Inflexibility versus intolerance

Submitted by A very concerned reader (Australia), Apr 20, 2021 at 06:10

Dear M Tovey,

You asked: "If this observer is inflexible by maintaining Yeshua is the Son of God, the Holy One of Israel, is that intolerant?"

My response: No, you are not. You're entitled as everyone, Muslim or non-Muslim to have your own belief in regards to this heated topic. You admit to being inflexible in accepting otherwise, but you TOLERATE others beliefs, once again, in regards to this very topic. I'm sure that you would respect that a Muslim doesn't believe that Jesus is the son of God. You wouldn't insult them or accuse them. Although, anyway, your God is not the same as theirs since we know that Allah is not any god but Allah only... Confused? No more than Muslims should be if they read their Qur'an!

Well, what I mean is that you would respect others about their thoughts about Jesus, but in the case of Muslims, rest assured that they don't respect you. Note that I'm not using conditional tense in here. It's indeed a fact. And it is with great sadness that I'm saying this. Muslims don't respect that others may have other beliefs. They will tell you in your face how wrong you are for thinking like this. Moreover, if you question anything, as Prashant realised by reading some verses of Surat Al-Ahzab (Qur'an 33) you will be condemned. I insist that this is not the only surah in which we can read this message. The punishment for those who doubt on the holy book is a constant and recurrent topic that crosses every page of the holy Qur'an. Amen!

Another thing that that they will tell you if you pose any question about whatever ayah is that Shaytan is controlling you! That you've been corrupted by evil. How did you dare? And believe me that they're adept in making you doubt about your own thoughts to the point to make you lose your sanity sometimes. You need to stand your grounds like a lion. They truly believe, my dear M Tovey, that Shaytan in among us because otherwise is impossible to be so wrong as we all non-Muslims are.

Inflexible? Perhaps you are since you wouldn't be able to change your point. Intolerant? I don't think so since you wouldn't impose your religion to others either by manipulation techniques, by falling someone in love or by the sword!

However, I still stand by flexibility as a virtue in all matters. And self-reflection is certainly a great habit that allows us to grow.

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