 Asalaamu alaikum, welcome back to another episode of the Opal-Minded Thinker Show. Today I want to talk about something really interesting that is the advocacy for tolerance among Christian leaders. Tolerance is deeply ingrained in the very essence of Christian evangelism and is something I truly admire. However, it's important to acknowledge that this policy has faced criticism from conservative Christians around the world who believe that Christianity should never tolerate Islam. They argue that the level of intolerance in certain Islamic states is a reflection of Islam's unwillingness to share the religious space with other faiths. Now, whether this claim holds true or not is still a topic of debate, but what it does show is a need for the cheer of Abraham, both Christian and Muslims, to web towards unity and find a common ground. It's crucial for us to dive into the historical examples of co-existence between Christianity and Islam in places like Egypt, Syria, Armenia, Turkey, and Muslim Spain. These instances can serve as a recipe for promoting peace and harmony between our two communities. After all, there are more things that unite us than divide us. In research, I stumbled upon a couple of verses in the Quran that beautifully emphasize tolerance and coexistence. Let's take a look at some of them. In Surah Al-Hujirah chapter 49, verse 13, Allah says, O mankind, indeed we have created you, male and female, and made you into tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble few in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is knowing and acquainted. These verse highlights the incredible diversity of humanity and encourages us to get to know and understand one another. It emphasizes that in the eyes of Allah, righteousness matters more than our differences in ethnicity or tribe or color. Another verse, Surah Al-Muntahanan chapter 60, verse 8 states, and I quote, Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes, from being righteous to all of them and acting justly to all of them. Indeed, Allah loves those who aren't justly. End of quote. You know, this verse promotes justice and righteousness with those who do not pose a threat or hostility based on religion. It encourages Muslims to treat such individuals with kindness and fairness. Lastly, in Surah Al-Kafirun chapter 109, verse 1-6, Allah says, Say, O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship, nor are you worshippers of what I worship, nor will I be your worshipper of what you worship, nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion and for me is my religion. These verses convey a beautiful message of respect and different beliefs and religion. They emphasize that each person is entitled to their own faith and that Muslims should peacefully coexist with people of different faith without, you know, apparently imposing their beliefs on others. These verses are right there in the Quran for everyone to see. Say, if you're non-Muslim, you can pick the Quran and go set it yourself. They clearly indicate that Islam does not encourage disrespect towards others. So the criticism of Islam being intolerant are completely baseless. On a personal note, I love it when I see a priest visiting a mosque to listen to the court of prayer. It's heart-warming to witness such acts of unity and understanding among the children of Abraham because we are all one. Check out the priest. He looks just like those Orthodox Christian priests you usually see in the east. And people, the Muslims, their outfits totally remind me of the Shod tradition. It's pretty cool to see these folks all together, you know. They're all humble and unified, trying to accommodate each other for the sake others shall believe in one God. And speaking of the group, there is this guy who seems like a bishop or some bishop from a Catholic order. You can tell by his fancy get-up, you know, what's really impressive is how he's all ears for the court of prayer, like he's really patient and attentive. He's also digging the beauty of the mosque architecture, you know, soaking in the beautiful vibes of the adhan prayers here. He's a Chiosen mate. The beautiful lesson we can draw from the action of this priest are tremendous for me. The priests showing up at the mosque generally bring out the shared values between Islam and Christianity, you know, especially that belief in worshipping one God. It is a reminder for Muslims and Christians to look at what they have in common rather than the differences. These lesson encourages followers of both faith to put love, compassion and peace at the forefront and join hands and work towards goals like promoting justice, serving the community and bringing harmony among all sorts of religious groups. It's about coming together and making the world a better place mate. Allah says in Surah Al-Hijrah chapter 14, verse 13, and we have certainly created you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in this side of Allah is the most righteous of you. Let's live it right there brothers and sisters. Please like, share and subscribe. May Allah bless all of us. Until next time. As-salamu alaykum.