TOLERANCE FOR SECTARIAN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSLIMS IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF HIS EMINENCE SHEIKH AHMED AL-KHALILI, MUFTI OF THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

ABSTRACT   This descriptive study aimed to discuss the issue of tolerance in sectarian differences between Muslims, according to the perspective of His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Khalili, Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman. The problem existing in some Muslims’ view of tolerance between Exaggeration, default and excessive, as there are those who exaggerate the demand for tolerance without restriction or condition, so they forgive everything without regard to the limits of Islam and its prohibitions and controls. On the other hand, there are those who narrow, forgetting the mercy of Islam, his amnesty, his grace and his permission to be soft and lenient in his treatment. The researcher used the descriptive analytical method, and discussed the subject in four topics: The first presented tolerance in the Qur’an and Sunnah, among advanced scholars. The second, discussed his eminence's opinion on the level of disagreement among Muslims. The third is devoted to the opinion of His Eminence in the multiplicity of doctrines. The fourth topic included the opinion of His Eminence in the strength of the ties between groups of Muslims. The findings showed that: the difference of Muslims in the formalities and subcategories does not amount to the division of Muslims, and that the difference in opinion is a blessing, not a curse, and the need for Muslims to observe each other's feelings. And that the diversity of doctrines means the integration of religion. Adherence to the doctrine does not mean fanaticism and the rejection of the other, and tolerance among Muslims remains a religious duty and an imperative demand.