Protection of minorities is a part of Islam

Protection of minorities is a part of Islam

Many people believe that Islam teaches us to not only condemn non-Muslims, but also hurt them in one way or another. This is one of the biggest misconception and a classic case of brain-washing. Such ignorance on part of a Muslim is not only harmful for
non-Muslims but is also damaging to the image of Islam.

One of the most important things that everyone needs to understand is that God has strictly forbidden the use of force to spread Islam. He has also made it quite clear to His followers that the non-Muslims should not be harmed in any way unless of course
the latter conspires to harm us, in which case arms are allowed to be taken on account of self-defence. In no way are arms allowed to be used to spread Islam.

We must also understand that the rights of minorities have been getting looked after since the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). If he (PBUH) advocated the rights of those who had not entered Islam, then who are we to believe that it is permissible to harm
them without any justified reason. To think that their very existence is a threat to Islam is absurdity and by no means hold any ground.

In Pakistan, majority of the people, mostly belonging to middle to lower class, harbour strong hatred for not only non-Muslims, but also those Muslims who belong to a different sect. Sunnis and Shias treat each other as if they expect to get stabbed by the
other the moment their back is turned.

It is also common to find people belong to one religion or sect making fun of religious practice of people belonging to another religion or sect. Little do they realise that what goes around comes around and if they mock the practices of others, that is
exactly what will come in their direction.

Another thing that we need to understand is that killing a non-Muslim is just as big a sin as killing a Muslim. Islam makes it crystal clear that killing one human means killing the entire human specie. Notice how the word “human” is used here instead of
“Muslim.” There is hardly any doubt left after going through this line.

It is for us to make an utmost effort in preventing people from misunderstanding Islam and getting brain-washed. It is also up to us to protect minorities and ensure their rights are upheld. Turning a blind eye to injustice will only bring us eternal punishment
in the depths of hell.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=12621

Posted by Muhammad Qasim Hassan on Feb 13 2012. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry