A Quranically Based Vision of Multiculturalism and Inter-Religious Relations

This work seeks to present a literal and holistic reading of the Quran's discussion of humanity, gender, intercultural, and inter-religious relations. A literal and holistic reading focuses on the literal meanings of the Arabic text read within the context of the Quran as an entire book, applying the time-honored interpretive principles of tafsir al-quran bil-quran (explaining the Quran with the Quran) and al-asl fil-kalam al-haqiqa (the fundamental principle of speech is literalness), in light of current global concerns. Such a reading repudiates extremism and intolerance and demonstrates that the Quran calls for inter-religious and intercultural understanding and cooperation in striving to achieve social justice for humanity.