Khalil, Emad al-Din. “Unity and Diversity in Muslim History,” Year 2, Issue 5 (Summer 1416 AH/ 1996 CE), Pp. 59-95.

Abstract

Emad al-Din Khalil surveys the controversy of unity and diversity in the Muslim historical experience on the intellectual, cultural, social, and political levels and in relation to Islam's values and reference frameworks. He discusses the concept of pluralism, and the relationship between the Islamic worldview and history in regard to pluralism. He explains the concepts of unity and diversity throughout the course of Muslim history, and how these reflect in the vernacular used for the Islamic conception of life and the universe. He further addresses the factors leading to the emergence of mini-states and regional entities. He also presents the position of Muslims towards the other (i.e., dhimmis or ahl al-dhimmah) and between the Arab and non-Arab, including the foundations and doctrines of their relationship. His article concludes with an examination of the decline of the role of authority or institution in determining the course of epistemological activity of Muslim intellectuals and scholars.