Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 296
296 If these principles were unreservedly accepted and fully acted upon by Muslim and non-Muslim alike, inter-religious relations would be lifted from the plane of controversy, which often engenders misunderstanding and irritation, to the level of a reasoned and respectful appreciation of beneficent values wherever they may be found. Such a consummation is devoutly to be wished for and should be fervently welcomed. Islam draws attention to factors which tend to disturb or destroy peace and order, and deprecates them. Some of these may be briefly considered. Domination of one group by another in the domestic sphere or of one people by another in the international sphere is a potent cause of disturbance of peace, and is strongly condemned. God does not approve of the division of His creatures into groups for the purpose of domination of some by others, and whenever such an attempt is made, God’s purpose works for the uplift of those who are dominated or oppressed. In this connection, the instance of Pharaoh and his treatment of the people of Israel is cited as an example. “Pharaoh behaved arrogantly in the land and divided the people thereof into sections; he sought to weaken one section, slaying their male children, and sparing their female children. Certainly he was of the workers of evil. We desired to show favour unto those who have been reduced into the position of