1. 1 Ummatan Wasotan on Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation Presentation on Islam and Pluralism by Mohd Jakfar bin Embek 7 Jan 2009

2. 2 Ummatan Wasotan on Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation Basis of being moderate (al Wasothiyah) “Thus have We made you an Ummah of justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over your yourselves”. (al-Baqarah: 143) The ulama interpret the phrase ummatan wasatho as the just (al-’adl) and chosen people (al-khiyar). Justness (al-’Adl) is the criterion for being chosen (al-Khiyar). Moderation or al-Wasotiyah in Islam is neither subjective nor determined by rational thoughts alone.It is neither too rigid nor too liberal.

3. 3 Ummatan Wasotan on Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation Basis for muslims and non-muslims relation are congruent with principles of being tolerance, just, respect, gentleness, peaceful and upholding human dignity. Islam preaches aspects of pluralism – respecting differences, not confrontational, finding wisdom in others, not determining others choice of faith and be blessings to humanity.

4. 4 Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation Moderation may be seen not only in the context of worldly life but also life in the hereafter. Allah Almighty mentions - “And seek with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this world, but do you good, as Allah has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land for Allah loves not those who do mischief.” (28: 77)

5. 5 Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation What importance does it have on lives and survival of muslims in a non-muslim countries or muslim minorities ? The way da’wah is conducted (رحمة للعالمين) The image of muslims in the eyes of non- muslims (إزة السلام). Erase the fear of Islamophobia in the western and secular thoughts (الضرار يزال).

6. 6 Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation Propose practices - 1.Muslims should base their relationship with non-muslims on a positive foundation, not on negative ones like war, hatred and revenge. 2.Be neutral and avoid prejudice and suspicious towards those of different religion. This is positive foundation which should be established on relationship such as cooperation, and feeling such as love and affection.

7. 7 3. Merely having positive feelings for a non- Muslim need not mean we are willingly accepting his disbelief. We acknowledge positive alliances and characteristics of good and honest with non-Muslims. Therefore the affiliation is because of that person being good and honest. Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation

8. 8 4. Islam recognize the neutral tendency to form various types of relationships and alliances among men. 5. Islam recognizes that not all non-muslims are the same, and similar in their negative outlook towards Muslims. Each group should be appropriately assesed and dealt with. Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non- Muslims Relation

9. 9 6. A difference in religion alone does not warrant war being the basis of relationship between Muslim and Non-Muslims. 7. A difference in religion neither justifies hate for non-Muslims nor disallows feeling of love and affection for them. Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation

10. 10 8. Not all non-Muslims are anti-Islam (harbi) and hence should be hatred and resisted. Having such feeling is in contrary to the purpose of da’wah. Such prejudices are similar to the misconceptions amongst some non-Muslims that all Muslims are terrorists and fundamentalists. Both are actually closer to extremist stand rather than a reasonable one. Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation

11. 11 9. For the benefit of da’wah, Muslims should strive for more positive relationships with, and feelings for non-Muslims, without condoning their disbelief and as long as they do not work against Islam’s interests nor involve immoral acts. Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation

12. 12 10. If Muslims are hostile to anyone who is non- Muslim, it should only be because of the hostility of the non-Muslim to Islam and Muslims. In the absence of such hostility, Muslims should not be hostile to them. The procedure in fiqh (jurisprudence) is – الحكم يدور مع العلة وجود وعدما “Judgement is based on illah (reason) when it is present and when it is absent.” Ummatan Wasota On Muslims and Non-Muslims Relation