Islamic Pluralism and Küng’s Global Ethical Discourse: Toward a “Global-Maqāṣid” Centered Paradigm

Abstract

This study proposes an integrated framework of religious pluralism, termed as “Global-Maqāṣid Ethic,” that aims to bridge Islamic theological principles in line with Hans Küng’s vision of a Global Ethical discourse. Grounded in comprehensive literature and empirical trends, this study first reviews classical Islamic views on pluralism (e.g. the Medina Charter and jurisprudence on ahl al-kitāb) alongside contemporary Muslim scholars, namely Muhammad Abduh, Fazlur Rahman, and Tariq Ramadan’s vision of pluralism that is reinterpreted in light of modern norms. Additionally, the study builds on faith and its interconnectedness with perspective and interpretations, to which Kung considers a ‘reformation formula’. In parallel, the study develops the concept of interfaith ethical frameworks within Western thought, focusing on John Hick’s pluralistic theology and Küng’s “Declaration toward a Global Ethical discourse.” The study also adopts a comparative textual hermeneutics—examining Qurʾānic verses, Prophetic practices, and Küng’s writings by field analyses of pluralism models across diverse regions. The current findings revealed substantial convergence between Islamic maqāṣid al-sharīʿa (higher objectives of law) and Küng’s universal moral commitments, particularly regarding non-violence, justice, truthfulness, and human dignity. The proposed ‘Global-Maqāṣid’ presents a comprehensive, contextually attuned paradigm for pluralism that is both authentically rooted in Islamic ethics and globally resonant, maintaining an ethical discourse. By harmonising spiritual principles with empirical realities, this framework aims to inform policy, educational initiatives, and interfaith dialogue in pursuit of sustainable coexistence built on shared ethical ground.