Oman had been one of the few countries that embraced Islam without a fight. The first Omani to join the new religion of Islam was the companion Mazen bin Ghadouba al Sadi in the 6th year of Hijrah, who spread Islam in Oman upon his return from a visit to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
The people of Oman had taken up the new religion willingly and gladly without hesitation in the 8th year of Hijrah when the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) sent letters to the two kings, Jaifar and Abd, the sons of Al Julanda, inviting them to embrace Islam.
By recalling the way Omanis took up Islam, the occurrence illustrates an instructive example and a vivid lesson from history. Omanis accepted the religion by choice and without being brought about upon them by force. This reflects that Omanis had the power of choosing and determining and the inherent traits of tolerance Omanis did enjoy, on the other hand.
When asked about Omanis, the open acknowledgment of the Prophet (PBUH) is the best testament to noble people. The Prophet (PBUH) succinctly said that if you go to see or stay at Oman, no one shall insult or curse you. In fact, this is a testimony that Omanis hold dear until they pass away.
As kind-hearted people, Omanis do not treat others with insolence, indignity, or contempt. They rather welcome strangers and visitors warmly to their country, regardless of their origin, race, colour, or religion.
Besides, Omanis accept the beliefs, feelings, habits and behaviours of other groups and cultures as legitimate even when they differ from their own, as long as others accept and do not lack special regard or respect to Omanis religion and beliefs.
While Omanis can best be described as kind and hospitable, they uphold and elevate their moral and cultural values to a strong and emphatic extent. However, they do not accept at the same behaviour that disrespects their religion and beliefs.
Further, Omanis do not behave with pride and arrogance, nor do they make a vainglorious display of what they are or have or have done. They do not also show vain display of their own worth and attainments, by calling attention to what they do pridefully and boastfully. Bragging assertive statements are not typical of Omanis way of conduct or manner.
Visitors and residents are expected to give and take mutually the respect and kindness shown to Omanis and their country by shunning as well as avoiding deliberately actions or words that might go beyond limits set or prescribed by the cultural, religious and moral code of conduct of the Omani people.
That is why Oman is truly home to Islamic tolerance. The best testimony to this is the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. For those who wish to convert to or know about Islam, they may visit MoARA, whereby the Omani staff speak well of Islam and never incite nor do they urge others to embrace any Islamic sect. They genuinely adhere to the Quranic verse in Sura 75: An Nahl, Verse 25 which says invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in the best manner.
In Oman, there are three predominant Islamic schools of thought, namely Ibadi, Sunni and Shiite. The adherents of the three schools live in peace with each other. The way Omanis work, congregate and pray together is marked by accord in sentiment and action. Omanis firmly believe in unity and support to each other, mutual dependence, solidarity and cooperation, and strength through togetherness. They act in adherence to the Prophet hadith which says a believer to another believer is like a solidly built structure.
Dr Musallam Al Maani
The writer is Dean of Al Zahra College for Women.
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