Pluralism in Islam
Definition
Pluralism (Arabic: “التعددية” - *taaddudiya, Turkish: “çoğulculuk” - çoğulculuk) refers to inclusiveness that acknowledges and respects the legitimacy of other faiths. In a Muslim context, pluralism involves recognizing the legitimacy and potential salvific value of other religions, particularly Judaism and Christianity, which Islam acknowledges through shared prophets and scriptures.
Etymology
- Arabic: تعددية (taaddudiya)
- Turkish: çoğulculuk (çoğulculuk)
Theological Basis
In general, Muslim pluralists argue that the Quran recognizes the salvific value of other religions. Key Quranic verses such as:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:62): “Surely those who believe, those who are Jews, the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward with their Lord…”
Muslim pluralists underscore these passages to illustrate Quranic endorsement of religious diversity. Other proponents highlight the Islamic concept of fitrah (innate disposition) which suggests that all humans are created with an intrinsic ability to recognize and relate to God, emphasizing a universal potential for salvation.
Perspective within Islam
There are varied perspectives on pluralism within the Islamic world:
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Pluralistic Views: Some Muslims see other faiths not as inferior, but as different manifestations of humanity’s quest to engage with and understand the divine. This perspective finds a degree of legitimacy in the Quran and also argues for dialogical coexistence between different religious groups.
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Mainstream Viewpoint: The prevailing understanding in Muslim theology is that Islam is the final and complete revelation. Therefore, while other religions are recognized and individuals’ rights to their private religious practices are protected, these faiths are seen as possessing foundational errors corrected only by Islamic revelation’s clarity. Islamic law (Sharia) is thus considered overarching and unchallenged by other legal frameworks.
Legal Implications
Despite the theological latitude permitted in private belief, Islamic jurisprudence traditionally maintains that Sharia should hold precedence over other legal systems. This ensures that within Islamic states or communities, Islamic regulations remain authoritative on a societal level.
Books for Further Studies
- “Islamic Pluralism” by Khalid Duran
- “Islam and the Secular State: Negotiating the Future of Shari’a” by Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im
- “The Construction of Belief: Reflections on the Thought of Mohammed Arkoun” by Andrew F. March
Takeaways
- Legitimacy of Other Faiths: Pluralism in Islam involves respect for the spiritual validity of other religions.
- Quranic Basis: There are Quranic foundations for acknowledging other faith systems.
- Differing Internal Perspectives: Islam’s view on religious pluralism ranges from inclusive acceptance to maintaining superiority as the ultimate divine revelation.
- Legal Framework: While individual religious rights are protected, Islamic law is seen as supreme within its societal contexts.
Conclusion
Understanding pluralism within Islam requires navigating complex theological, scriptural, and legal waters. While there is recognition of the legitimacy of other faiths and an emphasis on innate human spirituality aligned with the divine (fitrah), Islamic doctrine traditionally upholds Sharia as the unchallenged legal and moral authority. Nonetheless, ongoing interfaith dialogues and academic explorations continue to enrich the understanding of pluralism in Islam.
