L. N. Tolstoy and Islam: Rethinking Muslims’ place in Russian cultural canon

This article distinguishes the main ways of thematization Islam in Russian intellectual culture: as a civilizational opponent, inferior to Christianity revealed religion, potential Christianity, and others. These opinions differ from Tolstoy’s he understood full-fledged tradition that has some religious truths common distorts them throughout course history its own way. The special relevance conception spiritual ethical nature religion for rethinking Muslims’ places “cultural canon” is noted. author observes particular internal similarities between philosophy make close. Both outright “Islamization” teachings attempts separate his ideas Islamic context are criticized. “cognation” central ideas, stemming contemplation Christian legacy, embedded may facilitate more successful “convergence” Muslim identity (“prototypically” Christian). In conclusion, justifies necessity appealing thought “non-Islamic” thinkers culture overcoming stereotypical images Muslims be effective.