The Spirit of Tolerance in Islam

When asked which religion was most loved by God, the Prophet of Islam refrained from naming a specific religion, and instead referred to a quality which should infuse the faith of all believers: 'The primordial, generously tolerant faith'. Through compelling historical illustration and careful theological exposition, this monograph mounts a concise but irrefutable argument that the Islamic faith is inherently and emphatically tolerant by nature and disposition. Part 1 examines the practice of tolerance in Islamic history, focusing upon four specific dynastic contexts: the Ottomans, Mughals, Fatimids and the Umayyads of Spain. Part 2 then explores the roots of this impressive tradition, revealing that the religious, political and legal tolerance characterising the history of Islam's encounter with other faith traditions is the outward expression of a profound spirit of respect for all revealed religions – a spirit enshrined in the Qur)anic revelation and embodied in the ethical comportment of the Prophet of Islam.
Though aimed at a general readership, this work will be especially valuable to students and teachers in the areas of Islamic history, ethics and spirituality, as well as those interested in the role of Islam within the fields of comparative religion, interfaith dialogue and contemporary international relations.