#2 – Religious Intolerance
Another common misconception is that Islam does not respect other religions and you are not allowed to practice any other faith when in a Muslim state. This however, is not at all true.
“Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most sure hand-hold, that never breaks.” [Quran, 2:256]
The above verse clearly indicates that there is no compulsion in religion. As long as you stay away from evil, you are allowed to practice the faith of your choice. Non-Muslims are allowed to have their own place of worship and Muslims are strictly prohibited to cause any damage to these places of worship. In an Islamic state, it is the responsibility of the Muslims to make sure that no harm befalls people of other religions just because they follow a different faith.
In fact, Prophet Muhammad clearly warned against the mistreatment of non-Muslims:
“Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Hadith, Abu Dawud)
If any Muslim or non-Muslim advocates that Islam does not respect other religions, then he needs to be aware of the respect that Prophet Muhammad conferred on non-Muslims.