6.1 Religion and society What is the significance of the Muslim involvement and support in and for the multi-faith society?

Think Pair Share What are the challenges of living in a multi-faith society? What are the benefits of a multi-faith society?

Key ideas Multi-faith society

Key ideas Multi-faith society Pluralism

Key ideas Multi-faith society Pluralism Religious freedom

Key ideas Multi-faith society Pluralism Religious freedom Interfaith dialogue

Key ideas Multi-faith society Pluralism Religious freedom Interfaith dialogue Religious tolerance

Key ideas Multi-faith society Pluralism Religious freedom Interfaith dialogue Religious tolerance Inclusivism

Key ideas Multi-faith society Pluralism Religious freedom Interfaith dialogue Religious tolerance Inclusivism Exclusivism

Read the article on ‘Religious Tolerance’ and note the key points.

What is the place of other faiths in the Qur’an on religious pluralism? Peace is the Cornerstone “O You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you.” (s2:208) No Force to Believe in Islam “There is no compulsion where the religion is concerned.” (s2:v256) “You cannot guide those you would like to but God guides those He wills. He has best knowledge of the guided.” (s28: v56) Freedom of Religion are Paramount “To you be your religion and to me my religion”. (s109:v6) Interfaith dialogue Say: "O People of the Book! Come to what is common between us and you: That we worship none but God, that we associate no partners with Him, that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords other than Allah." (s3:64)

Islam’s attitude to other religions in History Islam met ; Judaism and Christianity in its birthplace, in Arabia, Palestine, Syria and Egypt 7th century, Zoroastrianism in Persia Hinduism and Buddhism in eastern Persia and India Chinese religion through the Silk route Ref: The Heart of Islam, p.39S H Nasr

Does the religion causes problems only? What about the political and geographical issues? Why the society is getting more intolerant than ever?

Examples of Prophet Muhammad Treaty of Hudaybiyah between Prophet Muhammad and Makkans Prophet Muhammad allowed a Christian delegation from Najran to pray in His mosque. Open amnesty to all Makkans Prophet wrote letters of invitation to Islam to kings but never threatened any one

On whiteboard What is the Significance of debate on different interpretations of Hadith / Sunnah with regard to other religions? “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers” [S3:V85] 

Why modern Muslims reject working with other religious groups e Why modern Muslims reject working with other religious groups e.g ‘Nation of Islam’? Founded in 1930 by Wali Fard Muhammad. After his mysterious disappearance in 1934 Elijah Muhammad led. It claimed that; God had been incarnated in Fard White people are inherently evil There was no life after death ISLAM A Short History, Karen Armstrong p.150

Sectarian division in Islam

How Islam has viewed other religious and non-religious worldviews and their true claims? Hebrew prophets and Christ are deeply respected by Muslims ‘The Virgin Mary’ holds the most exalted position in the Qur’an Muslim Christian share; immortality of soul, accent on the inner life and eschatological realities (death, afterlife etc) Islam is the third Abrahamic religion; all three religions share; - opposition to all forms of idolatry, oneness of God, prophecy, sacred scriptures, sanctity of life, reverence for the law of God, Humane treatment of others and so forth

Role of organisations in the UK Muslim Association of Britain - MAB A constructive dialogue between Muslims and other faith communities. British Muslims to become involved – as citizens – in the shaping of political and social decision-making procedures. British Muslims to understand their role as couriers of morals and upholders of justice for all those oppressed in the world, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Muslim Council of Britain - MCB ‘Towards Greater Understanding: A document is produced to help schools in order to make their policies for Muslim Pupils. Islam is Peace: The MCB supported the 'Islam is Peace' advertising campaign, launched in October 2007, Books For Schools: In 2004, the MCB launched a 'Books for Schools' for mainstream primary schools in the UK.  Visit My Mosque day: Facilitated by the MCB first in 2005. Scriptural Reasoning Society is dedicated to Scriptural Reasoning - the shared reading by Jews, Christians, Muslims and others of their sacred scriptures.

Key ideas Multi-faith society Pluralism Religious freedom Interfaith dialogue Religious tolerance Inclusivism Exclusivism

Question Assess How trying to convert people may cause problems in a multi- faith society. [12]