"So That You May Know One Another": A Muslim American Reflects on Pluralism and Islam

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 588, S. 40-51

Abstract

This article addresses the anguish & concerns raised by the events of 11 September 2001 among Americans -- both Muslims & non-Muslims -- about mutual hatred & distrust in light of the Quran. The Holy Book of Islam teaches pluralism, yet on both sides of the imagined fence, this message is misunderstood. It is not so much a clash of civilizations, as some American ideologues propagate, but a clash of ignorance that leads to such perilous situations. The complex economic, political, & global issues have been put under the rubric of stereotypes that dehumanize the "other." The Quran reveals the beauty of human diversity, accepts the truth of Jewish & Christian traditions, & promotes the idea of pluralism for cooperation, respect, & understanding among various communities. While both Muslims & non-Muslims frequently misuse the Quranic verses for political purposes, Muslim history, on the whole, demonstrates more tolerance & appreciation of other religious traditions than the histories of other religions do. 5 References. [Copyright 2003 Sage Publications, Inc.]