Things are getting tough these days. Emotions run high when one gives a meticulous look at the bad shape of the economy, the scary health conditions in many countries (including the First World), the deteriorating terrain of the international geo-politics, and even the polarization of societies according to ideological and religious affiliations. As Muslims, we have a very secure refuge which comes in handy- asylum in the Islamic virtues and teachings.
Among the virtues that can give us good company as we tread the rough road towards peace and development are tolerance and forgiveness, which were exemplified perfectly by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), during his lifetime. Such virtues of God’s messenger were reflections of the names of Allah (SWT) – All-Mid, All- Clement, and All-Forgiving. God does not stop providing for His creatures despite their rebellion or unbelief. While the vast majority of people disobey him, either in unbelief and explicit or implicit association of partners with Him, or transgression of his commandments, God continues to send them the heat and light of the sun for their comfort; God never stops feeding everybody with the fruits, plants, and food available on earth; and God musters the forces of nature for man’s convenience.
In a Hadith, we are told that our prophets were practicing these beautiful virtues. Like the Prophet Abraham, God’s messenger was mild, imploring, clement and penitent (Hud, 11.75), and also gentle to believers and full of pity and compassionate for them (all- Taha, 9.127). Abraham, upon him be peace, was never angry with people, however much they tormented him. He wished for good even for his enemies. He implored God and shed tears in His Presence. Since he was a man of peace and salvation, he made the fire, in which he was thrown, cool and safe for him (al- Anbiya’, 21.69). Like him, God’s messenger upon him be peace and blessings, was never angry with anybody for what was done to him. When his wife Aisha, may God be pleased with her, was made the object of slander, he did not think of punishing the slanderers even after Aisha was cleared by the Qur’an. Bedouins often came to his presence and behave impolitely, but he did not even frown at them. Although extremely sensitive, he always showed forbearance towards everybody, whether friend or foe. His sensitivity was such that if, for example, a needle pierced his finger, it would give him more pain than than others would feel when speared. Despite this, he tolerated the impudence of people.
Today, we will be judged according to our obedience in following the examples shown by our Prophets. This holds true with the Muslims, the Christians, and the Jews who all take pride in claiming to be the Ahlul Kitab (Peoples of the Book) and the children of Prophet Abraham (PBUH). We must all show that in offering tolerance and forgiveness to one another, we must be generous, not stingy. In fact, we must go beyond this generosity by exuding fondness to one another. Violence must be set aside!
During the banquet at the Apostolic Nunciature last June 30, Archbishop Antonio Franco (the Papal Nuncio) invited all religious groups in the country to share with them the joy of the occasion. By design of fate, the representatives of the so-called Abrahamic religions literally took center stage right after the dinner when they posed for the photographers to show that brotherhood can reign over animosity if the virtues taught by the Great Religions of the World (Islam, Christianity, & Judaism) can become everybody’s norm. The act of Archbishop Franco, Rabbi Shlomo Attias, and this writer in joining warm handclasps augurs well for a united and peaceful world in the near future if our commonalities are given precedence over our differences.
These thoughts, however, can only become a beautiful reality when everyone’s guiding principle is “peace of mind, not piece of land”.
July 2003
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