People Inter religious Tolerance

We are often asked, what is tolerance and where it came from?. And what is the urgency of tolerance for the future of mankind?. These questions will at least make us understand about the importance of tolerance. Tolerance is not just the mere discourse.

According to the General Dictionary Indonesian, tolerance comes from the word "tolerance" itself means to be or to be tolerated (respect, allow, permit) and different or opposed to its founding. Tolerance also means measuring limit for the addition or subtraction are still allowed.

In Arabic, the tolerance called "Tasamuh" which means the attitude of allowing, gracefully (samuha-yasmuhu-Samhan, wasimaahan, wasamaahatan) means: generous, like charity (dictionary Al Munawir hal.702).

Religion is a fundamental element of life and human life, therefore, freedom of religion [and no religion, and religious conversion] must be respected and guaranteed. The expression freedom of religion gives a broad sense that includes building a house of worship and assembly, worship; established social institutions; publications, and contact with individuals and institutions in matters of religion at the national or international level.

Freedom of religion, makes a person able to eliminate discrimination based on religion; violation of the right to religion; coercion that would interfere with the freedom of a person to have a religion or belief. Included in the daily social interaction, which indicates mutual understanding, tolerance, friendship with everyone, peace and universal brotherhood, respect for freedom, trust and confidence of the other and full awareness that religion is given to serve his followers. Thus, tolerance (Tasamuh) religion is respect with patience, respect for one's faith or beliefs or any other group.

Including Islam. Islam teaches the importance of tolerance. Prophet Muhammad SAW. teach Islam as a religion of love and rejection of violence that can lead to conflict. The Prophet also protect religious minorities in implementing appropriate convictions. K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) has said that the Prophet Muhammad was once asked three Christian pastor who came from Najran (eastern province in Saudi Arabia) to worship according to their religion in mosques. Have also been told on one day there were people urinating in the Arabian hinterland mosque of the Prophet in Medina. Obviously the Companions angry and wanted to hit the guy. However, the Prophet Muhammad to prevent it, and then told the companions 'community service' flush and clean the urine of men do not know that courtesy. (Bukhari from Abu Hurairah). According to Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, author of the book Fath al-Bari, history clearly shows tolerance and magnanimity Prophet attitude.

Another example of Islam's treatment of non-Muslims is the generosity shown by Salahuddin al-Ayyubi in the year 1188 AD when he managed to retake Jerusalem from the crusaders. When Salahuddin arrived he saw the Crusaders were littering mosques with pigs in it saving. Even European historians also recognize that Salahuddin was not revenge, but rather give forgiveness to the Crusaders, with the exception of a few individuals who are sadistic and cruel act.

Once again the difference or pluralism is the largest and most beautiful gift of God Almighty to us. Similarly, tolerance, "Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind, ... - Tolerance is a gift of the mind of the most remarkable," said Helen Keller. And understanding that is open to the Other that is known as tolerance. "Tolerance means I will not throw you out of my community, I will not stop interacting with you even if you are different, I will not forbid you to be my neighbor," as John E. Esposito described.

Importance of Inter-Religious Harmony

According to Prof. Dr. Gumilar Rusliwa Somantri (UI Rector of Jakarta), the mode of human relations on this earth there are only two: Conflict and Harmony. Conflicts driven by both individual and group egoism that leads to a reluctance to engage in dialogue. With the characteristic that egoism then this behavior will dwarf the humanity and make a static culture. Individuals or groups being mutually exclusive so can not see the human side of another individual or group. Others will simply labeled as "enemies" who must be aware of and if necessary destroyed. While harmony, instead, work with the reciprocal relationship between individuals or groups based on tolerance, confidence and self-esteem.

That way Peace will only happen when all sorts of conflict either Ideology, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (IPOLEKSOSBUD) that leads to the disintegration of inter-religious harmony minimized as early as possible to later on Disable. That way people are expected to create harmony. At the end of the harmony will bear harmonization of tolerance and peace can be realized.

Tolerance and inter-religious harmony are like two sides of a coin that can not be separated from one another. Harmony impact on tolerance, or reverse tolerance produces harmony, both concerning the relationship between human beings. If the tri harmony [between faiths, people of the same religion intern, and religious people with the government] woke up and applied to the life and daily life, it would appear to moderation and tolerance. Alternatively, if the inter-faith tolerance are good and true, it will produce a harmonious society together.

Tolerance among religions should be reflected in the actions or deeds that show people respect, honor, help, love, and others. This includes respect for the religion and faith of others, respecting worship carried on by others; does not destroy places of worship; does not insult the teachings of other religions, as well as provide an opportunity to carry out religious worship. In addition, the religions will be able to serve a religious mission and run properly so creating harmonious atmosphere in your life and the life of society and the nation. If everyone is running their own religion with the truth, then it will surely bring forth peace, tranquility of life and healthy social cooperation.

Tolerance and pluralism do not need to be treated as a threat to faith, because everyone has their own preference. As the clothes I wear, not necessarily comfortably worn by someone else. Preach to non-Muslims in this formulation, is no longer synonymous with converting their faith, but they invite enough healthy social cooperation. This tolerance is right and healthy, which should be used as a reference by the preachers and preaching clerics in the archipelago. On top of all the differences, the spirit of tolerance we will benefit a much larger and the ability to increase our worth as human beings with intelligence and conscience.