Islam Emphasises Reconciliation Over Conflict

Islam has again come into focus regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. These communities face occasional violence, intolerance, and disputes over property. Misinformation, especially on social media, often sparks attacks on their places of worship. Bangladesh's Constitution ensures equal rights for all and prohibits discrimination. Despite this, religious minorities face discrimination. These issues are due to socio-political and historical factors, not Islamic teachings.

Mistreating religious minorities in Bangladesh is not in line with Islamic teachings. Islam teaches justice, compassion, and protection of all people, regardless of faith. Mistreating religious minorities goes against these values.

The Sahifa-e-Madina , Constitution of Madinah, shows how Prophet Muhammad upheld the rights and dignity of all communities, promoting peaceful coexistence.

Misunderstanding Islamic terms like kafir and kufr has caused tension. Historically, kafir referred to those who were at war with the Prophet of Islam. It was never meant as a general label for all non-Muslims. In the Quran, kafir is not used for all non-Muslims; instead, the Quran addresses everyone with phrases like 'O human being' or 'O people', recognising all as human beings.

Misusing the term kafir today harms interfaith relations and fuels conflict. Some wrongly justify violence against non-Muslims, which goes against Islamic teachings. Prophet Muhammad condemned harming non-Muslims under Muslim protection and warned of severe consequences for such actions. The Prophet of Islam taught that all human beings are brothers and sisters to one another. They are all deserving of equal respect and dignity.

The Prophet's teachings ensured that non-Muslims lived peacefully in Muslim-majority countries with freedom and protection. He said, "A believer is one whom people trust with their wealth and lives, Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 23967."

Prophet Muhammad strongly discouraged injustice, saying: "If a Muslim wrongs a non-Muslim (his fellow citizen), diminishes their rights, or takes from them without their consent, I will be an advocate of non-Muslims on the Day of Judgment, Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 3052."

These teachings emphasise justice, protection, and respect for all. The Prophet exemplified these principles through his actions. One notable incident illustrates this clearly:

Sahl ibn Hunayf and Qays ibn Sa'd, two companions of the Prophet, were sitting in al-Qadisiyyah, present-day Iraq, when a funeral procession passed by, and they stood up. Someone remarked, "This is the funeral of a non-Muslim." They replied, "The Prophet once had a funeral procession pass by him, and he stood up. When informed, 'It is the funeral of a Jew,' he responded, 'Was he not a human being?' Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith 1312."

The Quran permits fighting only in self-defence against aggressors. In all other situations, it encourages peaceful relations and advises treating everyone with kindness, integrity and moral excellence. This approach can transform enemies into allies, as stated in Surah 41:34: "Repel evil with what is better, and you will see that the one who was your enemy has become your close friend."

The Quran and the Prophet's teachings promote justice, tolerance, and respect, providing a framework for protecting minority rights. In a diverse nation like Bangladesh, adhering to these principles is crucial for preserving unity and social harmony.

Authored by: Farida Khanam
The writer is chairperson, Centre for Peace and Spirituality International