ISLAM, LIBERTY AND PLURALISM
Religiosity, liberty and plurality are important values in human life. The relationship between them is the subject of many discussions and debates. Freedom is the most important value in human life. In this paper, we will approach their relationship from the perspective of freedom and attempt to present a theological-philosophical account, which considers liberty as the chief value.
The relationship between religiosity, liberty and plurality is particularly important for Muslims, because this issue is theoretically and practically important to them. The present and future of Muslim world largely depends on how Muslims see the nature of this relationship. Are Muslims going to develop a new perspective, which values liberty and pluralism as the highest values or are they going to limit themselves with the fixed theological formulations? Are they going to condemn liberty and plurality in the name of religion? How can they approach individual-society-state relations in the light of liberty and plurality? We need to deal with these questions deeply and seriously. We must avoid to create clashing camps in the name of religion or in the name of liberty. Instead wasting our energies with futile discussions and conflicts, we must search new ways, which could open new possibilities for us to live together in peace, diversity and liberty.