not only in undemocratic societies, but also in democratic ones. It should be emphasized that one of the most important reasons for the aforementioned crises is the exploitation of the concept of “tolerance” as only a slogan.

Interestingly, most instances of intolerance are exercised by either religious fanatics or non-believers, such as some communists and materialists, whose motto includes democracy, freedom of speech and tolerance; however, they are themselves the most obvious examples of intolerance and barbarism. They expect patience and tolerance of their own beliefs from others, but in encountering different beliefs, they do not exercise tolerance and instead use force, threatening, and twisting religious and holy truths to oppress opposing beliefs and ideologies. They see the democratic environment as a one-way road only to be traveled by others, and not themselves. In such circumstances where the concept of tolerance loses its meaning and becomes a mere shell, the foundations of peace and security are undoubtedly shaken, and irrationality, suspicion, and pessimism becomes common. To liberate ourselves from these adversities, we should exercise and implement tolerance within society by seeking aid from morality rooted in religion and sacred teachings. Just as Islam sees the differences in humans as the basis of growth and peacefulness, we also should see the varieties in humans as God’s will and as a way to achieve progress and peace in society. The Exalted God in the Holy Quran says, “We created you from one truth (essence) and put you in various tribes, nationalities and races so that you may know one another.” Obviously, differences in cultures, races and opinions can provide progress and development in society, because it is with tolerance that the foundations of understanding of other cultures and civilizations appear, and grand thoughts and knowledge blossom and grow.

One way to promote tolerance is through discovering and understanding the common aspects of religions and cultures and avoiding imposition of differences on one another .It is in this manner that we can live together with various nationalities and religions through mutual respect and well-wishes, while having cultural and scientific exchanges.

In the Holy Quran, God summons followers of all beliefs and religions to understand and promote their common points and in case of differences, advises them to choose wisely while exercising patience and tolerance. “Oh Prophet! Say to the followers of Semitic religions: let us come together on common beliefs and let us unite to only worship and pray to the only God there is.” (1) Additionally, in Surah Kaferoun, He says to the Prophet (PBUH): “Oh Prophet! Say to those who deny God and monotheism and cannot tolerate grand views that, I do not worship what you worship, nor do you worship who I worship, nor shall I worship what you worship, nor will you worship who I worship: To you your religion, to me my religion.” (3) In Islam, there is no social obligation to accept religion. Religion should be based on understanding, choice and inner desire; a belief that is not heartfelt is not accepted. In this regard, by looking at the early Islamic history and the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), we can see that the majority of wars and acts of violence against Muslims were carried out by intolerant fanatics who could not tolerate the speedy influence of Islam, a religion in harmony with human essence and heart. In general, both in our current and in earlier societies, most of the hostility and violence has been rooted in intolerance of differences in opinions, races and religious beliefs and/or based on misconstrued and misinterpreted understanding of religions.

Instead of wasting our energy to destroy and alter the truth, disrespecting religious role models and sacred beliefs, and promoting hatred against beliefs different from our own, it is time to stop sacrificing democratic principles and to advance “tolerance” from being a simple motto to a real exercise.

Finally, we would like to thank all our Iranian and non-Iranian audience for their tremendous support and encouragement of this magazine. We would like to hear your views, suggestions and critiques.