Tasamuh
Arabic word meaning tolerance
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Meaning
Derived from the Arabic term, Tasamuh means 'tolerance' or 'open-minded'. In other words, it is being accepting and peaceful towards any situation faced. For example, tolerance in religion is an attitude of mutual respect for the rights and obligations between religions.[1][4] The Muslim should generally forgive when he is able to take revenge, tolerate others' mistakes, be easy going, respect other faiths, and be merciful as Islam is a religion of mercy (deen al-rahmah).[1]
Examples of application
Many scholars have written examples of how to apply tasamuh in one's life. Some examples are as follows:
- Be open-minded in accepting all differences because differences are the Grace of Allah SWT.
- Do not differentiate (discriminate) against friends who have different beliefs.
- Do not force others in terms of belief (religion).
- Do not disturb others who have different beliefs when they worship.
- Continue to socialize and be kind to people who have different beliefs in worldly matters.
- Respect others who are worshiping.
- Do not hate and hurt the feelings of someone who has different beliefs or opinions from us.[3]
- Looking after each other and respecting each other's differences and providing peace.[5]
Tasāmuḥ does not mean changing your religion or breaking its injunctions, but rather it means respecting other religions and their freedom to practice their beliefs.[6]