Study of beliefs, interfaith relations, and the rational and ethical justification of religious principles

Abstract

This study examines the rational and ethical foundations of religious beliefs with a focus on interfaith relations, situating the discussion within the discipline of Ilm al-Kalām (Islamic theology). It explores how Islamic theological principles provide a framework for ethical engagement with adherents of other faiths, emphasizing justice (ʿadl), mercy (raḥmah), tolerance (tasāmuḥ), and freedom of belief. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing classical kalām literature alongside contemporary scholarly interpretations to assess continuity and transformation in theological reasoning. By examining Qurʾānic injunctions, Prophetic practices, and the works of prominent theologians, the study demonstrates how rational discourse and ethical justification underpin Islamic perspectives on interfaith coexistence. The findings highlight the enduring relevance of Ilm al-Kalām for addressing modern challenges of pluralism, social cohesion, and peaceful interreligious engagement, offering a normative framework that integrates faith, reason, and ethics.