TRUTH CLAIM, RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY AND HARMONY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY OF QS. AL- MĀ’IDAH 5 VERSE 48

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between truth claims, religious diversity, and social harmony through an interdisciplinary study of QS. Al- Mā’idah 5: 48. Truth claims constitute an important part of religious identity and belief, however, in pluralistic societies, that may develop into exclusivist attitudes when not accompanied by an awareness of diversity. This study aims to analyze how QS. Al- Mā’idah: 48 provides a Qur’anic framework for understanding and managing truth claims within religious diversity. The study employs a qualitative method using a thematic Qur’anic interpretation approach combined with a socio psychological perspective. The analysis focuses on the concepts of sharī῾ah, minhāj, religious diversity, and the principle of fastabiqul khairāt in the verse. The findings indicate that QS. Al- Mā’idah: 48 recognizes the existence of diverse paths and forms of religious practice among human communities while directing such differences toward a constructive orientation through competition in goodness. Thus, the Qur’an does not require the elimination of religious truth claims; rather, it encourages their expression within an ethical framework so that they do not develop into exclusivism that undermines social coexistence. The reconstruction of truth claims proposed in this study places religious convictions within an ethical framework that allows faith commitments to remain intact while simultaneously promoting respect for diversity and the cultivation of social harmony.