Right to the different in the Arab Islamic heritage – The verbal tradition as an example

Authors: Yousef El Hicho
Conference: 2nd International Dialogue Of Civilization And Tolerance Conference 2025
Keywords: Difference, The right to the different, the other, the heritage

Abstract

This paper seeks to understand the nature of the image that ancient thinkers in the Islamic belief tradition constructed around the religious “other”—those differing from them and existing outside the framework of Islamic religion and culture. The aim is to explore the foundations within our heritage that support the right to difference and the recognition of the non-Muslim other as a party that, while distinct, should not be rejected or excluded.

The study assumes that many classical scholars within Islamic culture were aware of the significance of engaging with difference through debate and intellectual exchange. Rather than labeling the other as infidel or calling for violence, they often recognized diversity and sought coexistence, reflecting the deeper values of Islam such as respect, dialogue, and openness.

This research asks whether our Arab-Islamic heritage offers conceptual tools that support dialogue between civilizations, democratic coexistence, and interfaith understanding. How far did Arab-Islamic thinkers go in transforming religious difference into opportunities for cultural dialogue and human connection?