Multiculturalism of Islam

Multiculturalism of Islam

The traditional tolerance under Islam falls short of full religious liberty which requires equality among people of different creeds as a basic human right. Islamic rule assigned different ranks and tasks to people of different beliefs in a way that allows only faithful Muslims full membership within the community. However, the definition of religious tolerance, judged by today's standard, is not applicable to that of the history. Therefore, it is true that Jewish minorities benefited a great deal from the tolerance of Islam throughout the Middle Ages, which was severely lacking in Christian Europe. In return, Muslims asked minorities to obey their laws; and this mutual way of living is what led to a multicultural society under Islamic state.

The position of Jews greatly improved under the rule of Islam for many reasons. One evident reason for this improvement is that they were one minority among others; in the areas concurred, there was a large variety of religions and Jews were only a small community among others such as Syrians, North Africans and Christians. As a result of that, Muslims had other ethnics groups to worry about and considering the small number of Jewish community, they started building trust with Jews as they do not evoke a danger for the sake of Islamic rule. This feeling of security towards the Jews led to a certain degree of tolerance forming a less rigid oppression. In addition to the security reasons, Islam is believed to be a religion of justice and equality. Jews of newly conquered territories, such as Jews of Hims, preferred Arabs to the Byzantines because of the sense of justice and religious tolerance in Islam. They claimed: "We prefer your rule and your justice to the oppression and injustice under which we were formerly. And we shall surely repel Heraclius' army from the city, with the help of your governor."

No laws forced conversions on Jews following this rapid extension of territories because the Quran indicates, "There is to be no compulsion in religion" (Sura2:256). Quran embodies religious diversity and so, accepts the identity of the newest born monotheistic religion among Judaism and Christianity; thus implying the principles built on previous ones, but in an uncorrupted way. There exists a strong religious pluralism in Quran. As evidence, Lewis translates the verse CIX6: "To you your religion, to me my religion." Lewis also claims that Judaism is an incomplete form of Islam and therefore, should be respected as "genuine if distorted divine revelation" according to Islam. Furthermore, Islam is closer to Judaism than any other religions. For instance, the study of religious law involves the main activity of Islam's and Judaism's religious communities; both ulema and rabbis teach and interpret religious laws, shari'a and halakha. The application of it in everyday life is strong as opposed to the ascetic Christian priests isolated from their communities.