Abraham’s Tolerance in Inviting People to Path of Truth
Having tolerance means doing things with clam and peaceful means and in education it helps prepare people mentally to accept the right course of action.
Using this method, one can turn an opponent into a supporter and a supporter into a friend.
Unfitting sternness and violent behavior of an educator will discourage people and they will not follow the prophet or the educator. Therefore, a tolerant behavior on the part of the educator is a fundamental principle in moral fields.
Prophet Abraham (AS), who was an Ul al-'Azm (Arch-Prophet), used tolerance in educating people and this has been mentioned in some verses of the Quran. For example, when two unknown guests visit Abraham and he realizes that their mission is to punish the People of Lot, Abraham begins to plead with them (not to punish the people).
“And when the wonderment departed from Abraham and the glad tidings reached him, he pleaded with Us for the nation of Lot.” (Verse 74 of Surah Hud)
This was not because Abraham wanted to defend the People of Lot but, according to the next verse, it was because Abraham was very kind and thought the people might repent and change their path:
“Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, tenderhearted and penitent.” (Verse 75 of Surah Hud)
In verses in Surah Hajj, God orders people to follow the religion of Abraham and introduces it as the easy religion: “Struggle for Allah as is due to Him. He has chosen you and has not laden a burden upon you in your religion, being the Creed of Abraham your father. He has named you Muslims before and in this so that the Messenger (Muhammad) can be a witness for you, and in order that you be witnesses against mankind. Therefore, establish the prayer and pay the obligatory charity and hold fast to Allah. He is your Guardian, the Excellent Guardian, the Excellent Helper!” (Verse 78 of Surah Al-Hajj)
So Prophet Abraham (AS) had tolerance and forbearance both in dealing with infidels and in his creed.
