Experts and researchers in the field of religion have emphasised that the culture of tolerance is deeply rooted in the essence of Islamic Sharia.
They noted that the practical implementation of this principle by Muslims since the advent of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has reinforced tolerance, promoting coexistence among people regardless of their diverse beliefs and ideas.
In statements to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, which is observed annually on June 18, the experts stressed that tolerance is a fundamental principle in all true divine religions. They affirmed that coexistence between Muslims and followers of other religions should be based on mutual trust and respect, along with a desire to co-operate for the common good of humanity in areas of mutual interest and in aspects that affect human life. They emphasised that it is possible to establish a common ground among religions to achieve global peace.
In his remarks to QNA, Chairman of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi, stated that religions inherently call for tolerance and coexistence, noting that tolerance is the prevailing norm in most parts of the world, according to reports from the UN and other relevant monitoring bodies. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as some conflicts and disputes may have religion as one of their factors, among other contributing elements.
Dr al-Nuaimi highlighted the role of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue in promoting a culture of dialogue and tolerance to ensure that coexistence and tolerance prevail worldwide, as advocated by the messages of prophets and messengers. He pointed out the existence of successful initiatives that contribute to achieving religious tolerance, particularly the outcomes of institutions that promote tolerance, which the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue aims for. The centre's significant contributions include periodic conferences, roundtables dedicated to various communities, training courses for professionals in this field, students, and specialists both within and outside Qatar, conducting scientific research, publishing scientific papers, and involving specialists in interfaith dialogue from followers of divine religions, both locally and internationally.
Dr Abdelkader Bekhouche, Professor in the Department of Aqeedah and Dawa and Editor-in-Chief of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies Journal at Qatar University, explained in a similar statement to QNA that tolerance is defined by the acceptance of others and respect for their rights and differences, including differences in creed, culture, customs and traditions.
He emphasised that tolerance manifests in positive thinking towards others and refraining from passing judgments on them. In contrast, coexistence relies on shared human values such as tolerance, compassion, good neighbourliness, and mutual co-operation. It is both a conceptual and practical behaviour that underscores every individual's right to local or global citizenship without discrimination or bias. (QNA)