Viewpoint: Muslim Brotherhood Stance In Relation To Non-Muslims

The Muslim Brotherhood”s stance on this particular issue or any other issue is not simply a selective or transitional one based on personal feelings, but it has always been based on Islam, committed to its tenets and derived from its authentic sources all human beings to be inherently good and equipped with potential that could qualify them to follow the right path.

The Muslim Brotherhood do not pass Judgment on those around them, such as denouncing other Muslims infidels (Kuffar), on the contrary they judge individuals on the basis of their actions not words. A sinful Muslim is not a Kafir in our eyes, since he or she may change at a later time: our heart is the domain of Allah, the Merciful, who provides it with piety and to Whom we all are accountable.

We the Muslim Brotherhood, always consider ourselves as Du”aah not Qudaah, i.e. preachers but not judges, therefore we have no intention of forcing any person against his faith or ideology, bearing in mind the Qur”anic guidance:

Let there be no coercion in religion

(Surat-al0Baqarah (2) ayah 256)

Our stance regarding our Christian compatriots Egypt and the Arab World is not new and it is both clear and well Known. The Christians are our partners in the country and were brothers in the long struggle to liberate the nation. They enjoy all rights of citizenship, whether financial, psychological, civil or political. To care for and co-operate with them in every good cause is an Islamic obligation (fard) which no Muslim would dare to underestimate or take lightly. If any person says or does the opposite, we would be ashamed of his actions and saying and we have nothing to do with him.

Nowadays politicians and thinkers world-wide are waving the banner of pluralism and exhort the recognition of human differences as farad ideas, thoughts or actions are concerned. However, when more than 1400 years ago the Qur”an was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Islam considered these differences as being both universal and human facts, and based its political, social and cultural systems such variations and diversity:

“And we made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other)

(Al-Hujuraat: 13)

Pluralism according to Islam obliges the recognition of the “other” and requires the psychological and intellectual readiness to accept what truth, good and benefit others may possess because,

“… wisdom is what a believer should be looking for; wherever he finds it, he should utilize it in the best possible way…”

He who depicts Muslims as a narrow sect, hiding behind an iron curtain which prevents dealings with other nations, does a great injustice to both Islam and Muslims:

The Muslim Brotherhood reaffirm their commitment to the enlightened and wise Islamic viewpoint and remind all those who follow or quote the Muslim Brotherhood to be sincere in their words and actions. Each one of them should befriend others and be welcomed and open their and minds to everyone, never look down at any person nor remind him of past favours, nor lose patience with him. These brothers” hands should always be outstretched to others in kindness, love and purity. Our approach to the whole world is one of peace in words and actions, following the example of our Messenger (PBUH), who is a mercy sent to all the worlds, as the Qur”an affirms:

“If you were sever or harsh-hearted they have broken away from you…”

(Al-Imran: 159)

and

“it is indeed a reminder for you and for your people and soon shall you all be brought to account…”

(Al-Zukhruf: 44)