VI. Distinct religious communities

The Great Kingdom need not become a community with a single, merged religion. The One God has given guidance to different communities through His prophets and Scriptures. The Qur’an confirms the earlier revelations and expressly speaks of a law and a way that God has appointed for distinct communities (Qur’an 5:43–48).

These differences do not necessarily constitute a contradiction. Where God has given different commandments, each community ought to do justice to what has been entrusted to it. The Qur’an also acknowledges that different communities have received their own religious rites (Qur’an 22:34; 22:67). This recognition calls for respect for and protection of those rites, not their abolition or merging.

Freedom of religion is an essential principle in this regard. The Qur’an rejects compulsion in matters of faith (Qur’an 2:256). The ultimate guidance of the human heart belongs to God (Qur’an 10:99–100; 28:56). Therefore, no one may be forced to adopt another faith or abandon their own.

The distinct character of the religious communities does not stand in the way of living together in one society. Jesus emphasizes love for God and one's neighbour, while the Qur’an calls for justice and striving to excel in good deeds. Here lies a shared responsibility: not to deprive one another of their own path, but to treat one another with justice and mercy (Mark 12:28–34; Luke 10:25–37; Qur’an 5:48).

The special promise of land to Israel remains recognized. The participation of other communities in society and in general governance does not diminish that promise. Nor may Israel's special inheritance be invoked to deny other inhabitants their rights, protection or a just judgment.

General governance must therefore make room for the distinct religious communities and respect their religious commandments. No community may impose its own religious obligations upon others without justification. At the same time, God's command to act justly applies to everyone, including those who believe differently or do not believe.

Thus, the recognition of the One God can go hand in hand with the preservation of distinct religious paths. Not by erasing the differences, but by respecting what God has given and striving together for what is good.