RE-VISIONING ISLAMIC HISTORY AND HERITAGE FOR SOCIAL COHESION:Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

Today, Islam appears to many a rigid religion, teaches social fragmentation, and  potential fear for people of other faiths and sects. But Islam even ۱۴۰۰ years back emphasized pluralistic values, vision and wisdom, appreciated diversity with equality. One of the best ways to come very close to the cure of the situation of mistrust among the sects of the same religion and among different religions of South Asia,  is trying to inculcate and promote peace and harmony  through Sufi  literature, traditions  and values. This paper will concentrate on how mystic literature can contribute to Intra/Interfaith  reconciliation and  peace.  History shows that in a hostile situation and challenging times, problems were tackled effectively by Muslin Saints in the Sub-continent by cleansing and beautifying the inner and the outer aspects of human-beings . This paper will try to prove that reform in society comes through love, humility, softness and not through violence and aggression. Preaching (Dawa)  is an expression  of love, therefore, Islamic spiritual values can inculcate flexibility rather than rigidity, tolerance rather than intolerance and acceptance of others which will lead to pluralism. Spiritual values will become motivating powers and minimize string of violence. This paper aims to establish a culture of peaceful coexistence through mutual understanding  which is one of the  essential components for sustainable development  in contemporary Pakistani and other Muslim societies.

RE-VISIONING ISLAMIC HISTORY AND HERITAGE FOR SOCIAL COHESION:Thinking Globally, Acting Locally Keywords:

culture , Muslim , İslam , Religious