An Experiential & Informal Pedagogy for Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy: Lessons from South Africa for a Troubled Muslim World

Abstract

In an age where hyperconnectivity and misunderstanding coexist, thus begetting multiple crises, the need for a language bridging difference is palpable. Cross-cultural religious literacy (CCRL) has proof of concept in apartheid South Africa where, from danger, a multi-faith praxis navigated the anti-apartheid struggle and infused post-apartheid society with inclusion and dignity. In a Muslim world beset by its own demons—from within and without—can the equivalent emerge to rediscover Islam’s soft power? It will start necessarily as an informal and experiential pedagogy in a global cauldron requiring Muslims to be in covenantal pluralism—true to themselves, at peace with others.

Keywords:

• apartheid
• solidarity
• pedagogy
• Islamophobia
• extremism
• covenantal pluralism

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ebrahim Rasool

Ebrahim Rasool is a former Ambassador of South Africa to the USA, former Premier of the Western Cape Province in South Africa, and is the founder of the World for All Foundation and chairs the Development Bank of Southern Africa. He is a veteran of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle being a founder of The Call of Islam, a leader of both the UDF and ANC, and Coordinator of the Inter-Faith Movement.