When we look at our personal lives, if we tolerate small differences in our lifestyles, in our foods and our environment, we are happier. Contentment makes a person feel at peace.
Source/Credit: Public Opinion Online
By Dr. Amatul Khalid | January 29, 2016
Donald Trump thinks that he can solve the problem of terrorism by stopping Muslims from coming to this country, or by building a wall at the border of Mexico.
Is that really the solution?
Why do we need to do that? Why is there so much restlessness in the world? Where is the peace that everyone is looking for, the eternal peace?
We migrated to America 26 years ago because we were being persecuted due to intolerance of our differences. We were not able to call ourselves Muslims and practice our faith. Upon entering this country, my family took a deep breath. We were at peace, allowed to practice our faith. We were openly able to discuss, work and live, without being persecuted. We are proud citizens of America. We have found the freedom that makes this country the land of the free and home of the brave.
On the other hand, during last 26 years the condition of our country has worsened tremendously. The country is losing its own identity; there is restlessness and fear throughout country.
Intolerance of differences causes restlessness and anxiety. If we promote tolerance toward the differences of opinion and practice justice without passing judgments, that promotes peace. The basic reason America came into existence was to provide freedom, tolerance, justice and equality to all its citizens. If we focus on commonalities while ignoring and tolerating differences then we will promote peace.
This is not the fault of Donald Trump. This is the action of some extremists like ISIS and other groups who are intolerant of differences, and are passing judgments about all others. They are trapping thousands of innocent youth and taking them in an entirely wrong direction, to cause anxiety, fear, and restlessness in the world.
Islam and all other religions teach us to live in peace and harmony with those around us.
Quran says, “Say, O people of the book come to the word equal between you and us…” (3:65).
In the New Testament, we read, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Consider the following: “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1) and “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
All religions preach about tolerance and peace. This is the secret for global and eternal peace.
When we look at our personal lives, if we tolerate small differences in our lifestyles, in our foods and our environment, we are happier. Contentment makes a person feel at peace.
Quran refers to a soul at peace: 89:28-31: O, soul at peace, return to your Lord well pleased with Him and He well pleased with thee, so enter thou amongst my chosen servants, and enter thou my Gardens.
In our family system, if we tolerate each other’s differences of opinion and give each their own space, we can promote peaceful and happy marriages. Islam teaches a husband to put a spoonful of food in his wife’s mouth, to make her happy; and a wife is supposed to take care of her husband’s rights and provide comfort to him. Husband and wife are supposed to be like garments for each other to protect each other from harm, beautify and dignify each other.
In the community, if we tolerate our neighbors and extend the hand of peace and friendship, we will promote peace. We not only are supposed to tolerate but also protect and take care of them. According to Islam, anyone who lives within 40 houses of your house is considered your neighbor.
It is true in the case of community, countries and the world that global peace is only possible if we promote tolerance, mutual respect and justice. All of the activities of ISIS and other terrorist groups are entirely un-Islamic and are causing the spread of terror, anxiety and fear in the world.
Islam is a religion of peace that promotes tolerance, mutual respect and understanding at all levels of society. In order to promote eternal peace in the world, we have to educate and spread tolerance and respect. We must practice justice and equality for all human beings. That was the reason for the birth of United States of America centuries ago.
If we promote intolerance and injustices, I am afraid that this safe haven for people like us will become similar to the place we came from.
God bless America, Amen.
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Dr. Amatul Khalid is a Chambersburg physician.
Read original post here: Perspective: The rise of intolerance threatens America's identity | Dr. Amatul Khalid
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