“Respecting Differences”

“Why do we respect differences?”

“Must we respect or accept all differences?”

As Muslims, we were created in nations, we are ought to respect tribal lines, we are ought  to respect tradition and culture, so long as they do not contradict the teachings of Islam.

We love and respect the lives of others (Muslims and non Muslims) we respect the existence of others, we respect the love we have for one another, we respect races etc.

In such cases, we do not just respect, but, we also accept and maintain the differences we have.

We submit to the command of Allah (SWT), and we respect those whom and what Islam instructs us to.

But matters take a slight curve which many of us wouldn’t want to understand.

As Muslims, we are a body, we are all bonded by “Laa illaha illalah” (There is no god worthy of worship except Allah), therefore, we ought to live by the legislations of Allah (SWT) alone.

To take for example, you and I, If there is a difference between us as Muslims,  then there is a good way of settling that, but again, you as a Muslim striving towards the right path, and myself as a Muslim/Non Muslim engaging and endorsing clear kufr(disbelief), then supporting my actions with “respect and accept differences” when it is indeed your responsibility to correct and try channeling me towards the right path backed by the Hadith of the prophet Muhammad(pbuh) that;

“Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.”

[Muslim], that being the case, it is not befitting nor encouraging to respect those differences.

Again, refusing to wear the correct hijab despite being commanded to, simply because one feels that they cannot practice it or wouldn’t be able to cope with it, or believe that they are not obligated to wear it, and as well supporting these beliefs with “respect my differences” is simply exposing themselves to threats and lack in faith to the extent that they are failing to respond to the commands of Allah and these differences cannot be respected nor accepted.

We must hasten to obey the commands of Allah, and the teachings of our prophet Muhammad(pbuh).

We are all part of one family, and must remember to fulfill each other’s rights.

The most common of links we share as Muslims and non-muslims is the link of “HUMANITY.”

Those who have done wrong amongst us, it is not right to harm them or to hurt them or rebuke them, but instead it’s our duty to guide and teach them, and make them see and know the truth, not to make them lose hope in themself or humanity.

Respect the permissible differences “and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety”

[al-Maa’idah 5:8].

 

 

By; AJI SABEL MBYE