Religious Coexistence in Islam: A Case Study of the Baha'i Community in Kuwait

Religion has long been at the center of our existence and has proven to be an ardent force for as long as humans have lived and were able to record history. Given today's highly globalized and integrated world, religious coexistence is thus a cornerstone for the advancement of any given society. This study explores the contributions of the approaches prescribed in Islam to religious coexistence while also drawing upon the Baha’i Faith which is similar in its teachings to Islam. One of the main principles of The Baha'i Faith is the concept of religious coexistence. This study focuses on the understanding of religious coexistence in Kuwait, which is a hub for diverse religious backgrounds and ethnicities. With Islam being Kuwait's state religion and with the Baha'is of Kuwait having experienced significant cultural, social and legal progress in favor of their religious community in the few of years, this dynamic implores their study through the lens of religious coexistence. Yet, Kuwait still has the potential to further build upon achieving a religiously harmonious society.