The Relationship Between Mutual Respect and Dialogue

ADDRESSING MINDS THROUGH DIALOGUE his period in Madinah, he lived among people of different religions. The Prophet devised a Constitution for these people, known in history as Mīthāq al-Madina or Ṣaḥīfat al-Madīnah, also referred to as the Madinah Charter. This Charter expressly mentioned that issues concerning the different groups in Madinah would be decided based on their religious traditions—those of Muslims according to their Islamic traditions and those of the others according to their respective traditions. This sunnah or practice of the Prophet for a plural society carries the same moral authority as other practices of his. This principle can be given in the following words: “Follow one and respect all humans,” which means that while believing in one particular religion, a person can also respect others. It is human nature to want to share anything good that one has discovered with others. When he realises what he regards as true and good, a person’s innate humanity inspires him to share it with others. In inter-religious dialogue, people who believe in different religions share what they believe and practice and why they believe and practice. This can help them deepen their faith and enable them to develop a better appreciation for the beliefs and ways of life of others. ADDRESSING MINDS THROUGH DIALOGUE Abraham was a Prophet of God. He brought the message of Tawheed (the oneness of God) to King Nimrod of Babylonia.