An Islamic Perspective: The Use of Religious Concepts as an Instrument to Improve Fostering Tolerance in Nigeria

The establishment of Islam as the predominant religion in wide empire acted as a catalyst to civilization. Prophets were made by Allah as a model and embodiment of all virtues such as honesty, trustworthiness, faithfulness, humility, justice, intelligence, patience, courage, forgiveness, and love for Allah and humanity. The paper explored some major important areas that discuss the relationship between the Muslims and non-Muslims since the time of Prophet Muhammad (saw), his companions, and those who followed them. The paper draws on the life of Jesus Christ and his miracle from the Islamic view point. The paper also highlights Islamic civilization which includes skills acquisition in fostering tolerance and transfer of knowledge to the west. Foundation of tolerance from the Islamic concepts of social life have been clearly stated among these concepts is the concept of human thought which evidently explained the comments of some non-Muslims scholars acknowledging the contribution of Prophet Muhammad (saw) to the human thought in general. The paper suggested the guiding principles of fostering religious tolerance in Nigeria and other societies with similar setting the world all over, and also how religion should be made a source of strength for fostering tolerance.