by Sabina Jamshed

Created on: December 13, 2009   Last Updated: December 14, 2009

Contrary to the Christian belief that GOD is present only in churches, Muslims believe that GOD is present in their hearts. The presence of ALLAH The Almighty is not constricted to four walls. Muslims have been taught by their Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to respect other religions as well. Christians in Pakistan are in minority, but a deep analysis confirms that no hindrance has ever been created for Christians in preaching their religion or celebrating their religious festivals.

The intolerance for Islam has always been portrayed by followers of other religions. It is quite confusing to see that such hindrances are not created for other religions like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism. It is usually always the followers of Islam that are subjected to inhumane treatment and strict laws in practicing their religion.

A religion is meant to teach not only moral but also social ethics. Islam has always proved to be a religion that fulfills this requirement. When a Muslim resides in a society, he is a part of that society and has to respect the laws and boundaries laid down by that society. So if Muslims are in a minority in a non-Muslim country it is our obligation to respect their laws and regulations.

Our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) never forced religion on anyone and showed compassion towards Muslims and non-Muslims. The equal treatment for all religions by our Prophet has been accepted and preached by scholars of all religions. Our Holy Prophet (pbuh) entertained the Christian delegation from Najran in Madina for 3 days and he was married to Maria the Coptic Christian and Safia the Jewess. This serves as a proof of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) efforts to maintain and establish peace with other religions. We as Muslims need to continue this legacy of peace and brotherhood.

The Swiss decision regarding the ban on new minarets of mosques is a serious violation of human rights and international law. Such decisions are an effort to stir aggression and violence among Muslims towards the West. Hence this gives Muslims more a reason to avoid this conflict and make this effort unsuccessful. Muslims have been advised and ordered in Quran to only and only worship ALLAH who resides in our hearts. So does location of the worship really matter when we believe ALLAH is in our heart? In a Muslim country, there should be no compromise on the construction of mosques and minarets but a compromise has to be exhibited in a non-Muslim country. Muslims need

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