Persian Sufi and poet Muhammad Jalal al-Din Balkhi, 1207—73 (also known as Rumi) presents one of the most extensive and vigorous Islamic theories of toleration.1 This article examines Rumi’s theory by placing it in its historical context, and examining its various arguments. It suggests that toleration, not only as a policy but also as a language, preceded liberalism. It also provides evidence that Rumi’s defense is by far more inclusive than most early modern theories of toleration.
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