Coexistence: Concept and Importance

The concept of coexistence has evolved along with humanity throughout the ages. Humans went from hiding in caves and isolating themselves to maintain security; to common life in groups. Intellectual similarity and adherence to specific customs and traditions including dress characterized these groups. Therefore, different human societies emerged, and diverse intellectual perspectives were shaped by the experience of each group.

Certainly, a human being living in the forests will not be like a human being living in the icy mountains. Nor will their lifestyles, dress, food, and communication traditions.

There were often clashes between human societies when they met and one tried to take control of the other. Until the concept of humanity evolved, and the concept of coexistence between human societies emerged.

Thus, Human societies that differ religiously, doctrinally, ethnically, and politically never took coexistence as an intellectual luxury. Rather, it has always been and will remain a fundamental pillar in building understanding. Also a dialogue between human societies despite their differences, for the advancement and preservation of humanity.

In this article, we will answer the following questions: What is the concept of coexistence? What is its importance? What are its types and forms? How did civil wars prove that coexistence is the way to survive?

The Concept of Coexistence

Every human being or human group has characteristics and qualities that make it unique and different from its society. Which creates diversity among individuals within their societies and also among societies themselves. This is a natural and healthy condition; it is unnatural for human components to be uniform in one way of thinking or belonging.

To make these differences positive, we had to manage them through the concept of coexistence.

The concept can be defined linguistically as: “Living in love and harmony, or coexistence of people if they are present in the same place and time.” Coexistence is also a society with multiple sects living in peace and harmony despite differences in religions, races, or languages. Peaceful coexistence means an environment in which understanding prevails among different groups of society. This is done without resorting to the use of force.¹

Coexistence is derived from the word (interaction) which indicates the existence of an interrelationship between the coexisting parties.¹

The concept can be defined technically as: “The gathering of a group of people in one place, where they are connected by means of subsistence such as food, drink, and the essentials of life. Regardless of religion or other affiliations, they know their rights and duties without integration or complete fusion.”¹

Therefore, coexistence requires every human being to respect the differences of others (individuals and groups). Even if they contradict his principles and ideas directly.

The Importance of Coexistence

The concept is essential in building societies that are characterized by ethnic, religious, sectarian, economic, and political diversity. As it has many benefits in establishing the pillars of stability and security. In addition to enhancing common interests among the components.

There is no majority that oppresses a minority. But rather a coexistence that involves all kinds of cooperation and mutual respect, on the principle of “no winner and no loser in the homeland”. That is considered the property of all. Different individuals strive to uphold the common interest and consolidate the foundations of their social security by living together to ensure a better future.

Coexistence also enriches societies with new types of thought as a result of the blending of cultures. Which develops humanity and produces new societies.

The Types

There are many types of coexistence that can be classified as follows:

First: Religious coexistence; its manifestations are:

Practicing religious rituals openly and freely without fear anywhere.
Respecting the different beliefs and their people.
Having freedom of religion and choice of religion, sect, or doctrine.
Ensuring equality among all residents regardless of their religious affiliation.

Second: Ethnic (social) coexistence; its manifestations are:

Protecting minorities and integrating them into all public functions and institutions.
Equality of treatment and application of the law to all members of society.
The adoption of the largest possible number of languages used in society in official transactions in the state, and in the educational curriculum.

Third: Cultural coexistence; its manifestations are:

Integrating cultural diversity into educational curricula.
Developing Intercultural competencies that lead to constructive dialogue.
Enhancing the informal role of diverse intellectual cultural centers.
Expanding the translation movement that broadens the world’s understanding.
Freedom of expression of opinion and thought.³

The Forms

As for the forms of coexistence, we should mention the following:

First: “Temporary coexistence”:
In such cases as displacement and asylum, a person is temporarily forced to coexist with a specific group that differs from them in thought and belief.
Second: “Forced coexistence”:
In such situations, a person is obliged to endure until they are accepted into the new group they wish to belong to. And this process requires a great effort.
Third: “Citizenship coexistence”:
Every citizen of any state must be fully committed to dealing well with others and accepting their differences.
Fourth: “Preferred coexistence”:
It is by the choice and free will of the person. Based on his desire to belong to a group that he agrees with or finds some benefit in being with.

How did civil wars prove that coexistence is the way to survive?

Civil wars usually occur as a result of external and internal factors. Which play a destructive and inciting role in pitting a country’s population groups against each other.

The culture of coexistence between human components in that country is absent. Sectarian and doctrinal strife and non-acceptance of the other prevail over understanding and peaceful coexistence. The result is catastrophic for all because it destroys a whole generation. And reinforces the concept of violence and imposing control instead of dialogue to build society.

Ancient and modern history witnessed painful examples of civil wars. Such as the civil war in “Rwanda”. They were able to emerge by prevailing in the concept of coexistence between the warring ethnic groups in the post-war phase.

Rwanda does not have giant oilfields, nor huge mines for precious metals. However, it suffered a tribal conflict, which killed tens of thousands of people, and generated hostility among the people.

Nevertheless, over the last 20 years, the small country has been able to achieve great economic achievements. It was built on the basis of a governmental vision to overcome the Civil War spillover, create a climate of coexistence, and achieve development and prosperity for the people.²

Finally, for a successful family, dialogue and understanding must be the foundation of dealing with its members. For sure there are differences within the same family; between the spouses and the children, but respect for difference strengthens the family as a whole and works to build the personalities of its members. It also helps each of them to express their unique personality and develop it and support their family. What if a society is based on this equation? We have to start with the first brick in society in order to develop and advance the concept of coexistence.

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