Abstract

A Qur’anic Examination of the Relationship between ‘Faith Boundaries’ and ‘Tolerance’
The paper explores the interplay between religious conviction and social harmony in contemporary
contexts. It emphasizes the increasing global concern surrounding peace and violence, identifying a key
ingredient for societal discord as the divisions engendered by nationalism, racism, and religious
sectarianism. The authors argue that these divisions manifest in faith-based barriers among individuals,
often resulting in justified violence against those labeled as non-believers.
The paper contends that the Qur’an fundamentally respects human relationships grounded in
“humanity” rather than strict adherence to “faith,” thereby rejecting social demarcations between
believers and non-believers. Using Qur’anic principles, the paper illustrates that social interactions
should be defined by peace and cohabitation rather than ideological differences. The analysis highlights
various Qur’anic verses advocating for peaceful coexistence, emphasizing that believers have a moral
obligation to engage with non-believers in friendship and justice, barring situations of active aggression.
Ultimately, the paper posits that genuine respect for humanity transcends doctrinal boundaries,
encouraging a rethinking of interfaith relations. It calls for a societal embrace of shared humanity,
promoting unity despite differences and mitigating the roots of violence. This study contributes to the
discourse on Islamic teachings related to tolerance, urging a reevaluation of how faith impacts social
cohesion in diverse communities.
Key words: Peace, Violence, Tolerance, Faith Boundaries, Qur’an