There are five divine guidelines that the Qur’an clearly presents to Muslims for building tolerance and understanding among differing religions.
• Everyone’s God-given human dignity must be respected, regardless of his or her faith, race, ethnic origin, gender, or social status (ref. Qur’an, 17:70).
70. We honored the Children of Adam, transported them on land and sea, provided them with good things, and gave them preference over many of those We created.
Because everyone is created by God Almighty, the Maker of all, humans must treat one another with full honor, respect, and loving-kindness.
• Islam teaches it is by Divine Will that God’s human creation follows different religions, or no religion at all — no religion is nevertheless a faith, or belief-system (ref. Qur’an, 10:99).
99. If your Lord had willed, everyone on earth would have believed. Would you then compel people to become believers?
But God Almighty is not pleased when some humans choose not to believe. (ref. Qur’an, 39:7)
7. If you are ungrateful, God doesn’t need you. Yet, He doesn’t approve of ingratitude from His beings. If you are grateful, He is pleased with you. No bearer of burdens can bear the burdens of another. Ultimately, your return is to your Lord, who will inform you of everything you did. He knows the secrets within the hearts.
• The Qur’an states clearly that freedom of religion is a God-given right. (ref. Qur’an, 2:256)
256. There is no coercion in matters of faith; the right way has become distinct from the erroneous one. Whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the firmest handhold, which never breaks. God is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
• The final judgment of all humanity lies in the hands of God, the One Almighty, their Creator, to whom we all ultimately return. (ref. Qur’an, 22:68-69 and 42:15)
22:68. If they argue with you, say, “God knows best about what you’re doing.”
69. On the Day of Resurrection, God will judge between you, resolving all your disputes.
42: 15. So, invite to this, and be upright as you’re commanded, and don’t follow their desires. And say, “I believe in whatever Scripture God revealed. And I am commanded to judge justly among you. God is our Lord and your Lord. We have our deeds, and you have yours. There is no contention between us and you. God will bring us together, and to Him is the final return.”
• God loves justice and those who strive to practice it, especially toward people who are different from them in any way, including in matters of religious belief. (ref. Qur’an, 5:8 and 60:8)
5: 8. O you who have faith, stand out firmly for God, and bear witness with justice. Don’t let your animosity towards a people provoke you into not acting justly. Always be just, for it is closer to piety. Be conscious of God; God is fully aware of what you do.
60: 8. God doesn’t prohibit you from being kind and just towards those who don’t fight you because of religion or expel you from your homes. God loves those who act justly.
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