Peaceful Interfaith Dialogue

with differences in other matters but, instead, have agreed to disagree. We should adopt this same practical formula in matters of religion as well. Here, too, we should stress unity despite differences. The fact is that there is only one way to deal with the issue of religious plurality positively, and that is: “Follow one and respect all human beings.” MUTUAL RESPECT FOR COEXISTENCE Islam, understood correctly, is a religion of peace and humanism. Not only Islam but all other religions are religions of peace. The Sufis, in contrast to the theological interpreters, have given the best interpretation of Islam. They have a Persian saying, sulh-e-kul, which means ‘peace with all.’ This truly expresses the spirit of Islam. Here, let me briefly describe some aspects of Islam’s early history. The Prophet of Islam was born in Makkah in 570 CE and received the first revelation in 610 CE when he was forty. It was with these revelations that Islam began. The Prophet started his mission in Makkah and continued there for thirteen years, then migrated to Madinah. Throughout these thirteen years in Makkah, the Prophet only engaged in peaceful activity. He used to tell people that God is One and that they should worship the One God alone. Islam began with a mission of peace. Moreover, its special concern was the Oneness of God. The Prophet then migrated to Madinah in 622 CE, where he continued his mission till his death in 632 CE. He successfully established the first Islamic society there.