Mutual Respect

Addressing the Prophet of Islam, the Quran states: “O people, your religion is for you, and my religion is for me.” (109:6) This verse explains how to create a harmonious environment in a society where people of diverse religious traditions coexist. The simple formula which applies to such situations is ‘to follow one and respect all.’

This is the only valid principle of maintaining peace in a multi-religious society. In this world of differences, it is not possible to eliminate differences. In such a situation there is only one viable solution, and that is tolerance. That is, give everyone the right to choose the religion or culture of their choice. We can hold a peaceful dialogue with each other on the issue of differences, but trying to eliminate the differences will only create more differences.