ISLAM IN A PLURALISTIC SOCIETY
Keywords:
Acceptance of Diversity, Acceptance of Others, Follow One Respect All, Love for All, Mutual Respect, Predictability, Prophet Muhammad, Religious FreedomAbstract
The present article gives Islamic principles on how to live in a pluralistic society. The basic principle in this regard is mutual respect. While Islam believes in the oneness of reality, it lays equal stress on the practice of respect in everyday dealings with others. Islam promotes acceptance of diversity and differences and seeks to promote unity using the principle: ‘Follow one, and respect all’. Religious freedom is a pivotal practice of Islam. Acceptance and celebrating it requires that everyone be allowed to present one's thoughts, and be given a quiet hearing. Essentially, Islam promotes predictability of behaviour, which is a consequence of belief in the Hereafter. As such a believer must adhere to the values of love, justness and compassion in one’s dealings with others.
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