Voice of British Muslim Women

Iffat Mirza, Raynes Park

It’s very easy to turn our heads to some Islamic nations today and gasp in horror at the lack of tolerance amongst different religions, ethnicities, and cultures. The relentless persecution of Christians or the Yazidi, for example, in the Middle East, is most heart-breaking and worrisome.

Anyone who was familiar with even a small portion of true Islamic teachings would see that there is absolutely no justification of the horrific treatment of others. The Holy Qur’an proclaims in chapter 49 verse 14:

“O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into clans and tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.”[1]

God Almighty revealed to the unlettered Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him), that the differences in the human race were indeed the result of the intentional design of the Almighty. The reason that I draw attention to the fact that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) never received a formal education is because today we are generally under the impression that those with greater access to a higher and more expensive education, who have the means to travel the world are the ones to be the most tolerant. The reality could not be further from the truth. Tolerance has very little to do with our opportunities. Rather, it is a state of mind that anyone can adopt. It is a way of life that comes from within – it is built into the very nature of humanity. It need only be nurtured collectively, as a society.

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) enshrined ideas of tolerance and peace in the revolutionary Medina Charter. His governance of Medina is truly an inspiring example of genuine leadership, and it was inspired by the word of God.[2]

Again, the Holy Qur’an states in Verse 63 of Surah Al Baqarah:

Surely, the Believers, and the Jews, and the Christians and the Sabians — whichever party from among these truly believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good deeds — shall have their reward with their Lord, and no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.’[3]

Indeed, the effects of the Holy Prophet’s just and gracious rule were not only exclusive to his own time. He had great influence over future Islamic kingdoms and governments. Spain under Muslim rule is often known as the era of Convivencia (co-existence) and indeed Christians and Jews were afforded many rights to which other kingdoms cannot lay claim.

Taking the example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) and this style of government, the leaders of Al-Andalus invited the voices of the minorities in the royal courts and both Jewish and Christian advisors would be present. Christians and Jews were afforded great opportunities of receiving an education, acquisition of wealth, and class mobility.[4]

Of course, this is not to say that there was no religious tension between the groups, however, it would be wrong to impose the view that intolerance or injustice based on religious differences was sponsored or perpetrated by the leaders of Al-Andalus.

But most importantly, they were allowed to be Christian and Jewish and to profess their beliefs. Of course, by today’s standards this seems like the least that should be afforded to minorities, however, it is worth noting that after 1492 with the Reconquista (an already disputed term), these very basic rights were stripped, rejected, and forgotten. Isabel I and Ferdinand II were quick to re-establish a Catholic hierarchy, setting the agenda for future monarchs. The first step of which was to expel the Jews, force the Muslims to convert to Christianity and bury their Islamic culture, including banning Arabic, Islamic sacred writings, and prayers, and even to the point where clothing and dress were regulated. This finally culminated in the expulsion of the Muslims too in 1609.

Unfortunately, such religious bigotry, as well as bigotry of other forms, has not ended. We continue to seek to create false notions of hierarchy. Injustices are being carried out, and the world has become so desensitized that we do not even bat an eyelid. Though he lived a millennium and a half ago, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) continues to be a model of excellent leadership. Evidently, his leadership of justice and tolerance was an effective, glorious model. It is not without it that Spain and the Arab World was at the forefront of the Arts and Sciences whilst the rest of Europe was plunged in darkness, ruled over by erroneous religious dogma. Indeed, it is no surprise at all that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) is honoured as one of the greatest law-givers in the history of the world in the Supreme Court of the United States.

[1] The Holy Qur’an, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib (ra), Chapter 49 Verse 14

[2] The Holy Qur’an, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib (ra), Chapter 2 Verse 63

[3] The Excellent Exemplar – Muhammad “The Prophet at Medina” By Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan (ra)

[4] Ethnic Groups and Social Classes in Muslim Spain, Roberto Marín-Guzmán, 1991