Exploring the Interface Between Shakespeare and Islam on the Discourse of Justice, Race, Vengeance, and Morality

This study examines the interface between Islam and William Shakespeare on the discourse of justice, vengeance, and morality using Shakespeare’s tragedies—Othello, King Lear, and Titus Andronicus— as case study and postcolonial theory is being used as a framework. By analyzing themes of justice, vengeance, morality and race, the study reveals how Shakespeare portrays characters often designated as "the other," particularly Moors, against the backdrop of colonial anxieties and moral dilemmas. This investigation highlights the connections between Shakespearean narratives and Islamic ethical principles, challenging the conventional interpretations that predominantly reflect Eurocentric biases. Through a careful examination of key moral conflicts within the selected plays, the research posits that Shakespeare’s works can either affirm or contradict fundamental Islamic values, such as justice and mercy. Notably, the study uncovers how the author’s engagement with Islamic ideals offers a counter-narrative to the reductive stereotypes often associated with non-Christian characters. The findings emphasize the need for a more inclusive literary discourse that goes beyond traditional frameworks of Shakespearean analysis, positing that a cross-cultural and religious dialogue can enrich our understanding of the Shakespearean legacy. This research ultimately calls for a re-evaluation of Shakespeare’s literary legacy by integrating Islamic ethical frameworks into the discourse surrounding his work. By illuminating the moral contrasts and affirming the need for cross-cultural dialogues, the study contributes significantly to Shakespearean scholarship and highlight the value of inclusive literary analyses that challenge the dominant narratives of morality in Western literature.