Latest news with #Mohammad
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Tolerance is an obligation in Islamic thought
20 July 2025 22:56 By Imam Tawhidi* Tolerance is not something peripheral in Islam. It is deeply rooted in our foundational texts and central to the way we understand our faith. When we turn to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), we find that tolerance is a principle woven throughout the very message of Islam. It reflects our religion's emphasis on justice, compassion, mercy, and respect for diversity. These are not simply moral aspirations; they are obligations placed upon us, guiding how we interact with others both within and outside our community. The meaning of tolerance is broad and multifaceted, encompassing religious, social, political, and cultural dimensions. It provides a holistic framework for coexistence with individuals of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. And importantly, tolerance in Islam is not about passivity or indifference. It is about active engagement, meeting others with integrity, extending to them the dignity we expect for ourselves, and creating space for dialogue and mutual respect. This, to me, is one of the most beautiful expressions of of the most compelling foundations of tolerance in Islam lies in the Quranic verse: "There is no compulsion in religion" (Quran 2:256). This verse plays a significant role in the formulation of Islamic jurisprudence in the fields of tolerance and coexistence as it unequivocally establishes the principle that belief in Islam cannot be coerced and that individuals must have the freedom to choose their faith. This message echoes throughout Islamic teachings. Forcing someone to accept a belief undermines the essence of genuine faith, which must be rooted in sincerity and understanding. This verse, and like many others, aims to demonstrate the Quranic principle of recognising human diversity, which is seen as a deliberate creation by Allah Almighty. The life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad serve as a key source of guidance on the principle of tolerance. The Prophet's interactions with people of different religions, cultures, and social statuses provide numerous examples of how tolerance and coexistence were practical realities in society. One of the most notable instances of this is the Constitution of Medina, established by the Prophet after his migration to Medina in 622 CE. This document, often considered the first written constitution in history, laid the foundation for a pluralistic society in which Muslims, Jews, Christians, and polytheists coexisted peacefully. It guaranteed religious freedom, protection, and equal rights for all. It is a testament to how Prophet Mohammad fostered a sense of community that transcended religious differences while promoting justice, compassion, and mutual respect as the basis for Prophet's commitment to tolerance can be seen in his treatment of the Christians of Najran. When a delegation from Najran visited Medina to discuss religious matters, the Prophet not only welcomed them with respect but also allowed them to perform their religious rituals in his mosque. The Prophet's farewell sermon, delivered during his final pilgrimage, further encapsulates the essence of tolerance in Islamic teachings. In this sermon, he emphasised the sanctity of human life, property, and honour, declaring: "All of mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action." This is the prophetic methodology for establishing absolute equality and the unity of humanity, reinforcing the idea that differences among people should never be a basis for discrimination or Ali's profound statement - "A person is either your brother in faith, or your equal in humanity" - is a timeless declaration that summarises the essence of universal brotherhood, empathy, and respect for human dignity. It emphasises that every individual is deserving of compassion and equitable treatment. The significance of the statement is even more pronounced in our contemporary era, where the world is increasingly interconnected, but divisions and conflicts persist, based on religion, race, and we were to internalise and implement this ethos, societies could build bridges of mutual respect and solidarity and create an environment where every person is valued, protected, and included. And in the end, that's what most humans want - not perfection, but a life lived with dignity, understanding, and peace. The UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, understood this enduring truth and thus made the values of tolerance and coexistence the cornerstone in building the UAE as a model for promoting a culture of coexistence and mutual respect on the global stage. *The columnist is a Parliamentary Advisor and Research Partner with TRENDS Research & Advisory
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Amanah eyes five seats in Sabah, one confirmed under PH-BN negotiations
Mohamad Sabu (seated fourth from right) with Amanah's central and state leadership as well as members of the party at the launch here on Saturday. KOTA KINABALU (July 19): Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) is looking to contest five state seats in Sabah for the upcoming state election, with one seat already confirmed under the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) seat negotiations, said party president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Speaking to the media after launching Amanah's election machinery here today, Mohammad said the party remains fully committed to working with its PH partners despite mobilising its own grassroots campaign. 'First of all, Pakatan Harapan will move as one,' he stressed. 'But when it comes to activating our Amanah members, we have to deploy them ourselves. We will cooperate fully with all component parties,' he said. He said Amanah is targeting around five seats, including Sulabayan, Tanjung Aru, and Lumadan. Asked if contesting in Warisan's stronghold Sulabayan would be a risky move, Mohamad responded that the matter remains speculative for now. 'It's not certain we will get that seat. Whatever is decided later will be based on negotiations. For now, we can only mention it as a possibility,' he said. On whether the seat for Tanjung Aru has been confirmed for Amanah, he explained: 'Tanjung Aru has been given to PH but that does not mean Amanah is guaranteed the seat yet. PH includes Keadilan, Amanah, DAP and UPKO. The final decision will be made once party leaders sign off.' Addressing Sabah's growing preference for local parties, Mat Sabu said Amanah will ensure that all its candidates are Sabahan, and will ramp up grassroots efforts to build local trust and visibility. 'All our candidates will be local Sabahan faces. Once our election machinery is in place, we will launch more community-focused campaigns to show that we stand with the people of Sabah,' he said. Amanah election machinery Mohamad Sabu Sabah state election
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
GAA Palestine travel to Jordan for alternative summer camp after Irish visas refused
Young members of the GAA Palestine tour with chairman Stephen Redmond and coach Mohammad from Moataz Sarsour Club in Al Am'ari Camp (GAA Palestine/PA) GAA Palestine said its players and mentors have arrived in Jordan for a summer camp after their planned tour of Ireland was cancelled over visa denials. The group, which includes 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers, was scheduled to arrive in Dublin on Friday, however, they were denied entry by the Department of Justice.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Wan Azizah Attends Usrah MADANI Programme In Putrajaya
PUTRAJAYA, July 17 (Bernama) — The Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, took time today to attend the Usrah MADANI programme held at the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) here. She spent nearly two hours at the spiritual knowledge-sharing session, which featured renowned UK-based Islamic scholar Syeikh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi, who delivered a talk titled The Role of Women in Scholarship and Nation-Building. Wan Azizah, who is also the Patron of the Association of Wives and Women Members of the Malaysian Civil Service (Puspanita), arrived at 2.30 pm and was welcomed by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Also present were Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Puspanita president Puan Sri Maheran Jamil. The event was jointly organised by KPWKM, the KPWKM branch of Puspanita and the Office of the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), and was attended by around 300 participants from KPWKM and the Prime Minister's Department. During the session, Syeikh Mohammad shared insights on the role of women in Islamic scholarship and nation-building, emphasising that Islam provides ample space for women to actively contribute to society. He cited the wife of Prophet Muhammad SAW Saidatina Khadijah, as an exemplary figure who was not only a successful entrepreneur but also the Prophet's strongest supporter during the early years of Islam. 'Her role symbolises the trust and empowerment given to women in Islamic history. She was a woman of wisdom, courage and leadership,' he said. Syeikh Mohammad also stressed that women are encouraged to seek knowledge, participate in community activities and play leadership roles, adding that cultural restrictions in some societies should not be mistaken as religious obligations.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Basketball camps conclude today with exhibition tie
KBBA President Ghulam Abbas Jamal on Tuesday announced that the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the month-long Mohammad Masood Shaheed Boys and Shahida Parveen Kiyani Girls Summer Basketball Coaching Camps will be held on Tuesday night at 8:00pm. Over 100 boys and girls, ranging from 8 years to 22 years in age, participated in the camps organized by the Karachi Basketball Association. (KBBA). Two qualified women coaches and four mens coaches imparted training in the camps. Tariq Ali Nizamani, Managing Director of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), will be honored on Tuesdasy with the Excellence in Performance Award for his exceptional services to humanity and sports. After the ceremony, the Khadim-e-Insaniyat boys exhibition basketball match will be played. Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, will attend as chief guest. Prominent figures from the civil and military sectors, including Khalid Jameel Shamsi, Javed Metiwala, and Javed Jhangra, along with well-known sports personalities will also be present. Camp Commandant Haji Muhammad Ashraf Yahya, and Chief Coach Engineer Zain-ul-Abideen Channa, among others, will be presented with cash prizes and awards by Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Managing Director of KWSB. Later, the prestigious Ilyas Shakir awards will be conferred upon Ghulam Muhammad Khan, Director of Sports, Commissioner Karachi, for his dedicated services to sports. Additionally, four outstanding players from the camp will be honored with the awards, which will be personally presented by renowned journalist Asad Shakir.
