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From Dr Amir Farid Isahak
There has been a spate of incidents that caused much disharmony among the people of different religions lately. These incidents included mocking and insulting the religious beliefs and practices of others.
I am a 69-year-old medical doctor who has been active in Islamic and interfaith activities for over 35 years. Allow me to make some observations and give some advice.
Since I am a Muslim, my views will be mostly based on the Islamic teachings, and my advice is mainly for the Muslims. However, Insya-Allah (God willing), some of the points I raise should be acceptable and applicable to non-Muslims, too, as apart from our different theologies, the teachings of our respective religions have much in common &#8211; about being good and doing good to others.
The different religions and atheism differ mainly in theology. We disagree on whether God exists; and if God exists, if there is one God, or more than one God. If God is one, is it absolute oneness, or a triune God or other forms of godhood? And even those who believe in the absolute oneness of God argue (and even fight) over the details of His nature and attributes.
There are many reasons why we can disagree, argue, fight and even kill one another over the existence and nature of God. History has shown that humans have killed millions of their own kind in the name of God.
Many religions, including Christianity and Islam, encourage their adherents to share and spread their messages to others and to invite them into their fold (that is, proselytise and convert). This is where there is the most potential to cause hurt and resentment.
In trying to prove the truth and validity of their religions, preachers and proselytisers often also try to prove the falsehood and invalidity of the other religions, or of atheism.
Indeed, for them it is necessary to do so. Proving their religion is right and the best is not enough. It is also necessary to prove why and how the other religions or atheism are wrong or not so right, in order to convince others to choose to convert or “revert” (the term used by Muslims) to their religion.
The challenge is to be respectful in doing so.
The guideline for Muslims in da’wah or missionary/proselytisation work is this:
“Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching (teaching, explanation) and reason (dialogue, discuss, debate, argue) with them in the best and most gracious (respectful) ways; for surely your Lord knows who have been misguided, and who have received correct guidance.” (Quran 16:125)
In my opinion, if all proselytisers follow this guideline &#8211; to do so wisely, being respectful, polite and gracious &#8211; then there will not be heated arguments, quarrels or fights. The same goes to anyone who wants to comment about other religions or their followers.
There should not be any insults, belittling, mockery or condescension. The dialogue, debate or comments should be done respectfully, treating everyone as equal.
Those who want to engage in such dialogues, or make comments about other religions publicly, including on social media, should first know the rules and ethics of interfaith engagement. What if there are disagreements during such dialogues and debates? Often these disagreements lead to heated arguments, and if not contained, can progress to quarrels and fights.
The reminder from the Quran is this: “All of you will return to Allah; and He will show you the truth of the matters which you used to differ.” (Quran 5:48).
So, although we can discuss and debate to the deepest level of the subject in discussion, we must always be respectful and refrain from heated arguments and quarrels. The purpose of our engagement should be to find a common truth, or at least understand more about what and why the others believe in what they believe.
If the encounter is leading to a quarrel, then it is time to quit. It is better to remain friends with limited understanding of one another than become enemies in trying to deepen that understanding or in trying to convey our understanding of the truth.
Our highest duty is to promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence, and cooperate with one another so that we can prosper together, regardless of our race, religion and political inclinations.
Then for those who want to share about their beliefs or religions, they can do so at the right place and in the right manner, but only to those who are willing to listen. Nobody should be forced to listen to another person&#8217;s beliefs or opinions.
What about over-enthusiastic da&#8217;es (Muslim proselytisers) and Muslim NGOs who give out gifts to attract people to Islam?
In Sabah decades ago, there were many stories of people who converted to Islam several times because each time they converted, they got expensive goodies. I know of one such revert who was even given the privilege of going for the haj in Makkah. After all the special treatments ended, he returned to his original religion.
The Quran reminds us: “There is no compulsion in religion. The truth stands out clear from falsehood.” (Quran 2:256)
The Muslim is reminded not to force others into Islam. Conversion into Islam through compulsion, coercion, deceit, inducement and hypocrisy is not valid in the sight of Allah. Conversion must only be for the belief in and submission to Allah.
Therefore, conversion or reversion is only valid if it is voluntary and with sufficient understanding of what it means to declare the shahadah (witnessing of faith) and what it means to be a Muslim.
While inducing with gifts or other benefits is not strictly forcing, if the recipient converts because of the gifts and not because of faith in Allah, then the conversion is insincere and hypocritical. Discovering and understanding the truth of Islam should be the only reason.
Often this discovery happens through being impressed by the character and behavior of the good Muslims, or through marriage. I believe the same is true for other religions, too &#8211; that conversion is valid only if it is sincere and with sufficient understanding of what it means to convert, or become a follower of the new religion.
In conclusion, I reiterate &#8211; there is no need to insult other religions or their followers in trying to promote yours. Instead, show the goodness and proof of the truth of your religion, for truth stands out clear from falsehood. And, most importantly, show good character: respect, love and serve everyone &#8211; even those of other races and religions.
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Dr Amir Farid Isahak chairs the Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship and the Allied Coordinating Council of Islamic NGOs and is the vice-president of Persatuan Harmoni Malaysia and a committee member of the Research &amp; Information Centre on Islam.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

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