What Are the Ethics of Preaching Religions?
Question and answer details | |
| Molly | |
| 2011/12/18 | |
| I am very confused about the issue of preaching religions. Some say that non-Muslims are not allowed to preach their religions. Others say they are allowed but secretly. Some others say they can but should not collide with the public interest of the state (i.e. security and safety). My question is: should people of different faiths agree on a code of ethics with regard to preaching religions? | |
| Dr.Jamal Badawi | |
| Answer Salam, Molly.Thank you for your question. It is essential at the outset to clarify the meanings of the various terms used in the context of inter-faith discourse. Proselytizing is a term that seems to connote aggressive efforts to induce others to change their religion and way of life, usually against their free will. It is a form of recruiting to one's own group. This concept as defined does not have a Quranic parallel. Proselytizing is not the same as "propagation" which means "to make known" [one's religion], which is closer to the Quranic term "balagh". Nor is proselytizing the same as the Quranic term "dawah", which literally means invitation, a far gentler and not overbearing discourse. Even "invitation" is qualified in the Quran by the requisites of wisdom and beautiful exhortation to goodness. *{Call unto the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way. Lo! your Lord is best aware of him who strays from His way, and He is Best Aware of those who go aright.}* (An-Nahl 16:125) I am not aware of any text in the primary sources of Islam that prevents people of other faith communities from sharing their faith with others, nor restricting them from making their beliefs known (one of the definitions of propagation). In the dialogue between the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Christian delegation from Najran, they spoke about their beliefs concerning Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and why they believed in his deity. This took place in the presence of the Prophet in his mosque in Madinah. His action represents the ultimate tolerance, even acceptance, of their right to explain their faith without any intimidation or restriction. It must be remembered, however, that this was done in a courteous manner just as Muslims are also required to explain their faith courteously. Another issue in interfaith sharing is to have a level field. This means that neither side should exploit people's ignorance or their vulnerability (such as their critical need for food or medication) to twist their arms or pressure them to accept something against their free will. One additional remark is that in any society, Muslim or otherwise, keeping public peace is also critical and prevention of religious or sectarian strife could vary in danger from one's culture to the other. This means that any form of freedom must be used with discretion so as to avoid the possibility of social turmoil in the name of freedom. The bottom line is to avoid any action that may incite animosity or violence. Also, words and actions that are insulting to any faith community or religion by anyone. It should be added that what maybe regarded as provocative, without being hateful and inciting, may vary from one society to the other. Specific responses may be contingent upon the degree of secularization in different societies. No sane person supports an action that is likely to lead to unnecessary social turmoil and hatred even if that is not the intention of any party involved. I hope this answers your question. Please keep in touch. Salam. Useful Links: | |
__._,_.___
