ABSTRACT
This research introduces its readers to on-the-ground realities related to religious literacy and pluralism as the backbone of peace and stability in any society. It takes into account sensitive issues like the curricula of both public/private sector schools and universities and madaris (religious seminaries), donations to mosques and funding of madaris through unknown sources, and certain Islamic laws that some view as responsible for increasing intolerance and the rejection of pluralism in Pakistani society. These issues have a grave bearing not only on religious minorities but also on Muslims having secular views. The chapter discusses religious literacy and religious education as means to ease the present challenges connected to religion. The chapter argues that divisiveness in Pakistani society is due to its drift from the tolerance and pluralism proposed in its founding vision and desire for a country where all citizens have equal rights. The chapter recommends religious literacy as a means to help government officials, academics, and religious and secular scholars correct this drift by designing state policies and social approaches that enable all to enjoy equal rights irrespective of their caste, color, or creed.
