Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Qur’anic Sciences and Hadith, University of Quranic Sciences and Islamic Studies, Tehran, Iran
2 Level Four Comparative Interpretation Student, Kosar Islamic Science Education Complex, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
One of the teachings of Islam is "excommunication," which means hostility towards the enemies of God and the people of falsehood, which, as a fundamental pillar of faith, shapes the religious identity of Muslims and has a special place in the Islamic belief system. On the other hand, Islam emphasizes "tolerance", which means tolerance and respect for different beliefs and flexibility in interacting with others. Any misunderstanding of these concepts, especially in societies that enjoy cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity, can cause irreparable harm. Among these problems are social violence and the disruption of social cohesion. In such a situation, how can one act in a way that tolerates the beliefs of opponents while maintaining the doctrine of "excommunication"? What solutions do the Quran and narrations offer for creating a balance between these concepts in multicultural societies? This research seeks to answer these questions using an analytical-descriptive method based on the method of analyzing the content of verses and narrations. The achievement of this research shows that there are appropriate practical solutions in the teachings of the Quran and narrations to establish this balance. It seems that the correct understanding of these concepts, along with explaining the position, relationship, and scope of each, humanitarianism, good debate, respect for the beliefs of enemies, acceptance of diversity and differences, observance of the rights of others, etc., are among the effective solutions in creating social unity.
Extended Abstract
In the twenty-first century, human societies have been confronted with a pervasive phenomenon known as globalization, which has consequently led to the emergence and expansion of multicultural societies. While cultural diversity has served as a source of dynamism in such contexts, it has simultaneously generated numerous challenges.
It should be noted that the abandonment of the principle of "protection and exclusion" is one of the calamities of Islamic societies. Enemies have tried to portray the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims as cordial and the relationship between Muslims as hostile under various pretexts, and have spent huge amounts of money to achieve these goals. One of the significant predicaments within Islamic societies is the marginalization of the principle of tawallā wa tabarrā (affiliation and disavowal). Adversaries have striven, under various pretexts, to portray relations between Muslims and non-Muslims as intimate while depicting intra-Muslim relations as hostile, investing heavily to achieve these objectives.
It appears that the only viable path for mitigating the detrimental repercussions of these phenomena is through recourse to Islamic teachings such as peace and forbearance, and prioritizing them over notions such as tabarrā and withdrawal. The concept of "tolerance" means respect for different beliefs and flexibility in dealing with them, and it will be a beginning for peaceful coexistence and the creation of a peaceful and dynamic society that is not subject to ideological monopolization and that, while preserving the principles, is based on commonalities. Forbearance entails respect for divergent beliefs and flexibility in dealing with others; it forms the foundation of peaceful coexistence and the establishment of a calm and dynamic society free from ideological exclusivism, built upon shared principles while safeguarding essential tenets. At the same time, one of the central doctrines of Islam is tabarrā—enmity toward the adversaries of God and falsehood—which constitutes a cornerstone of faith and shapes the religious identity of Muslims, occupying a privileged position in Islamic theology. However, this is only one dimension. On the other hand, Islam strongly emphasizes forbearance, understood as tolerance, respect for different beliefs, and flexibility in interaction. Any misinterpretation of these concepts, particularly in societies characterized by cultural, religious, and ethnic plurality, can produce irreparable harm, trigger social violence, and ultimately undermine social cohesion.
This study, conducted through a descriptive-analytical approach and content analysis of Qurʾānic verses and traditions, seeks to address these very questions. For this purpose, the terms mudārā (forbearance) and tabarrā (disavowal) were examined lexically. The findings show that mudārā derives either from darī, denoting knowledge obtained through unconventional means, or from darā, meaning "to eliminate or repel". Thus, when derived from darī, it implies winning over opponents through gentleness and kindness; when derived from darā, it signifies dispelling hostility through compassion. Ultimately, mudārā means adopting leniency in speech and conduct, enduring differences and difficulties in relations, without implying weakness or submission. By contrast, tabarrā signifies renunciation and distancing, motivated by detestation of what is deemed blameworthy. Technically, it refers to disassociation from the enemies of God and the adversaries of the saints of religion, a stance clearly emphasized in the Qurʾān and traditions. The Qurʾān highlights disavowal of polytheism and the Prophet’s declaration of innocence toward his opponents.
The term multiculturalism denotes a structure composed of diverse cultural groups in which plurality is recognized and differences are positively embraced. It must be acknowledged, however, that most societies are not ethnically or culturally homogeneous, and divergent beliefs often engender disharmony, leaving such societies vulnerable. In addition to defining the key terms, the relationship between mudārā and tabarrā required clarification, as this has profound implications for shaping future approaches. For this reason, the researcher has explained this relationship. Accordingly, the study demonstrates that proper understanding of these concepts, along with an accurate delineation of their scope and interrelationship, constitutes the main factor in dispelling discord within culturally plural societies. After lexical analysis and conceptual clarification, Qurʾānic and prophetic strategies are explored, which occupy a substantial portion of religious sources. These include: philanthropy, respect for others’ beliefs, protection of rights, noble character, patience in facing hostility, adaptability and kindness, acceptance of diversity, consultation and cooperation, pursuit of unity and brotherhood, peacemaking and reconciliation, engaging in fair argumentation, justice and equity, forgiveness, leniency, and clemency.
It is crucial to note that the Qurʾān acknowledges only God Almighty as the absolute guardian (walī). This fundamental principle, inferred from Qurʾān 42:9 9 of Surah Ash-Shura, ensures that all individuals recognize themselves under a single divine authority, thereby fostering unity and equality. Regarding this, the Qurʾān states that benevolence and justice toward those who do not fight against Muslims in religion are permissible, while prohibition applies solely to those who wage religious warfare; forging alliances with such adversaries is condemned as injustice (Qurʾān 60:8–9). God says about this issue in the Quran: There is no obstacle to doing good and justice to those who do not fight you in religion, but it is forbidden to do so to those who fight you in religion, and whoever establishes relations with them is a wrongdoer and a tyrant. Similarly, Imam ʿAlī (a) declared: “People are of two kinds: either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity. The term "people like you" implies that there is another principle called tolerance in human societies, especially Islamic societies. The expression equals in humanity implies the existence of another principle—mudārā—within human societies, especially Islamic ones, that should not be neglected. Social balance and harmony depend on its observance.
The findings of this research indicate that Islam offers a significant body of guidance concerning the seemingly contradictory notions of tabarrā and mudārā, referred to here as Qurʾānic and traditional strategies. Commitment to these strategies, due to their practical and realistic orientation, ensures equilibrium between the two concepts. Consequently, there exists no inherent contradiction between them. Furthermore, the study proposes multiple practical solutions for reconciling these notions, each contributing effectively to reducing tensions and promoting social unity and vitality.
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