Misconception: Islam and The Quran promotes a 'clash of civilisations'

Background: Some think that Islam and the West are on an inevitable collision course due to their irreconcilable differences.

The Quran is a book that transcends group mentality, and emphasises unity and righteousness:

Say: “O people of the Scripture, let us come to a common understanding between us and between you; that we do not serve except God, and do not set up anything at all with Him, and that none of us takes each other as patrons beside God.” If they turn away, then say: “Bear witness that we have submitted.” [3:64]

And do not argue with the people of the Scripture except in the best manner; except for those who are wicked amongst them, and say: “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is the same; to Him we submit.” [29:46]

O mankind, We created you from a male and female, and We made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Surely, the most honorable among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is Knowledgeable, Expert. [49:13]

The regard for peace, righteousness and justice above all else:

O believers! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses for the sake of God, even (if this may go) against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin... [4:135]

…help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and wickedness…. [5:2]

O believers! Stand out firmly for God, as witnesses for the sake of justice, and let not the enmity of a people cause you to turn away from justice. Do justice, for that is akin to piety... [5:8]

If they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, "To us are our deeds, and to you is your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not seek the ignorant." [28:55]

God does not forbid you from those who have not fought you because of your system, nor drove you out of your homes, that you deal kindly and equitably with them. For God loves the equitable. [60:8]

And if they seek peace, then you also seek it, and put your trust in God. He is the Hearer, the Knowledgeable. [8:61]

Not equal are the good and the bad response. You shall resort to the one which is better. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy may become your best friend. [41:34]

To these We grant twice the reward for that they have been patient. And they counter evil with good, and from Our provisions to them, they give. [28:54]

To each is a direction that he will take, so you shall race towards good deeds. Wherever you may be, God will bring you all together. God is capable of all things. [2:148]

Take to pardoning, and order with what is good, and leave alone the ignorant ones. [7:199]

The Quran states, in no uncertain terms, that there is no compulsion in religion:

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. And God is Hearing, Knowing. [2:256]

And there are some of them who believe in it, and some of them do not believe in it. Your Lord is better aware of the transgressors.
And if they deny you, then say: “I have my deeds, and you have your deeds. You are innocent from what I do, and I am innocent from what you do.”

[10:40-41]

This is a reminder, so let he who wishes take a path to his Lord. [73:19]

Tolerance and respect for other faiths:

Those who believe, and those who are Jewish, and the Sabiens, and the Nazarenes*; whoever of them believes in God and the Last Day and does good works, then they will have nothing to fear nor will they grieve. [5:69]
*commonly translated as "Christians" but more likely refers to the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, hence Nazarenes.

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