Through Force or Faith? — Page 268
?— A Reply to Pope Benedict XVI 268 Sociology Every religion contains teachings concerning social conduct and basic morality. Every religion has admonished against falsehood, deception, adultery, killing and anarchy. These teachings are com- mon among all, whether it is Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity or Islam. The first difference that exists between Islam and other reli- gions is the scope and sphere of its teachings. Earlier faiths, being parochial and tribal, gave only limited guidance. For example, Judaism said if a Jew asked for a loan, he should get interest-free loan and usury was prohibited (Leviticus, 25:35–37); but the col- lection of usury was permitted from the non-Jews (Deut. 23:20). Judaism instructed to remit the loans of the Jews in the year of Sabbath but allowed the demand from the borrower if he was a non-Jew (Deut. 15:3). In contrast, Islam prohibits usury entirely ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:276–277) and enjoins leniency in collection of loans ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:281), and does not tolerate any eth- nic or religious bias in these matters. Another distinction is that Islam has nurtured human morals with attention to fine details. Islam identifies the defects that were mentioned by earlier religions and the ones that were not; and gives guidance how to eschew them. Giving the basic moral guid- ance, the Quran says walk not in the earth haughtily; and walk at a moderate pace, and keep your voice low ( S u rah Luqm a n, 31:19). Shun all that which is vain ( S u rah al-Mu’minūn, 23:4). Do not deride other people ( S u rah al- H ujurāt, 49:12). Do not enter the houses of others without permission ( S u rah an-N ū r, 24:28). If the owner of the house asks you to leave, then depart ( S u rah an-N ū r,