Are Saudi Graduate Students Tolerant of Non-Muslims?

Abstract

The current study sought to reveal the level of tolerance towards non-Muslims among graduate students in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this goal, the dimensions of tolerance were determined; which are cultural tolerance, religious tolerance, and political tolerance; and a scale was built to measure them. The study used a descriptive analytical method obtaining data from (40) male and female students who were randomly selected from among the students at the College of Education at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University. The results showed that the level of tolerance is average. This may well reflect the dilemma of not spreading and deepening the idea of tolerance among university students. Also, the findings demonstrated that there are no differences between the students due to the variables (gender - academic major) in the level of tolerance. The study recommends the need to enhance the dimensions of tolerance among students and to include them in the preparation programs, to pay attention to activities that help to enhance the dimensions of tolerance, and to spread a culture of tolerance.