ISLAMIC CONCEPT OF COEXISTENCE IN SOCIAL LIFE AND Mithāq-e-Medina.
Abstract
: The demographic composition of religious groups in general and Muslim population growth projections in contemporary world in particular, due to their present and future social, economic and political perspectives and anticipated outcomes, underline the need for a framework for harmony coexistence between Muslim and non-Muslim societies. This paper draws inspiration from Mithāq-e-Medinato construe such a framework for ongoing interfaith dialogue in different parts of the world. The Treaty of Medina provides an outline that covers different sensitive points of social, economic, political, and diplomatic differences among the followers of different religions “grouped as believers” to create a harmonious interfaith environment for peaceful coexistence and settlement of issues, conflicts and disputes. The Treaty can be used by recontextualizing its spirit for aligning it with interfaith demands of today‟s world. This paper ventures to move on that direction and suggests that the best possible way out is to focus on interfaith similarities to begin with and keep the differences out of any dialogue on the subject. The starting point is the word “believers” used in the Treaty of Medina. What are the common beliefs among the followers of different religions in a society? What are the teachings of the Quran? What steps were taken by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) to promote a harmonious interfaith environment for peaceful coexistence as a religious leader and ruler.
Keywords: Islam; Social Life; Treaty of Medina; Religious harmony; Coexistence; Interfaith Dialogue
Metadata Record
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