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Abstract

Contemporary mass media portray Muslim societies as intolerant of other religious, cultural, and ideological beliefs. This article argues that the Qur’an as the primary basis of normative Islam promotes tolerance, harmony and goodwill among all peoples regardless of their differences. The Qur’anic perspective of tolerance provides the basic foundation and dynamics of creating a pluralistic and inclusive society that respects diversity and differences. This article likewise provides the Qur’anic primary textual sources that exemplify Islam's concordant and tolerant approaches toward religious and ideological differences. The Qur’anic metaphysical positionality on the ontological unity of humanity harmonizes well with the social reality of human diversities and differences in culture, creed, race, and political ideology. Islam as found in the Qur’an, respects the freedom of conscience of every person, which includes the autonomy and the right to observe one's religious, cultural, ethnic, social, and ideological commitments. The dynamics and praxis of this Qur’anic discourse of tolerance can be seen in the lives of three selected Muslim scholars (ulama) in their encounters and interactions with their Christian counterparts. Similarly, Islamic history shows ample instantiations and practices of this Qur’anic discourse of tolerance in the lives of the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions, and from the exemplary lives of Muslim scholars and Sufi saints (awliya). By reflecting and paying serious attention to the Qur’anic tolerance discourse and by applying the Qur’anic praxis of concordance and amity in the midst of human diversities and differences, Muslims and non-Muslims can live a peaceful and secure existence with dignity and justice; by tolerating and accepting each other's differences openly and in good faith.

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