Protection and Respect for the Places of Worship in Islam

Abstract

In the present civilized and advanced world, religion is taken as the torch-bearer of peace, security and love. That is why society highly respects religion and also allows freedom of constructing places of worship and the practice of religion. During a visit to countries where religion is respected, tourists’ are not only drawn to places of entertainment, but also to the churches, mosques, and minarets. Their architecture, structure and decoration are an example of human art and skill. This article hypothesizes that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, and enjoins upon its followers to maintain cordial ties with the believers of other religions. Islam doesn’t only respect the places of worship of other religions, but allows their construction and expansion. The above hypothesis will be proved from the verses of the Holy Quran, the sayings of the Holy Prophet and instances from the lives of the Companions of the Holy Prophet. The opinions of all the Muslim Schools of Thought will also be discussed. The respect for the places of worship of other religions will be illustrated from the history of the Muslims. Findings and recommendations will be discussed.