Tolerance: Harmony in Difference

By Categories:

đź“— Book: Tolerance: Harmony in Difference
Author: Dr. Rashid Alleem
Published: 2018
Focus: Celebrating tolerance as a value, virtue, and vital necessity—through inspiring real-life stories, global initiatives, and the UAE’s pioneering leadership in fostering a tolerant society.

🌍 Purpose of the Book
This book is a heartfelt exploration of tolerance as a cornerstone for peace, unity, and coexistence. Inspired by the UAE’s declaration of 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, Dr. Alleem shares personal reflections, UAE initiatives, and global stories to show how tolerance can transform lives and societies.

🕊️ Key Sections & Themes

Part I: UAE Tolerance Program

  • Ministry of Tolerance: First of its kind, created by the UAE to institutionalize acceptance and coexistence.

  • Capital for Tolerance: UAE launches global initiatives, laws against hate crimes, and the Tolerance Award.

  • Year of Tolerance (2019): Highlights five pillars including education, legislation, media, youth, and global leadership.

  • Pope Francis Visit: Historic interfaith event fostering human fraternity and co-existence.

Part II: Stories of Tolerance

A collection of emotional real-world stories showcasing the power of empathy and forgiveness:

  • Victim of Hate: Indian-American engineer targeted in the US.

  • Racism is for What?: African students facing discrimination in India.

  • I Forgive You: Muslim woman attacked for speaking Swahili forgives her assailant in court.

  • You Changed My Life: Store owner helps a would-be robber, inspiring a new life path.

  • Asifa Bano: Tragic story of a young girl’s murder, highlighting the need for compassion.

  • Humanity is Bigger Than Everything: Muslim man breaks his Ramadan fast to save a Hindu child’s life.

  • Humanity During Floods: Mosques and temples in India shelter victims across faiths during Kerala floods.

  • Create a Story of Possibility: Story of a Brazilian domestic worker rising against racism and injustice.

  • Delta Pride: Human rights movements in the American South.

  • Anne Frank & Hello, Brother: Reflections on timeless symbols of resilience and peace.

Part III: Learning to Live Together

  • Living Together: Encourages communal harmony and respect despite differences.

  • George Carlin’s Message: A call to rethink humanity’s shared values.

  • Declaration of Tolerance: Visionary principles to foster inclusive global citizenship.

  • How to Counter Intolerance: Practical steps to promote empathy, dialogue, and cultural understanding.

  • Role of Religion and Faith-based Organizations: Religion as a unifying force when practiced with compassion.

🧠 Key Concepts

  • Tolerance is Action: It’s not passive acceptance—it’s about engagement, courage, and responsibility.

  • UAE as a Role Model: Through visionary leadership, legislation, and intercultural dialogue.

  • Fraternity over Fear: Inspired by the Human Fraternity Document signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Al-Tayyeb.

📢 Vision and Impact

  • Dr. Alleem’s Mission: Bridge-building through books, leadership, and advocacy for a better world.

  • Cultural Diplomacy: Promoting peace not just through policy but through personal transformation.

  • Youth Focus: Teaching tolerance early to build a sustainable, united future.

🌟 Final Takeaway
Tolerance is not simply an ideal—it is a daily practice. Through heartfelt stories and visionary leadership, this book urges readers to choose love over hate, understanding over judgment, and unity over division. As Dr. Alleem writes, tolerance truly is harmony in difference.

Related Books