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Title :

Managing Religious and Ethnic Pluralism since the 7th Century in the Muslim World: Lessons for Contemporary Nigeria

Authors :

Owoyemi Samuwilu Alade

It is indisputable that the modern world is characterized by pluralism, which is reflected in the diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds of its inhabitants. Since the 7th century, the Muslim world has been pluralistic, encompassing peoples of various languages, colors, cultures, ethnicities, and religions. A critical examination of the lifetimes of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), the rightly guided caliphs (R.A), and their faithful successors (R.A) reveals how religious and ethnic pluralism were effectively managed for the development of the Muslim community. However, despite Nigeria's abundant human and natural resources, religious and ethnic diversity continues to pose challenges to the country's development. The purpose of this paper is to contextualize religious and ethnic pluralism from the perspective of Islam. Using historical and qualitative research methods, the study examines how religious and ethnic pluralism has been managed in the Muslim world and draws lessons for contemporary Nigeria. The findings of the study reveal that religious and ethnic pluralism are integral aspects of human existence. Islam recognizes and accommodates religious and ethnic pluralism, teaching Muslims to manage diversity by fostering religious freedom, tolerance, love, and peaceful co-existence with people of different cultures and faiths, as outlined in Islamic scripture. The study recommends, among other things, that Nigeria strengthen its religious institutions and legal framework to promote interfaith dialogue and enable adherents of various faiths and ethnic groups to practice their religious doctrines, which emphasize love, tolerance, good neighborliness, and peace, values essential for the country's development.