THE ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL TOLERANCE IN THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY QURAN

The Quranic call for tolerance is based on a set of moral values and human virtues, and Quranic verses mentioned three different types of tolerance: religious, political and social. The achievement of religious tolerance depends on dialogue, Ihsan and forgiveness, and it is the responsibility of the state, its institutions and individuals to implement it. The political tolerance is guaranteed and achieved by democracy and constitutional government through the process of justice, equality and Shurah. The social tolerance – which is the most important and complicated tolerance in our Muslim societies – could be achieved by establishment of a solid platform for a range of a collective and individual moral virtues, that could implemented through the individual daily dealings and transactions, cultural associations, economical groups and educational activities. The backbone of the social tolerance in the holy Quran is His almighty word: “O Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that who has Taqwah. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware”. The message of this verse is for all human being regardless of religious background or sectarianism, and it is a call for social reconciliation and cultural integration. The achievement of social tolerance is bound to democratic system that guarantee freedom and equality.