International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue X, October 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

 The Importance of Peaceful- Co-existence with other
Religions in Islam (with particular reference to Christianity)

Tijani Ahmad Ashimi
Assistant Professor, Dr., Department of Fundamental Interdisciplinary Studies
Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and
Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

Abstract: Islam is a religion of peace; it is a religion to lead mankind from the depths of darkness and ignorance towards the path of light and knowledge. The literal meaning of Islam, derived from the Arabic word Salaam, means peace. The word “Islam” has another root derivation – Slim – which means surrender or submission. In short, Islam means peace acquired by humans by submitting their will to the Will of Allah. In the most serious note, one of God’s name and attribute is al-salam(The Most Peaceful), which means, peaceful co-existence and harmonious living are very important values that Islam urge Muslims to enjoy particularly with people of other faiths and religions, such as Christianity and others.. Based on this fact, the holy Qur’an is very serious in condemning any sort of ethnic or religious hostility towards other faiths, it instead promotes peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance; for the sake of humanity, love and human dignity. Thus, this humble paper by applying Quranic approach, aims to demonstrate the importance of peaceful co-existence in Islamic worldview, and how such peaceful living could be actualized in any pluralistic and multi-religious society. Finally, the paper will provide brief conclusion followed by some suggestions and recommendations.

Keywords: Islam, Peaceful co-existence. Interfaith dialogues, Christianity, other Religions, Qur’an

I. INTRODUCTION

Islam is a religion of peace, it preaches tolerance, universal brotherhood, and believes in principle of Peaceful co-existence. As a matter of fact, Islam recognizes the other religions that were established before the Qur’an’s revelation (with particular reference to Judaism and Christianity). It respects these two religions in their original form, and their prophets as its own, i.e Islam has high respect for these religions since they are also revealed from God. However, It is undeniable fact that before and after the emergence of Islam, world religions have been hostile to each other, and the historical bitter relation of Judaism and Christianity that reject each other violently is such an example of this hostility among the world religions. Yet, with the emergence of Islam as the seal of revealed religion, it accommodates vis-a-vis the importance of peaceful coexistence and tolerance with other faiths; for the sake of humanity, love and affection. Based on this tangible fact, this conference paper aims to investigate the importance of the peaceful coexistence of Islam with Christianity, and the way this core value of Islam can be