08-04-2003, 05:30 PM
Islam is a religion of peace, respect and tolerance. These days, however, certain circles are trying to paint a false picture of Islam. Islam wants to see the world become a place of 'peace and health,' although these circles are trying to suggest the exact opposite and that there is an incompatibility between Islam and members of other religions. The fact is that Islam adopts a very just and compassionate attitude towards Jews and Christians, described as Peoples of the Book in the Qur'an.
-------------------
[i:dea9dad892][b:dea9dad892]Say, 'People of the Book! come to a proposition which is the same for us and you - that we should worship none but Allah and not associate any partners with Him and not take one another as lords besides Allah.' If they turn away, say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims.'(Surah Al 'Imran: 64)[/b:dea9dad892][/i:dea9dad892]
[i:dea9dad892][b:dea9dad892]Today all good things have been made halal for you. And the food of those given the Book is also halal for you and your food is halal for them. So are chaste women from among the muminun and chaste women of those given the Book before you, once you have given them their dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking them as lovers. But as for anyone who rejects iman, his actions will come to nothing and in the akhira he will be among the losers. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 5)[/b:dea9dad892][/i:dea9dad892]
[b:dea9dad892][i:dea9dad892]Among the people of the Book there are some who have iman in Allah and in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down to them, and who are humble before Allah. They do not sell Allah's Signs for a paltry price. Such people will have their reward with their Lord. And Allah is swift at reckoning. (Surah Al 'Imran: 199)[/i:dea9dad892][/b:dea9dad892]
[i:dea9dad892][b:dea9dad892]Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His way. And He knows best who are guided. (Surat an-Nahl: 125)[/b:dea9dad892][/i:dea9dad892]
[i:dea9dad892][b:dea9dad892]...You will find the people most affectionate to those who have iman are those who say, 'We are Christians.' That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 82)[/b:dea9dad892][/i:dea9dad892]
[i:dea9dad892][b:dea9dad892]Only argue with the People of the Book in the kindest way - except in the case of those of them who do wrong - saying, 'We have iman in what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to you. Our God and your God are one and we submit to Him.'(Surat al-'Ankabut: 46)[/b:dea9dad892][/i:dea9dad892]
[i:dea9dad892][b:dea9dad892]...There is a community among the People of the Book who are upright. They recite Allah's Signs throughout the night, and they prostrate. They have iman in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and compete in doing good. They are among the salihun. You will not be denied the reward for any good thing you do. Allah knows those who have taqwa. (Surah Al 'Imran: 113-115)[/b:dea9dad892][/i:dea9dad892]
[i:dea9dad892][b:dea9dad892]Those with iman, those who are Jews, and the Christians and Sabaeans, all who have iman in Allah and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (Surat al-Baqara: 62)[/b:dea9dad892][/i:dea9dad892]