Religious Coexistence: Emir Abdelkader As A Model

Abstract

Coexistence or communal living is an existential and civil necessity rooted in a natural instinct shared by all humans. The inclination to live with others is an existential truth imposed by nature, not derived from civil or political considerations. Living without the other is not human nature. As the ancient philosophers said: “if you want to live alone, you must be either a God or an animal.” Hence, coexistence should not be merely theoretical or a topic for discussion, but rather a real, existential fact. Thus, translating it into action on the ground is an expression of humanness, while abandoning it is a clear sign of one’s absence from the ranks of humanity. In this research paper, we will highlight a human experience recorded in history, an example of Emir Abdelkader EL-Husseini’s embodiment and representation of humanity as presented by the authentic Islamic doctrine, not the version of Islam manufactured in laboratories. One of the most remarkable experiences known to humanity was Emir Abdelkader of Algeria’s defence of Christians in 1860 against attacks by the Druze. Algerians valiantly defended their Christian brothers based on the principle that they were Ahl EL Kitab (people of the book), offering them material, moral, and security support. Yet many thinkers attempt to interpret this heroic act as a mere desire for power and prestige. In this paper, we aim to celebrate a practical experience of coexistence, not just rhetorical flourishes and empty declarations like those we often see today, filled with speechless and condemnations, while in practice, all we do is shed tears.