The Real Meaning of Tolerance in Islam

Nasaruddin Umar
(Professor of Qur’anic Exegesis, Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta,
Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

Tolerance is not about making different things the same or making the same things different. Tolerance is about accepting the reality that differences are a natural part of life.

Liberal groups tend to go too far in forcing similarities onto things that are actually different. On the other hand, radical groups often force differences onto things that are essentially the same.

Thus, tolerance is an understanding and attitude that respects the views, positions, and existence of others, regardless of the size of their group. What is different is allowed to remain different, and what is the same is allowed to remain the same—without creating tension.

In Islam, tolerance is often associated with the concept of tasamuh. Religious tolerance is linked to both internal and external relations among religious communities—respecting others’ existence and not imposing one’s will on them, even if they are a minority. Moderate groups envision a form of fiqh of diversity that upholds the existence of others, including non-Muslims.

There are many foundations for this in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad not only encouraged tolerance toward followers of other religions but also practiced it directly. Many figures speak about tolerance, but their actions differ from their words. The Prophet and his companions never hesitated to cooperate with and show tolerance toward non-Muslims, because the foundation for it in the Qur’an is clear and abundant.

Among the verses are:

“Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just toward those who do not fight you because of religion and do not drive you out of your homes.” (Q.S. al-Mumtahinah/60: 7–8)

“And if any of the polytheists seek your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah, and then escort him to a place of safety.” (Q.S. al-Taubah/9:6)

The Prophet was once visited by a non-Muslim (Christian) delegation from Najran, in present-day Yemen. They asked about Jesus, son of Mary. The Prophet replied that he is the spirit of God and His word and a servant and messenger of God. Some of the young men said, “Are you ready for us to mock you if you are wrong?” The Prophet responded, “Is that what you want?” They said yes.

Their leader then came and stopped them, saying, “Do not mock this man, because if you do, we will be destroyed.” He apologized to the Prophet on behalf of his people. The Prophet said, “I have forgiven you.” This reflects the Prophet’s tolerance toward others.

Safwan ibn Sulaiman narrated that the Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever oppresses a person under a peace agreement (mu’ahhad), insults them, burdens them beyond their ability, or takes their property without consent, I will oppose them on the Day of Judgment” (HR. Bukhari-Muslim).

The Prophet also showed concern and provided help to non-Muslims, especially those in need. Umar ibn Khathab once encountered an elderly blind non-Muslim man begging. Umar asked, “Which People of the Book are you from?” He replied, “I am Jewish.”

Umar then brought the man to his home and wrote a note to the state treasury (Baitul Mal), saying: “Take care of this man and others like him. By God, we have taken from him in his youth and neglected him in his old age. Charity is for the poor. The poor include Muslims, and this one is from the Jewish community.”

This article was published in Kompas on Wednesday, March 19, 2026.