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THE CONCEPT OF TOLERANCE IN ISLĀM AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Ummataliyev Sohibjon Khikmatali o‘g‘li
International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan
"Islamic studies and Islamic civilization teacher
of the department of learning ICESCO
E-mail: sohibjonummataliyev91@mail.com
Phone: +998 97 4455562
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15423863
Abstract
This article explores the concept of religious tolerance in Islām and its
importance in today's society. It highlights historical examples of interfaith
harmony in Uzbekistan and includes references from the Holy Qurʾān and
Ḥadīths of Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) that emphasize the need
for kindness and fairness toward followers of other religions. The paper also
discusses the legal framework of Uzbekistan, which guarantees freedom of belief
and promotes interfaith cooperation. It underscores the significance of tolerance
in fostering social stability, national unity, and peace.
Keywords:
Islām, tolerance, religious freedom, Uzbekistan, Qurʾān, Ḥadīth, interfaith
harmony, belief, legislation, morality
Historically, the territory of Uzbekistan has been a model of religious
tolerance for the world. Scholars such as Burhān al-Dīn Marghīnānī, ʾAbū al-
Layth Samarqandī, and ʿAlāʾ al-Dīn al-Kāsānī —who came from our homeland—
paid special attention to the issue of being tolerant toward followers of other
religions in their writings. For a Muslim to live a prosperous life, it is necessary
not only for oneself but also for friends and those around to have strong faith,
sound knowledge, and a tolerant attitude.
Today, Uzbekistan is home to representatives of nearly 130 nationalities
and followers of various religions who live in peace and harmony. Special
attention is being given in our country to strengthening and developing the
principles of religious tolerance, which serve as a foundation for goodness and
peaceful coexistence. Indeed, people of different faiths living side by side in
mutual cooperation and unity under one homeland and great ideals is a clear
reflection of religious tolerance.
Tolerance in Islām was manifested from the very beginning of the religion.
Among the world religions, Islām is the only one that explicitly declared freedom
of belief. This is evidenced by the verse from the Holy Qurʾān, in Surah Al-
Baqarah: “There is no compulsion in religion.”
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In fact, our Constitution also guarantees that no one can be forced into any
religion and that every person's rights and freedoms are protected. It states:
“Freedom of conscience is guaranteed for everyone. Every individual has the
right to believe in any religion or not to believe in any religion. The imposition of
religious views by force is not allowed.” It is fair to say that the principle of
religious tolerance is reflected throughout the articles of our Constitution. The
rights, freedoms, and responsibilities of every citizen living in Uzbekistan are
clearly defined and protected within the framework of law.
Religious tolerance means peaceful coexistence of people with different
beliefs, despite their theological differences. Everyone is free to practice their
religion, while recognizing that others have the same right. Accepting others’
excuses with tolerance, and easing their burden while shouldering hardship
yourself, is one of the core teachings of our sacred religion.
Religious tolerance is also emphasized in the Law of the Republic of
Uzbekistan “On Approving the Concept of Ensuring Freedom of Conscience and
State Policy in the Religious Sphere,” adopted on February 25, 2025. In
particular, Article 3, Clause 2 of this law states: “Religious beliefs and religious
tolerance, as well as the true humanistic essence of religions, are among the
moral and ethical foundations of society. They serve to unite and consolidate the
people of Uzbekistan and strengthen mutual respect and compassion within
families as a source of ancient values.”
From the earliest days of Islām, there was no pressure against former
religions, nor was there fanaticism against various sects and ideologies. This
clearly demonstrates the tolerant nature of our religion. The ultimate goal of all
this is to ensure peace and tranquility among all peoples and nations.
The Qurʾān confirms that Muslims are not prohibited from treating non-
Muslims with kindness and justice. Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8, states:
“Allah
does not forbid you from being kind and just toward those who did not fight you
because of religion and did not expel you from your homes.”
The Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) was a true example not only
for the Muslim community but for all humanity. Despite having opportunities for
revenge, he forgave those who wronged and oppressed him. In one ḥadīth, he
instructed Muslims to treat even non-Muslim neighbors with kindness. He said:
“Whoever harms a non-Muslim under protection (dhimmi), I will be his adversary
on the Day of Judgment.”
(Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal,
Musnad
)
As Uzbekistan has historically been a multi-ethnic land, conditions have
always been created for representatives of various religions to live freely and
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securely here. Alongside other institutions, religious communities are becoming
increasingly active in the development of society, contributing to the revival of
our people’s spirituality and identity, and most importantly, to the strength and
permanence of our independence.
To ensure the continuation of this positive process, it is essential to
maintain friendly relations with people of different religions and nationalities
and to adhere to the laws adopted in this direction
References:
1.
On Approving the Concept of Ensuring Freedom of Conscience and State
Policy in the Religious Sphere.
2.
Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal. Musnad. – V:21. – Beirut: Muassasa ar-Risala , 1998. –
512 p
