Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 45
Inter-Religious Peace 45 account of your religion; and who have not driven you out of your homes, that you be kind to them and deal equitably with them; surely, Allah loves those who are equitable. 54 Muslims are also taught to invite the People of the Book and to cooperate with them in spreading the Message of the Unity of God—a belief shared with them. The import of the verse below is to emphasise the point of commonality and chalk a mutual programme for the benefit of mankind rather than to highlight the areas of differences resulting in discord. Say, ‘O People of the Book! Come to a word equal between us and you—that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partner with Him, and that some of us take not others for Lords besides Allah’ But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that we have submitted to God. ’ 55 Conclusion Before examining any meaningful role that the bona fide religions of the world can play in providing peace to man in all areas of human activity, it is highly essential to critically examine the role of religions in establishing peace within the various sections of their own adherents and also to adjudge whether religions—as long as they exist—can ever learn to live at peace with each other. Judging from the