The Malaysian Insider

Essentially, human history is about the conflict of political and economic interests. However, we find that there are many racial and religious conflicts too as evidenced by violent terrorist acts throughout history.

The Thirty Years’ War (1618 - 1648) was an European war between the old and new religions. The Europeans are finally able to understand the importance of religious tolerance and the misery of wars. As a result, there are no more religious wars since then.

Then, the Enlighttenment from the early 18th century to 1789 marked the beginning of mankind’s request for religious tolerance. The reform movement has eventually led to religious tolerance in major European countries and the United States.

Prior to this, religious persecution had always been a means used by rulers to control citizen behaviours. Those who refused to believe in the state religion would be executed, forced to convert to the state religion or discriminated against, or even exiled.

The Enlightenment has prompted European countries and the United States to write the freedom of religious belief in their national constitutions or declarations. It made religious tolerance and fraternity a yardstick to measure modern society.

Centuries later, however, some people still reject and cannot tolerate the religious beliefs of others.

We should reflect over the “cow-head” protest in Shah Alam. It reminds us of the sensitivity of religious issues, as well as the possible serious consequences when religion meets politics. How fearful it is!

It is regrettable that instead of helping in creating a harmonious, peaceful and happy society, the incident has deepened the misunderstanding and suspicion between Muslims and non-Muslims.

I believe that similar to other religions, Islam emphasises peace, as well as to seek for a common ground while tolerating the differences, just like the Prophet always tells his followers that they must first modestly, prudently and patiently listen to those with different religious beliefs before expressing their views.

Muslim troops had entered the holy city of Jerusalem twice and it was said that its greatest difference with the brutal European Crusaders was, the Muslim troops did not launch any bloody battle after the troops got into the city. This is what we called religious tolerance. It is as well the best embodiment of the spirit of basic human rights. All Malaysians with different religious beliefs should find back and glorify such religious tolerance. — Mysinchew.com

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