“So That You May Know One Another”: a Muslim American Reflects on Pluralism and Islam

Abstract

This article addresses the anguish and concerns raised by the events of 11 September 2001 among Americans—both Muslims and non-Muslims—about mutual hatred and distrust in light of the Quran. The Holy Book of Islam teaches pluralism, yet on both sides of the imagined fence, this message is misunderstood. It is not so much a clash of civilizations, as some American ideologues propagate, but a clash of ignorance that leads to such perilous situations. The complex economic, political, and global issues have been put under the rubric of stereotypes that dehumanize the “other.” The Quran reveals the beauty of human diversity, accepts the truth of Jewish and Christian traditions, and promotes the idea of pluralism for cooperation, respect, and understanding among various communities. While both Muslims and non-Muslims frequently misuse the Quranic verses for political purposes, Muslim history, on the whole, demonstrates more tolerance and appreciation of other religious traditions than the histories of other religions do.