Oman’s diversity as a model of tolerance and unity

Faisal bin Said Al Alawi

Muscat, Nov 27

Oman serves as an inspiring example of how cultural diversity can foster harmony, tolerance and unity. Over centuries, Oman has cultivated an inclusive society that thrives on its rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and beliefs. This feature delves into the insights of Omani thinkers and researchers who reflect on the roots, significance and impact of Oman’s cultural diversity on national identity and unity.

Diversity cornerstone

Researcher and writer Badr al Abri highlights that cultural diversity is not only natural but a defining feature of Oman. Oman, with its diverse terrain, is the foundation for its rich cultural fabric.

Moreover, Oman’s maritime location enabled it to become a hub for global interaction, fostering exchanges with civilisations like Mesopotamia, Persia, East Asia, and parts of Africa. These exchanges were reciprocal — just as Omanis migrated abroad and integrated into foreign cultures, communities from those regions settled in Oman, enriching its cultural landscape.

Oman’s linguistic landscape, for instance, is a striking example of its pluralism. Alongside Arabic, other languages such as Kumzari, Shahri, Mahri and Balochi are widely spoken, each adding to the cultural richness. Even within Arabic, the diverse dialects reflect unique phonetic characteristics and regional variations, showcasing the depth of the country’s linguistic heritage.

Pluralistic traditions

Al Abri emphasises that Oman’s cultural diversity is also reflected in the country’s customs, traditions and celebrations. Weddings, religious holidays and traditional events such as voyages and harvest seasons are celebrated with practices unique to various regions.

At the same time, Al Abri stresses that Oman’s historical openness to migration and trade also fostered religious and sectarian diversity. The influx of ideas and beliefs from across the world has shaped Oman’s current social fabric, making it a space where multiple religious and cultural traditions coexist peacefully.

Historical legacy

Oman’s long history has played a vital role in shaping its cultural identity. Al Abri points out that Oman’s architectural and archaeological heritage, from its iconic forts and aflaj to ancient manuscripts and traditional industries, reflects centuries of cultural evolution.

Al Abri also stresses that cultural diversity is not static. Some elements fade over time, while others merge and evolve, creating new identities. This dynamic process, he explains, is what makes cultural diversity so beautiful and enriching for society.

Tolerance: A Legacy and Responsibility

Al Habib bin Salem al Mashhour describes cultural diversity as a profound national treasure. He sees it as a blessing that has been handed down through generations and has shaped Oman’s reputation for tolerance and coexistence. According to Al Mashhour, this cultural legacy has matured the collective consciousness of Omanis, helping them resist the negative influences of extremism and fanaticism.

However, Al Mashhour warns that modern challenges, such as the spread of sectarianism through social media, pose a threat to this legacy. To counter these challenges, he calls for a multipronged approach that includes using media to promote tolerance, revising educational curricula to address misconceptions.

Values foundation of tolerance

Researcher Ahmed bin Mubarak al Nofli highlights the unique ability of Omani society to balance diversity with unity. While acknowledging that Oman is not immune to human conflicts, he emphasises that its strong cultural and religious values have consistently upheld tolerance and understanding.

Al Nofli traces Oman’s culture of tolerance back to pre-Islamic times, when various religious groups coexisted peacefully. This tradition continued into the Islamic era and remains a hallmark of Omani society today.

To preserve this heritage, Al Nofli advocates embedding the values of tolerance and coexistence into educational systems and broader societal frameworks.

Strengthening coexistence

Researcher and writer Mustafa bin Mohsen al Lawati sheds light on the importance of understanding the principles of tolerance and coexistence. These concepts, he explains, do not require individuals to abandon their beliefs but rather to accept and respect differences.

Al Lawati highlights Oman’s reputation as a model of coexistence, which he attributes to both the inherent kindness of its people and government policies that promote inclusivity.

Al Lawati also points out that Oman’s diverse religious and cultural makeup has fostered a culture of acceptance. This diversity has contributed to the development of a shared national identity where different beliefs coexist harmoniously.

Challenges and opportunities

While Oman’s experience in fostering tolerance and coexistence is commendable, Al Lawati acknowledges that there is still work to be done. He emphasises the need for continuous vigilance to address gaps in policies and practices. He warns that social media and other modern platforms could be exploited to sow discord, urging officials and scholars to take proactive measures to safeguard Oman’s unity.

The article was translated by Badr al Dhafari. The original version of this feature was published in Oman Arabic newspaper on November 18, 2024.