importantguides for believers.
The moral values revealed by our Lord in the Qur'an have attracted the
interest of foreigners ever since thetime of our Prophet (saas) right
up to the present day, and have amazed people from all sections of
society capable of honestly and conscientiously evaluating events.
Muslims' Tolerance Inspired Astonishment
One of the most important features of people with faith in Almighty
Allah (God) is their tolerance and compassion, a sign of their sincere
belief. There is no doubt that this tolerance and love exhibited by
Muslims as a requirement of Islamic moral values, has been the most
important factor influencing non-Muslims at all times.
The examples observed in Islamic and Turkish history, in which the
most just and humane attitude, even with regard to prisoners of war,
compatible with Islamic moral values inspired the same powerful effect
in non-Muslims. Independent observers who witnessed the attitude of
Muslim Turks towards captives were heavily influenced by what they
saw, and often felt the need to setdown their thoughts and feelings.
For example, Mouradgea D'Ohsson, who served for many years in the
Swedish Embassy in Istanbul and whose book Tableau Général del´Empire
Ottoman (General Picture of the Ottoman Empire) is regarded as one of
the most important descriptions of 18th century Ottoman life,
summarized his thoughts in these words:"No nation in the world looks
after and treats its prisoners, slaves and even galley slaves better
than the Muslim Ottomans."
It needs to be made clear here that the reason for the care and
affection the Ottomans showed their prisoners was a consequence of
their Islamic moral values. Almighty Allah has commanded Muslimsto
feed even their captives. This is just one proof of the excellent
virtues that compliance with the Qur'an bestows on Muslims:
They (the believers) givefood, despite their love for it, to the poor
and orphans and captives. (Believers say,) 'We feed you only out of
desire for the Face of Allah (God). We do not want any repayment from
youor any thanks.' Truly We fear from our Lord a glowering, calamitous
Day.' (Surat al-Insan, 8-10)
Writers Who Expresses Their Admiration for Islamic Moral Values
Many writers who saw the toleration and justice in Qur'anic moral
values often devoted space to examples of these virtues in their
works. One such, the American William G. Wells, made the following
comment in order to emphasize the mistaken way in which some circles
in his day looked on Muslims:
The Quran teaches peaceful tolerance to theopponents of Islam.
Another foreign author who made wide observations on this subject is
Gerard de Nerval, one of the best known figures in French literature.
This French author, who was also a traveler and who described his
observations to his readers, told them of his experiences during his
visit to the Ottoman Empire. To de Nerval, themost surprising thing in
Ottoman lands was the way that people from different nations and
holding different religious beliefs lived as brothers in the Ottoman
state with its multinational structure. He reported his observations
thus: "Istanbul is a strange city. Four nations live there together
and do not hate one another. The tolerance and indulgence that Turks,
Armenians, Jews and Greeks living in the sameplace extend towards one
another cannot even be seen among peoples living in various provinces
or in political parties where we come from."
Gerard de Nerval also witnessed a festival morning during his travels
and was amazed at Muslims' tolerance and the warm relations enjoyed by
all sections of society, which he described as follows in his
writings: "Most of theEuropeans living in 'Pera' joined the throng.
Because on festival days members of other faiths also join in Muslims'
celebrations and share them with them … Everyone is given food and
drink once the sacrificial animal has been killed. In addition,
everyone entered whichever house he chose and sat down and was served.
All Muslims, rich and poor, offer foodto the people coming their
homes, no matter what their faith, race or social status…"
There can be no doubt that it is the moral values possessed by Muslims
that amaze non-Muslims. The Qur'an,sent down to humanity as a guide by
Allah, commands proper moralvalues. At the basis of these values lie
concepts such as love, affection, tolerance, justice and compassion.
Islam is the true faith, that manifeststhe infinite compassion and
affection of Allah and that was sent down to offer people lives
filled with peace and security. In the verses of the Qur'an, people
are called to Islamic moral values as a model in which compassion,
affection, tolerance and peace can be enjoyed onEarth. Full compliance
with the moral virtues commanded by Allah in the Qur'an will be the
only solution that can lead mankind to light and peace in our century.
Allah calls to the Abode of Peace and He guides whom He wills to a
straight path. (Surah Yunus, 25)
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