Cultural Analysis of the Concepts of Moderation, Tolerance, and Social Peace in Central Texts across Arab, Western, and Chinese Cultures

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a comparative cultural analysis of the concepts of moderation, tolerance, and societal peace as reflected in central religious and philosophical texts in three major cultures: Arab, Western (English and French), and Chinese. The study relied on a comparative analytical approach, where qualitative analysis was used. The results of the study showed that the Arab culture is based on a religious reference that integrates the ethical and legislative dimensions and appears in the texts of the Holy Quran and Sunnah in direct formulas that urge moderation, tolerance, and internal and societal peace. In Western culture, these concepts are reflected in Christian religious texts such as the Gospel of Matthew, where they are seen as values that urge social justice, individual freedom, and coexistence and are often associated with tolerance and peace. In Chinese culture, Confucian texts reveal a strong presence of these values, but within a collective and balanced ethical framework, expressed through concepts such as “the way”, ‘harmony’ and “balance of power”, which represent the core of personal and social ethics in the Chinese context. The study showed that the symbolic language, philosophical interpretations, and intellectual references vary according to the cultural context, but they intersect at common humanitarian goals, such as social stabilization, conflict reduction, and the promotion of coexistence. These results confirm that a comparative analysis of these concepts contributes to deepening mutual understanding among peoples and cultures, deconstructing stereotypes, and building knowledge bases for global civilizational dialogue.