Social Cohesion in the Views of Islam and Buddhism: A Textual Analysis
Abstract
Social Cohesion is a subject that is to be considered as a contemporary pluralistic society and in the context of globalization. So, the main objective of this article is to analyze the concept of social cohesion from the religious scop of Islam and Buddhism. This study contributes to objectively clarifying the similarities between the two paths and explaining their phenomenological parallels and structural affinities. Within this context, the paper focuses on exploring the views of Islam and Buddhism towards social cohesion to use as textual evidence for resolving religious conflicts and ethnic unrest in places where Muslims and Buddhists live together. To achieve this end, the research comparatively examines the dynamics of social cohesion as described in Islam and Buddhism with the concern of the inner dimension and outer dimension of the subject matter. This research applies qualitative methodology, in which the researchers use data that includes textual analysis on written materials such as books, articles, and internet sources. The findings reveal that both religions share a similar scope of social cohesion which contains theoretically accepting diversity, and loving compassion with others practically. Both religions prioritize human dignity as the main standard in social cohesion. This study guides to eliminate misunderstandings about religions: Islam, and Buddhism and to succeed in a process of reconciliation and for peaceful engagement among the diverse religious groups.
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