English . Theology of Religions: An Analytical Overview

Theology of Religions: An Analytical Overview

Abstract

Islam is a divine religion with extensive lessons and direction revealed to Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), to direct mankind in the matter of faith, customs, human relationship, believes and religious diversity. Islam teaches some principles about diversity that Muslims need to respect each belief system, culture, community, ideology, and religion. This study discusses religious diversity as an undeniable and indisputable truth of the world. Every religion must be respected, at least in its literary, artistic and philosophical manifestations, as the result of culture. Religious diversity is about as old as mankind's history. The idea of religious acceptance and co-existence is debated since a long time. Contemporary world recognizes three main approaches to deal with religious diversity; pluralism, exclusivism and inclusivism. These are the terms used and contested by scholars, theologians, philosophers of religion (most notably John Hick), participants in inter religion dialogue and general researchers of religion. This article discusses about Islamic perspective of these terminological areas and examines their application in order to accept diversity. This research paper will provide an overview of three main western religious theories (pluralism, exclusivism and inclusivism) from Islamic viewpoint. As Islam is a comprehensive and universal religion, these study further attempts to pave the way towards interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence with the notion of “live and let live”.