Muslim and Non-Muslim Relations Reflections on Some Qur'anic Texts

Abstract

Humanity lives today in a "Global Village." where no people or nation can live in isolation from and indifferent to what goes on elsewhere. Our world is so interdependent and so interrelated that peaceful dialogue has become an imperative. In spite of the general erosion of commitment to "religion." however interpreted or misinterpreted, religion still plays a pivotal role in shaping people's attitudes and influencing their behavior. In spite of serious instances of abuse of various religions by some of their claimed followers so as to justify or instigate acts of brutality and bloodshed, there are positive and helpful common themes in these religions. Therefore, peaceful and candid inter-faith and inter-faith dialogues are important tools in working for such goals. This paper is a humble contribution to that dialogue from one perspective with in a major world religion that is the professed faith of nearly one- fifth of the human race. One that is more misunderstood than any other faith, sometimes, even, by some of its followers. This paper examines the nature and parameters of the nonnative relationship between muslims and non-Muslims. It is based mainly on and attempt to understand the Qur'an in its own textual and historical context. To do this, it is necessary to begin with the methodology and assumptions that underpin the paper