‘International Day of Tolerance’ is observed under the UN resolution 51/95. Every year, November 16 is dedicated to the concept of tolerance and its adaptability across the world. In 2024, Tolerance is the virtue that needs to be practiced globally to save our earth from more destruction.
Understand the Concept of Tolerance
‘Tolerance’, defines as the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinion or behavior that one likes or dislikes. According to the available data on reliable resources, a majority of problems, arguments, envious acts and negativity as a whole are the results of a lack of tolerance also known as intolerance.
Declaration of Principles on Tolerance
United Nations has also a proper Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. Explaining the concept of tolerance in diverse manners. Some of the significant points of the declaration are as under.
- Tolerance is respect, acceptance, and appreciation of diverse cultures and opinions.
- It is not a concession, or indulgence but a responsibility to uphold human rights, pluralism, democracy and the rule of law.
- Tolerance absolutely abstains the social injustice and limits one’s convictions. It also means one cannot impose their own beliefs and views on others.
- The declaration expanded towards State Tolerance and displays that to expand the concept of acceptance on the state level, the state needs a proper system of justice, legislation, law enforcement, and proper judicial and administrative procedures.
- It also covers the social dimensions, education and willingness to take action.
Teachings of the Holy Quran
No doubt, the declaration is a powerful document for the global practice of tolerance. However, we have been guided towards the power and importance of tolerance under Islam through the Quran, Sunnah and Hadith countless times.
If we consider tolerance among the most preached founding concepts for human decency and interpersonal relations in the Islamic code of living- It won’t be wrong! Some of the teachings are penned below.
- In the very beginning- the Quran says: ‘There is no compulsion in religion’.
- ‘For you is your way and for me, mine’.
There are many more beautiful verses of the Holy Quran, that spread the teachings of tolerance, acceptance, and appreciation. You can surely read more, in the many primary and secondary sources shared below.
In the Light of Sunnah
In His life, Holy Prophet, Muhammad SAW has displayed the unmatched model of practising tolerance on numerous events. The most crucial examples are
- the Incident of Taif,
- Hijrat to Madina, and
- Madina Pact.
In addition, His life was a true and shining example of tolerance in personal dealings as well. You can enlighten your knowledge and read the details well-researched by Prof. Dr. Fazl e Rabbi.
How Tolerance Can Change the World?
Due to widespread intolerance, this world is divided. Not just globally, but domestically the division is everywhere. To bring a change, we must start today from our own lives, and social circles.
But first, it is important to get rid of bigotry. Only then we can truly create an aspiring community starting from our home, city, social circle, country and the larger space world. Not directly today- but someday! But it will happen if take the right steps – the right way. Let’s see what we can do to spread tolerance.
What can We Do?
We can start bringing the concept of respect, acceptance, and appreciation into our Pakistani society by practically implementing the changes.
Start Listening
As simple is as that- Listen! In our friend circles, in our social gatherings on every level. We all want to tell! Haven’t we seen— ‘I want to tell you something!.’
Just by listening, you will learn the viewpoints of others. It is essential to engage constructively to make a constructive social presence. It will not only help us to know about the viewpoints of others, but also others will have listening ears to whom, they can share.
Reflect
This is important- crucial infect! It is important to reflect on what others say. It is essential to understand from where they are coming and what made them think like this.
Learn
It is also possible that reflection may clear our confusion, and we change our thoughts or perceptions on one point or the other. This will help us learn something-alien to us and that’s how a person grows.