On the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, the International Nonviolence Organization (Free Muslims), affiliated with the Global Foundation of Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq Husseini Shirazi, may Allah prolong his life, issued a statement.

The statement reads as follows:

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

The International Nonviolence Organization (Free Muslims) honors the International Day for Tolerance, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and observed annually on 16 November. The organization stresses that tolerance is not merely a moral value, but an essential foundation for the survival and advancement of human societies and a cornerstone for building lasting global peace.

Tolerance: An Islamic and Human Approach

The organization emphasizes that the principle of tolerance is the essence of the true message of Islam, which calls for:

Mutual respect: Accepting and appreciating religious, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity, recognizing that such diversity is a source of richness and strength for all humanity, not a cause of division or conflict.

Rejection of prejudice and hatred: Condemning all forms of extremism, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia, which threaten security and stability across the world.

Dialogue and peaceful coexistence: Encouraging constructive communication between individuals, nations, and civilizations, and promoting a culture of peace and nonviolence as the only alternative to conflict and aggression.

True Islam is the voice of tolerance and nonviolence. Islam calls for forgiveness, compassion, and the establishment of justice among all people without discrimination.

An urgent call to governments and the international community

On this day, the International Nonviolence Organization calls for practical and tangible measures to promote tolerance, including:

Education: Integrating concepts of tolerance, human rights, and global citizenship into curricula and educational programs, and raising the awareness of younger generations about the importance of diversity and coexistence.

Law: Enacting and implementing laws that criminalize hate speech, incitement to violence, and all forms of discrimination.

Media: Promoting messages of moderation and kindness, and avoiding negative stereotypes that fuel division and hostility between cultures and religions.

In conclusion: Tolerance is everyone’s responsibility

The organization reaffirms its commitment to promoting a culture of nonviolence and tolerance around the world, stressing that combating prejudice and narrow-mindedness begins with individual awareness and personal responsibility. Every person must ask: “Do I practice tolerance?” and “Do I accept those who differ from me?”

Tolerance is a force that guarantees the survival of diverse societies across the world and a path to achieving human dignity, freedom, and prosperity.

International Nonviolence Organization – Washington