In spite of its evident historical background in creating unity and calling to syncretism, religion has been viewed as an element of mutual hostility by the pluralistic movement. However, deliverance from hostility is regarded as feasible in the light of interfaith dialog and holding on to the social doctrines of religion.
Concerning the reality of religion’s call and pluralists’ claim, the question remains to be answered: Does the nature of religion demands hostility or unity?
The answer given by the Qur’an is that hostility is attributable to the behavior of religionists rather than to the nature of religion; for teachings of revealed religions are in harmony with man’s natural disposition and responsive to the demands of social life. This, in turn, demands identity in principles, which would pave the ground for concordance of the pious.
There are, of course, differences among religious laws that result from social and temporal differences and fluctuations in social conditions, which can not be regarded as permanent values. For this reason, each Prophet is viewed as a follower of his previous Prophet.
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