Islam is a religion of compassion, it does not divide people based on their origin or their color, and it advises everyone to be treated respectfully. an equal footing. This is something that the Prophet himself stood for during his time spreading the message of Allah. Additionally, there are examples from Islamic history, as well as Quranic verses, that support the claim that Islam's tolerant attitude is deeply rooted in its scriptures. Interestingly, some verses also raise questions and conflicts. Most classical interpreters of the Quran agree that there are inconsistencies in the Quranic scripture regarding unbelievers and how the Muslim community should treat them. One reason for this could be the change in circumstances during the period when the Quranic message spread. Therefore, this article will describe the Quranic concept of religious tolerance or intolerance, based on the teachings of the Prophet, Quranic verses and historical events. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the Original EssayIslam, just like Judaism and Christianity, was also propagated by a messenger of God, in this case Muhammad . The Prophet plays a key role in understanding the Islamic vision of religious freedom and transmitting it to his followers. Furthermore, God did not order Muhammad to impose his teaching on the people using force. “(And as for My messenger,) he has no (obligation) upon him except to convey (the message). God knows what you expose and what you hide. In addition to this, when the people of Mecca refused to accept Islam, another verse was revealed: And those who associate others with Allah say: "If Allah had willed, we would not have worshiped anything 'other than Him, neither us nor our fathers. , nor would we have forbidden anything by anyone other than Him. So did those who preceded them. So, is there anything on messengers other than (the duty of) clear notification? In this surah (verse), it is conveyed to Muhammad that his duty is to guide and convince the people of Mecca to accept God with their own will. In addition to this, another verse also mentions that religion cannot be imposed on anyone: "There shall be no compulsion on (the acceptance of) religion." The revelation of these verses emphasizes that Islam should only be accepted if one wants it. Although it is obvious that the Prophet was following God's orders and spreading the message as it was revealed to him, his role in promoting religious tolerance is very important. Muhammad was the one who had to interpret the message for everyone and teach them to follow the message of the Quran, which is actually to accept everyone's choice and let God decide for them when the time comes. However, while no one is obligated to accept Islam, other verses contain an underlying message that could actually argue for a division of the Islamic community of unbelievers. Indeed, the Koran is rich in suras which advocate religious freedom, according to the point of view of the person who interprets them. For example, there is a particular verse called Qul ya-ayyuhal-karifun (The Unbelievers) which can be interpreted in two ways: I do not worship that you worship. And neither do you worship what I worship. And I will not worship what you worshiped. And you won't love what I love either. For you, your religion. And for me, my religion. This verse can be understood as very precise and direct in its role of guiding the Islamic community to accept and not judge thefollowers of other religions. However, this surah is considered problematic because it does not refer to anyone in particular. This also raises the question of whether it is intended for the people of the Book or Meccan idolaters. Another problem with this verse is that, according to Maududi, it can be read as a message from God that tells the Islam community to avoid unbelievers. In addition to this, there are excerpts from hadith literature that mention this verse and how the Prophet interpreted it. Hadrat Anas relates that Muhammad said to Hadrat Muadh bin Jabal: “Recite Qul ya-ayyuhal-karifun at the time you go to bed, for this is immunity against polytheism. » Subsequently, it appears that this verse advocates the opposite of what is sometimes claimed to be religious tolerance. Rather than being a proclamation of freedom or recognition of religious pluralism, this surah prohibits interreligious dialogue. Not only that, but it also adheres to an “us versus them” mentality between the Muslim community and non-believers. Historically, Will Durant concludes that Muslims have shown greater tolerance than Christians. During the time of the Umayyad dynasty, the tolerance shown and maintained by Muslim rulers towards the non-Muslim community – Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians and Sabians – was difficult to find in the Christian world. During the period of Qur'anic revelation, over the last 23 years of the Prophet's life, the audience for the message grew and changed. The verses revealed in Medina concerned the migration of Muhammad in 622 CE. They concern the emerging community of followers of Islam. We have sent you the Scripture in truth, confirming the Scripture that preceded it and keeping it secure; therefore judge between them according to what God has revealed, and do not follow their vain desires, which lead you away from the truth which has come to you. For each of you We have prescribed a law and a clear path. If God had willed, He would have made you one people, but His plan is to test you in what He has given you: therefore compete as in a race in all the virtues. Your focus is on God; it is He who will show you the truth on the issues on which you differ. This verse and hundreds of other verses relate directly or indirectly to the concept of tolerance of belief system, worship, and conduct, in addition to what it describes as a religion that follows God. This can also be interpreted as the heart of the matter, which is that the Quran actually deals with the moral and religious diversity that exists between people of different religious communities. Thus, most classical interpreters of the Qur'an and the majority of orientalists believe that the Qur'an is not coherent when it comes to matters dealing with unbelievers, "but rather is marked by internal contradictions reflecting circumstances changing as they arise. unfolds.” During the Meccan period of the Koranic revelation, Muhammad spread the message without any violence. Hashmi also mentions that due to Muhammad's military weakness, he was forced to maintain a sense of ethical tolerance ranging from nonviolent opposition to indifference. This was the kind of tolerance that existed towards the pagan Arabs and is the central message of the Qur'anic revelations of this period. However, there is a change in the Quran when the time of hijra (migration) came. As violence against Muhammad and his followers intensified, it was also realized that Muslims in Mecca could receive military support from people who converted in Medina. Therefore, when the Meccans moved to Medina,,