One of the biggest challenges facing modern societies is how to deal with religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity. How can the modern state effectively accommodate multiple and sometimes competing world-views within its midst, while at the same time maintaining societal cohesion and harmony? Is it possible to allow religious groups the freedom to reaffirm their identity and faith, and practice their diverse rituals and traditions manifestly, without leading to the destruction of the society?.To what extent is the religious freedom of minorities protected in a multi-religious state? Some social scientists have argued that historically, pluralism and diversity, particularly of a religious nature, have been more destructive than constructive. Regardless of the validity of this argument, religious diversity is a reality that many contemporarysocieties are forced to deal with.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM MINORITIES AND ISLAM
This book challenges the argument that religious freedom can only be guaranteed by a separation between religion and state. Secondly, it tries to show that while an increased religious consciousness and manifest adherence to one’s faith may lead to conflict in a multi-religious society, this is not necessarily so. Malaysia has been selected as a case study due to its religious, racial, and linguistic pluralism, in order to assess the extent to which its religious minorities have the freedom to profess and practice their faith. The degree to which Malaysia exemplifies the spirit of Islamic tolerance toward minority groups will also be appraised. Finally, the book examines the impact of the growing “Islamic revivalism” on the religious freedom of non-Muslim minorities in the country. Dr. Ahmad Yousif is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization; Ill-JM-Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He the University of Winnipeg, University of previously taught at Brunei,lnternational Islamic University Malaysia and University of Ottawa. Dr. Yousif wrote four books among them Muslims in Canada: A Question of Identity (2nd ed. 2008) and Islam and Science: A Southeast Asian Perspective (2nd ed.2011).
- PUBLISHED BY : IIUM Press International Islamic University Malays
- ISBN 978-967-0225-09-8
- AUTHOR: AHMAD YOUSIF
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.