A PHILOSOPHICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ON RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE

ALPARSLAN AÇIKGENÇ

ABSTRACT

Human nature displays a complicated structure which includes a rich state of mind with
a huge number of moods and dispositions. Some of these moods and dispositions, if not
tamed and limited with wisdom, may be dangerous to the individual in the first place
and to the society and social order in the second place. In my paper I shall take tolerance
as one such mood in human nature. My purpose is not to analyze the psychological
roots of this mood; I shall rather concentrate and try to provide a philosophical analysis
of how Islamic approach offers a solution to develop tolerance as a good character. In
order to do that, however, I will try to analyze human nature in order to locate the
ground where such an analysis may be established. Then I shall attempt to present the
Islamic perspective and remedies offered for intolerance. But of course this would not
be sufficient; for, after this exposition I shall also try to show what kind of an education
Islam offers for the development of a tolerant attitude.