The View of Islam on Other Religions and the Perspective of Multicultural Tolerance

Islam, much like other monotheistic religions, has a complex relationship with other faiths. While some verses in the Quran and Hadith portray a hierarchical view where Islam is superior, the religion also contains instructions for respectful coexistence and tolerance.

Hierarchical View of Islam and Other Religions

Among Muslims, there is a belief that Islam is the true religion, with other faiths being either false or inferior. This perspective is based on verses in the Quran that portray non-Islamic religions as fabricated and insincere. For instance, in certain passages, the Quran casts non-Muslims as misguided or idolaters:

[Quran 6:159] AS FOR THOSE WHO DIVIDED THEIR RELIGION AND BECAME sects—you HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM. Their case rests with God then He will inform them of what they used to do.

This hierarchical view, often emphasized in conservative interpretations, portrays other religions as inferior, requiring submission to Islam either willingly or by force. The concept of Dhimmitude illustrates how non-Muslims can exist within a Muslim-majority society, paying a jizya (tax) for protection while obeying Islamic laws.

Multicultural Tolerance and the Quran

Despite the hierarchical view, the Quran also contains verses that promote respect and tolerance for other religions. These passages emphasize the importance of treating people of other faiths with kindness and equity. For example:

[Quran 60:8] AS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT FOUGHT AGAINST YOU FOR YOUR RELIGION NOR EXPELLED YOU FROM YOUR HOMES GOD DOES NOT PROHIBIT YOU FROM DEALING WITH THEM KINDLY AND EQUITABLY. God loves the equitable.

Furthermore, the Quran instructs Muslims to respect the beliefs of people of the Book, referring to Jews and Christians, emphasizing that there should be no compulsion in religion:

[Quran 2:256] THERE SHALL BE NO COMPULSION IN RELIGION the right way has become distinct from the wrong way. Whoever renounces evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handle which does not break. God is Hearing and Knowing.

Scholarly Interpretations and Disputes

The nuanced view of Islam towards other religions is further complicated by differing interpretations among scholars. While some attribute the hierarchical view to the historical context of Islam in its early days, others hold that it is a fundamental aspect of Islam. This diversity of opinion can lead to misunderstandings about the true nature of Islamic teachings on religious diversity:

[Quran 6:108] DO NOT INSULT THOSE THEY CALL UPON BESIDES GOD lest they insult God out of hostility and ignorance. WE MADE ATTRACTIVE TO EVERY COMMUNITY THEIR DEEDS. Then to their Lord is their return and He will inform them of what they used to do.

It is crucial to recognize that the Quran's instructions for respecting other religions and coexisting harmoniously should be taken into account when assessing the Islamic perspective. The religions of Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, which Islam recognizes as having divine revelations, are typically viewed more favorably than other faith systems such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism, and Shinto.

Conclusion: Embracing Multicultural Tolerance in Islam

The complexity of Islam's view towards other religions highlights the need for a balanced approach that respects both historical context and the evolving understanding of religious diversity. While Islam, like any religion, has passages that portray a hierarchical view, it also has passages that emphasize respect, coexistence, and the value of different beliefs. By promoting a multicultural tolerance rooted in these Quranic principles, Muslims can foster a more inclusive and peaceful society.