Tolerance is spirit of democracy

One can recall a luncheon meeting in Lahore a few years back at which former prime minister Nawaz Sharif talking about democracy personally told this scribe "tolerance is must in a democratic set-up".

Exchange of views had just begun when Mushahid Hussain Sayed rushed to intervene, saying: "Sorry, first finish the well-cooked rice".

Today, one gets lost in the speeches and addresses of the founder of Pakistan, which reflected idea of tolerance and principle of democracy in his mind.  "It is my belief that our salvation lies in following the golden rules of conduct set for us by our great law-giver the Prophet (peace be upon him) of Islam. Let's lay the foundation of our democracy on the basis of truly Islamic ideals and principles," he told Balochistan leaders.

In a broadcast talk to the people of USA, he pointed out the ultimate shape of the Constitution would be of a democratic type, embodying the principles of Islam. "We've many non-Muslims but they're all Pakistanis. They'll enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizen, and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan."

That meant paving the way for tolerance and national unity. The Quaid borrowed ideas of social and economic justice and tolerance from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). So, in the wake of sky-high prices of onion and tomato common people revive knowledge about the prophet and the architect of Pakistan.

They recall how intelligently the Messenger of God abolished the tribal distinction, and brought together the inhabitants of Medina under one general name Ansar (Helper). In order to unite the former and the Muhajireen (Emigrants) in closer bonds, he established a brotherhood between them.

He fully realized the truth that the foundation of the Islamic state would be weak unless it was based upon the goodwill and support of all sections of people. Toleration of others' faith is necessary where different races live together. His policy in this respect was: "Live and let live others."

There are many acts of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which are of great relevance today. One is that he granted to all Christians a charter which is a monument of enlightened tolerance. They were not unfairly taxed, no bishop was to be driven out of his bishopric, no monk was to be expelled from his monastery, and no pilgrim was to be detained from the pilgrimage.

In case of the repair of churches the Muslims were to help the Christians. The Prophet, who was also commander-in-chief, thus, not only by words but also by deeds, treated the Jews and Christians with the utmost tolerance and regard and respect for their faith and belief.

Undeniably, everybody feels the need for unity, faith and discipline at a time the country is passing through a critical phase of its life.

— zasarwar@hotmail.com