The issue of the banner displayed by the Lekki mosque got me thinking about the posts and comments by some people. While many reasonable Muslim brothers roundly advised against such a banner which could be seen as provocative some others were totally off mark choosing to be obstinate and stubborn even calling others apostates for not agreeing with their reasoning which in the long run will not bid well for all.
The decision to display the banner at the Lekki Central Mosque was likely based on the mosque’s interpretation of Islamic beliefs regarding Jesus Christ. Some Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet but not God, and the banner may have been intended to express this view. However, the banner was removed following public backlash, suggesting that the mosque may have reconsidered the decision.
Quran 6:108-110 is:
And do not revile those whom they invoke other than Allah, lest they revile Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus, have We made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then they will return to their Lord, and He will inform them of what they used to do.
And they swear by Allah with their most solemn oaths that if a sign comes to them, they will surely believe in it. Say: “Signs are in the power of Allah alone.” And they do not realize that.
And they say: “If we only had a sign, we would surely believe.” Say: “The signs are with Allah, and you will not realize that when they come to you, you will surely disbelieve.”
Surah Al-An’am, verses 108-118, offers a profound perspective on interfaith relations within the Islamic faith. These verses address the sensitive issue of how Muslims should interact with those who adhere to different belief systems. The core message revolves around the importance of respecting the beliefs and practices of others, even when they differ significantly from one’s own.
The verses explicitly discourage the act of “reviling” or insulting the objects of worship held sacred by other communities. This prohibition stems from the recognition that such actions can easily escalate into hostility and conflict. By disrespecting the deeply held beliefs of others, one risks provoking a reciprocal response that could lead to a cycle of animosity and misunderstanding.
Instead of engaging in such negativity, Surah Al-An’am encourages a more constructive approach. It emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. The verses remind Muslims that every community has its own unique perspective on the divine and that these perspectives, while diverse, are ultimately expressions of a shared human search for meaning and purpose.
Furthermore, the verses highlight the inherent limitations of human understanding. They acknowledge that our comprehension of religious truths is often incomplete and subject to our own biases and interpretations. Recognizing this limitation fosters humility and encourages a greater degree of tolerance towards the beliefs of others.
In essence, Surah Al-An’am provides a framework for respectful interfaith dialogue. It calls upon Muslims to engage with people of other faiths with kindness, understanding, and a genuine desire for peaceful coexistence. By adhering to these principles, Muslims can contribute to a more harmonious and tolerant society where individuals of diverse beliefs can live together in peace and respect.
My final thought on this is that everyone should learn to apply Emotional Intelligence in all we do. One of the cardinal points of human interactions is Rotary International’s Four Way Test.
The Four-Way Test is a moral code created by Herbert J. Taylor in 1932, used by Rotarians to guide their personal and professional decisions. It consists of four questions:
- – Is it the truth?
- – Is it fair to all concerned?
- – Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- – Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
The simple use of this as a test for all things we say or do could prevent anyone from courting or causing controversy of any kind in any way.
Let us strive by all means to understand and live with diversity. This is one of the greatest gifts to mankind.
We must avoid provoking each other in every day possible. Live and let live.
God created all of us in diverse ways, shapes, tongues, races, and ethnicities. Respecting diversity is respecting God in the long run. That’s as simple as that.
This goes to all Christians and Muslims alike. Let love lead always and not strife and hatred.
- Ahmed Magem
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