There are several reasons why Islam is considered a religion of peace and why it holds Christians and Jews in high regard:
- Core Teachings: The word „Islam“ itself means „submission to God’s will.“ Key Islamic concepts like peace (salam), justice (adl), and compassion (rahma) are central to the faith. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of peace, tolerance, and forgiveness.
- Respect for Other Religions: Islam recognizes that Christianity and Judaism predate it and shares many common prophets and stories with these faiths. The Quran refers to followers of these religions as „People of the Book“ and forbids Muslims from insulting their beliefs or sacred figures.
- Historical Context: Early Islamic conquests often resulted in religious tolerance. Non-Muslim communities were allowed to practice their faiths freely under certain conditions, paying a special tax in return for protection. This system, known as the dhimmi system, was not without its complexities, but it did allow for the coexistence of different religions.
- Focus on Common Ground: Islam emphasizes shared values like belief in one God, the importance of prophets, and the idea of an afterlife. This focus on commonalities fosters respect and dialogue between Muslims and followers of other Abrahamic faiths.
It’s important to note that while Islam promotes peace and respect, the actions of individuals and groups cannot always be directly attributed to the religion itself. Just like any other religion, Islam has been used to justify violence and extremism, but these actions are condemned by the vast majority of Muslims and religious scholars.
