Challenges and Opportunities for Religious Pluralism in Contemporary Islamic Society
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Abstract
Religious pluralism has become a central issue in contemporary Muslim societies, which are increasingly multicultural and open to global interaction. Although classical Islamic history demonstrates a legacy of tolerance and coexistence, modern realities are marked by serious challenges such as theological exclusivism, radicalism, identity politics, and a lack of inclusive education. This study aims to describe the challenges and opportunities regarding religious pluralism in contemporary Muslim societies, highlighting the contributions of Azyumardi Azra’s thought. A qualitative research method employing a literature review approach was used to analyze scholarly literature, books by progressive Muslim thinkers, academic journals. The findings indicate that theological exclusivism and religious radicalism hinder the development of pluralism through claims of exclusive truth and the rejection of diversity. Identity politics, which exploits religion as a tool to legitimize power, narrows the space for minorities and reinforces discrimination. Furthermore, the absence of inclusive education within Islamic curricula contributes to low interfaith sensitivity among the younger generation. This study addresses a research gap by offering a conceptual framework that balances normative-theological and sociological-practical aspects, alongside implementable solutions relevant to the dynamics of contemporary Muslim societies.
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