Question to Nicola and other Christians

Greetings of peace.

format_quote Originally Posted by glo

But if our desire is to make this world a better, more peaceful, more caring, more just place, then we would do better to put aside our differences,

format_quote Originally Posted by glo

Perhaps we should put our religious differences aside until we have accomplished to fulfill those teachings and instructions which our religions share

http://www.islamicboard.com/comparat...ml#post1539659

format_quote Originally Posted by Eric H

I believe we have to put aside our own convictions for justice to prevail.

If a Catholic is drawn more towards seeking justice for other Catholics, how can that be real justice because it shows discrimination. It almost seems that justice is served in a far greater way when a Catholic seeks justice for a Muslim an atheist a Hindu rather than justice for another Catholic. We must seek justice, peace, human dignity and freedom from oppression for all people regardless of their religion.

Beyond any doubt whatsoever, we are all created by the same God, and the same God hears all our prayers. We have a duty to care for all of God’s creation, and that has to mean caring for each other.

I've been reading the last few pages of this thread, and also looking at the topics covered in other recent threads. The upshot of some of those, seems to be that we must put our convictions aside for any betterment to occur in society.

Islamically, we don't put aside our own convictions for justice or kindness to prevail.

Justice and kindness should prevail, precisely because of our convictions. Our convictions should lead us to being kind and just. It shouldn't be the case that we can only be kind and just by putting them aside. If that is the case, then we need to question our convictions to begin with.

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted. (4:135)

So we must be just and truthful, even if that means having to give evidence against ourselves, or our parents, in favour of, say a Hindu or Christian or Jew or athiest or any other person.

Indeed the Prophet (peace be upon him) helped a Jew get justice when he had been falsely accused of stealing armour.

The prophets cousin, son in law and fourth caliph, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), once had a dispute wth a Jew over the ownership of some armour, which Ali had said belonged to him, at the time that Ali was caliph. Ali took the case to the judge, and the judge dismissed the case due to lack of admissible evidence from Ali for his claim. The Jew was astounded (as he knew that the armour actually did belong to Ali), and was observing the entire proceeding with full attention. On leaving the courtroom, he watched intently to see the reaction of Ali. There was not the slightest bit of annoyance on the face of Ali. Not a word of displeasure regarding the verdict was uttered. The Jew, overcome by this sterling character, and impartiality of the judge shown to the leader of all the Muslims, addressed Ali thus:

'The Commander of the Faithful takes me before his own judge and the judge rules in my favor against him! I bear witness that no one deserves worship except God and that Muhammad is His Messenger [the Jewish man accepted Islam], and that the suit of armor is yours, Commander of the Faithful. You dropped it at night and I found it.' (Abu Bakr Hayyan, Tarikh al-Qudat, Volume 2, p. 200) Ali thereafter gave the armour to the Jew as a gift.

The life-story of the Prophet (peace be upon him) gives many instances of his kind co-existence with non-Muslims. Some of his neighbors were non-Muslims and the Prophet would be generous towards them and exchange gifts. The Prophet would visit them when they fell sick and do business with them. There was a Jewish family he regularly gave charity to and the Muslims after his death maintained his charity towards them.

When a Christian delegation from Ethiopian churches came to Madina, the Prophet opened up his mosque for them to stay in, hosted them generously, and personally served them meals.

I could give lots of other examples where Muslims have campaigned for justice and indeed made sure that their fellow Children of Adam, got their rights, but will stop here for brevity's sake.

The Islamic relationship between individuals and nations should be one of peace (under normal circumstances). Muslims learn from the Qur'an that one of Gods objectives in creating humans as different communities was that they should relate to each other peacefully:

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (49:13)

Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who are just. (60:8)

In summary, we do not have to put aside our convictions to be kind and just to each other and to live together in peace, for such actions are enshrined in the teachings of our faith.

Peace.

Greetings,

format_quote Originally Posted by glo

Assuming that both Christians and Muslims have a heart and desire to go out and protect/care for/pray for the needy members of society, can they join forces and do so together?
Can they lay aside their religious differences and work together to help those who need help (as required by their religious teachings)?

Of course. Helping the needy is something encouraged in both religions and there are already charities in place that do such interfaith work. I think the key issue here is being able to work together, whilst acknowledging each others' differences. I see the true meaning of interfaith as being each person working with others whilst remaining true to their faith, without being asked to compromise what their faith teaches.

format_quote Originally Posted by observer

Now, I'm an atheist but this kind of sentiment must surely be the best way forward for everyone? Gaps need bridging - the world is so mixed now that even a single faith country of any kind, let alone a single faith world, is impossible. People need to accept their neighbours' ways of thinking. This attitude of "You're wrong, one day you'll see the light. I hope my god will forgive you" comes across to me as deeply disrespectful.

I don't believe the Bible, but the idea that there are some contradictions in it so it and Christianity must instantly be proved false seems pretty unreasonable to me.

Gaps do need bridging and they can be bridged, without having to compromise on what our faiths teach. Believing someone else is wrong does not mean we cannot work with them or help them or treat them with the same respect and dignity as we do any other human being. People have the right to disagree with others and it is a natural phenomenon of mankind. People will always differ in religions, creeds, beliefs, opinions and sects. The Qur'an mentions:

And if your Lord had so willed, He could surely have made mankind one Ummah, but they will not cease to disagree. Except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His mercy, and for that did He create them. [11: 118-119]

We should remain honest and open, especially about something so important as salvation and the concept of God, and we should never feel ashamed of proclaiming the teachings of our religion. History attests to the fact that people can be true to their faith yet live side by side in perfect harmony.

Regards.