Principles and Practices of Religious Tolerance According to Islam In The Malaysian Context: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/umran2025.12n3.821Keywords:
Islamic Tolerance, Malaysia, Islamic Tolerance Ecological ModelAbstract
Religious tolerance in Islam is a vital foundation for sustaining social harmony in Malaysia’s multireligious context. However, its implementation faces persistent challenges, including the rise of religious conservatism, conceptual misunderstandings between Tasamuh and secular pluralism and the growing influence of polarised narratives on digital media. This study aims to (1) identify the core theological principles of Islamic religious tolerance in the Malaysian context and (2) analyse how these principles are operationalised through education, public policy and everyday social practices. Adopting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, this study synthesises findings from 45 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025 using thematic synthesis and critical interpretive synthesis. The findings reveal that values such as Wasatiyyah, Maqasid al-Syariah, Tasamuh and Rahmatan lil ‘Alamin serve as the normative foundations for fostering tolerance but remain constrained by gaps between theological ideals and lived realities. Four main thematic dimensions were identified: (1) normative theological principles, (2) institutional policies and frameworks, (3) forms of social practice and (4) implementation challenges. Based on these findings, the study proposes the Ecological Model of Islamic Tolerance in Malaysia (2000–2025) as a conceptual framework that integrates theological foundations, institutional mechanisms and social realities. Practically, it suggests adopting systemic approaches through value-based education, inclusive policymaking and digital media regulation to strengthen Malaysia’s multireligious social ecosystem.
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