Coexistence with religious difference: Dream or reality.
Alhambra a palace situated in Granada Spain. It was built during the Muslim rule of the Nasrid dynasty that lasted from 700 to 1492. It is one of UNESCO World heritage site. It was built during a time when religious and cultural harmony were at its peak. Muslims, Jews and Christians were able to coexist and made contributions to the society at the time. It is symbol that one can look in the past that even a major ruling group having a faith can form a unified, accepting and tolerant society.
Alhambra palace Granada
Timeline
Muslims took hold of Spain in 711. From then till 756 the leaders of different state that ruled were unified. This began the Golden age of the Muslim ruling in Spain. The society that we are talking about was from 756 to 1031. After that Muslim rulers became stricter and imposed restrictions on minorities. The empire fell gradually and surrendered to the Christian empire in 1492.
How past society such as Alhambra coexisted:
Though the rulers were Muslims with majority of the population Christian, they were not forced to convert or were executed. Minorities were not treated as slaves. They were allowed to practice their religion. Christian and Jews were allowed in higher jobs and do business. They could contribute to the society. Education was allowed for everyone. They had to abide some rules but those were very liberal compared to previous and future rulers. They had to do specific jobs that Muslims would not do. An alternate belief is also present among historians. They imply that the minorities were not given much freedom. They were given second grade citizenships. They were to do the jobs considered inferior to the Muslims. Even in this case the minorities were not hated. They could live a life and were not subjected to suppression.
Recent events of religious intolerance:
The expulsion of the Rohingya community from Myanmar
Communal riots in Gujrat and Delhi in India.
Violence in Middle East by ISIS.
Delhi riots 2020
The present situation:
Rise of extremism and nationalism can be seen through the leadership of many big countries. Leaders are motivated for money/power and gaining them using religion. Politicians have recently used the sensitive topic of faith to incite violence. Communal riots have taken place due to tension arising as fundamental beliefs are challenged. Minorities are not allowed to practice faith. Intolerance of faith other to own religion is increasing. These same reasons were the stepping stones for the fall of the Muslim empire in Spain.
Is it possible to co-exist now? How?
There are countries in the world presently where different religions are present. The United kingdom, New Zealand, parts of Europe have shown us how. But the leadership and the thoughts of the people have to change.
Newzealand PM meeting families of the terrorist attack
We have to culture these attributes amongst us:
Opening up about other religions,
Learning new cultures, accepting of other religions.
Exploring new societies.
Not imposing self-set of beliefs upon others.
Religious leaders of the majority has to be wary of extremism among his group.
Political leaders need to allow minorities to flourish.
Compassion and brotherhood among everyone.
No bias based on religion or cast in society.
