Undoubtedly, promoting tolerance and combating fanaticism are the two sides of the same coin. In fact, the two concepts of tolerance and fanaticism stem from one essential point, but into different directions. They are the two extreme points of the same line, with tolerance representing the positive side, and fanaticism representing the negative one. Actually, tolerance is the moral reaction to fanaticism in all its forms and manifestations. On the other side, fanaticism, as a concept, contradicts tolerance and moderation - it is an attitude adopted without any consideration of actual facts and taking the due time to judge a given situation objectively and fairly.
Fanaticism is defined as the negative prejudgment against individuals who belong to a specific social group. Fanatic people intentionally distort and twist facts that do not agree with their own views stated in advance.
On the other hand, tolerance refers to “the rejection of negative feelings and attitudes against those who insulted us, replacing them with positive ones. It is the way to get inner peace and happiness, and it is our path to reach tranquility in spite of the pains we may suffer. It is tolerance that enables us to continue our path in life after the harm we may be inflicted with.” (Michael Malko, 2015, p. 9)
The manifestations of the culture of tolerance include forgiveness and the rejection of retaliation. It also involves embodying high morals that religions and Messengers of Allah have called for, such as pardoning others, especially when one has the ability to revenge; dealing with others kindly; preserving the rights of others; rejecting injustice and aggression; achieving unity, solidarity, and cohesion among members of society; and avoiding conflicts and struggles that destroy societies.
Tolerance is a lifestyle that helps man to coexist in his environment, and act genuinely and normally with all differences around him. It promotes the culture of respect for these differences. Thus, we get an integrated environment of human interactions based on the principles of equality and respect. There are several forms of tolerance, including:
- Religious tolerance: to respect other’s faiths and avoiding biases or any attempt to deprive others of practicing their religious rituals.
- Ethnical tolerance: to accept others who are different in color, human race, ethnicity, and/or origin.
- Intellectual tolerance: to avoid prejudice against certain ideas and accept the ideas and perspectives of others while demonstrating the etiquette of dialogue.
- Social tolerance: to care for the public interests while adhering to the rules and laws of society.
The culture of tolerance relies on certain basic rules to counter fanaticism, including:
- Recognition of the other.
- Recognition of the other’s right to linguistic, cultural, and religious differences.
- Cooperation and coexistence among human beings.
- Avoiding prejudice and unjustified differences with others.
- The belief that truth is not absolute, but relative.
- Recognizing that accepting the other does not eliminate one’s status.
- Adhering to the etiquette and rules of constructive dialogue.
- Accepting the opinion of the other, if correct; and respecting it if proven otherwise.
The value of respecting the other is a key principle to consolidate the concept of peaceful coexistence and get rid of fanaticism and hatred. To reach this end, one has to follow several behaviors, including:
- Caring for others’ feelings
Caring for others’ feelings, needs, joy, and sorrows is one of the most significant principles for accepting the other. It is the real path on which all barriers among human hearts demolish. When a person shows faithful care for the concerns of others, he gets their appreciation and love, and they resort to him as a voice of moderation and fairness.
- Appreciating others and respecting their feelings
The need for appreciation is one of the most significant needs of human beings, as it is an innate nature rooted inside human soul. One of the most things that pleases the individual is to get praise or appreciation by others for his talents and abilities. Every person is in need of a word of appreciation and praise. Therefore, one has to satisfy this need for others, particularly, for those who are worthy of it.
- Giving others a smile
Facial expression is the path to get to others; it is the first means of contact with them. Therefore, a person has to show others a friendly face so that others get closer to him. On this regard, Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH) said, “Do not consider any act of kindness insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.”
In conclusion, the culture of tolerance must be promoted among all individuals so that respect and love may prevail in all societies. This, in turn, contributes to spreading societal peace and combating all forms of fanaticism, hatred, and discrimination. Tolerance helps individuals to overcome most obstacles that hinder personal stability within society. The following are some recommendations which may help eliminate fanaticism and hatred and promote tolerance and fraternity:
First: At the international level
To activate the institutional role in spreading the culture of tolerance world-wide and adopting policies that put an end to hate speech and discriminatory practices based on religion, color, or race. It is insufficient to set an International Day for Tolerance on 16 November. Rather, showing interest in this culture should be promoted among children.
Second: At the parenting level
It is a necessity to follow positive parenting approaches and avoid violence and punishment as much as possible in bringing children up. This prevents the spread of fanaticism and hatred among children. In addition, parents need to keep an eye on any content presented to their children, whether visual or audible, to make sure that the content is free of any manifestation of intolerance and hatred.
Third: At educational level
It is vital to follow educational approaches that aim at promoting the culture of tolerance and ethical values along with adopting a clear-cut policy to fighting hatred and fanaticism.
Fourth: At legal level
It is necessary to enact laws that criminalizes all hate practices and forms of discrimination-mongering hate speech. In addition, all materials that motivate fanaticism, hatred and murder must be banned, because circulating such material results in the spread of fanaticism and hatred among individuals, particularly, teenagers and youth.