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In wanting to write on Islam's views on respect, tolerance and sensitivity, I was hesitant as I contemplated on the triggering a barrage of offences!

Do I really want to deal with the insults and snide remarks that would be hurled my way? However, I feel particularly brave, so here I go.

I check out the comments on the web after each article. I get constructive criticism and for that Bermuda, thank you - you keep me on my toes. But first and foremost, I want to say that I in no way intend to offend nor be intolerant of others, be it their religious views or otherwise, I respect all people and pray that I never stop doing so.

The first thing critics say is that Islam is not tolerant of other religions. They go on a tangent of data to 'support' their theories. They refer to this and that and terrorist this and suicide bomber that. But despite what they say, I feel compelled to mention our dearly beloved Prophet Muhammad's stance on tolerance.

There is no coercion in Islam regarding religion and belief. I know that only Allah makes Muslims. It is not possible to force a person to change his belief; it can only be done with persuasion and the approval of the person.

Freedom of belief is one of the leading rights of man. If religion were communicated to people with fear and oppression, there would be no meaning to belief.

It was left up to people to direct their lives with free will. Because they have to give account to Allah, people were given freedom of choice. If, to the contrary, people had been coerced, it would have been unjust.

Related to there being no force in religion, Allah says, "Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And God knoweth and heareth all things."

Just as a Muslim has the right to go to a mosque and perform the worship his faith requires, a Christian has the right to go to a church and a Jew has the right to go to a temple or synagogue for worship. The Muslims and those of other faiths lived in harmony with each other. Though many critics of Islam would beg to differ - this is indeed fact and can be attested by the history books.

So respectful and tolerant was our Prophet (pbuh) that when a Jewish funeral procession passing in front of him; he stood up and recommended that his companions do so as well. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) acted extremely carefully in regard to the rights of peoples the Islamic state had agreements with. In regard to this the Prophet said: "Whoever harms a non-Muslim subject will have harmed me.

Whoever hurts me will have angered Allah."

Again, in a hadith related by Abu Dawud, the Prophet said: "On Doomsday I am not going to accept anyone who oppressed a non-Muslim subject with whom we have agreement, or violated their rights, or burdened them with more responsibility than they could carry or made them do something they did not want to do."

The Prophet and the Rightly Guided caliphs were protectors of the rights and privileges of non-Muslim citizens. It would do well for the Muslims of today to be reminded of our dear Prophet's respect and tolerance of others.

Muhammad (pbuh) stated that all people should be treated well and he himself became an example with his practices.

His basic reference on this subject was the Quran: "Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee. Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best. Do not curse those who take another god for they, exceeding their limits, curse Allah."

Bermuda, may we be respective and tolerant of each other despite our differences.

Be blessed and may the mercy of a merciful God always be extended to us.[[In-content Ad]]

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