Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Quran and the Bible

Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Quran and the Bible

Comparative Analysis of the Concept and Function of Tolerance in the Qur’an and the Bible

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Hadi Zeini Malekabad
Assistant Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith, Faculty of Theology, Sistan and Baluchistan University, Zahedan, IRAN.
10.22034/qb.2026.2076174.1057
Abstract
Tolerance and forbearance are foundational concepts that play a decisive role in interpersonal, social, and international relations. In light of the rise of religious extremism, sectarian violence ,and the spread of exclusivist discourses, re-examining the authentic teachings of religions on tolerance has gained renewed importance. Adopting a comparative approach, this article examines the concept, theoretical foundations, historical manifestations, and practical functions of tolerance in the two great monotheistic religions of Islam and Christianity. The research aims to answer the following questions: ‘What is the status of tolerance in these two religions? On what foundations does it rest?’ And ‘What similarities and differences exist in how it is understood and implemented?’ The methodology is descriptive-analytical, based on content analysis of sacred texts (the Qur’an and the New Testament), authoritative commentaries (Islamic exegesis and Church tradition), and contemporary studies in comparative theology. The findings indicate that in both religions, tolerance is not merely an ethical recommendation but a concept grounded in theological and anthropological principles. In Islam, tolerance is rooted in justice and the sanctity of human free will, reflected in verses such as "There is no compulsion in religion" and in the Prophetic Sunnah. In Christianity, this principle is based on the doctrine of divine love and the universality of grace, especially in the words of Jesus concerning love for one’s enemies. Nonetheless, when comparing doctrine with historical and social practice, differences emerge that are attributable to the cultural context, legal structures, and social aims of each religion. The conclusion is that despite divergences in detail, the principle of tolerance has the potential to serve as a shared religious value, providing a basis for interfaith engagement, reducing conflicts, and fostering a culture of peace.
Keywords
Tolerance, Islam, Christianity, Qur&‌‌‌rsquo
an, Gospel, Interfaith Dialogue, Comparative Theology
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