Christian-Muslim Endeavours for a Better Society

CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM ENDEAVOURS FOR A BETTER SOCIETY outnumber al l other people.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2898; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 18022) ‘Amr ibn al-‘As, a senior Companion of the Prophet, endorsed this, remarking, “The Christians have four characteristics. They are the most forbearing in times of adversity; they do not allow their spirits to be broken but promptly recover from every setback; they are the first to charge again after retreat; and they are the best of all in caring for the deprived, downtrodden, and the weak.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2898; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 18022) Amr then added that there was a fifth feature of the Christians, which is the best of all: that they restrain their kings from perpetrating injustice and oppression. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2898; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 18022) A major requirement for promoting Muslim-Christian relations today is to provide opportunities for adherents of both faiths, Islam and Christianity, to interact with each other repeatedly through interfaith dialogue. Christians and Muslims participating in interfaith dialogue must strive to highlight the positive moral values common to both religions. Avoiding theological differences, they must try to build a common platform based on the common moral ground between Christians and Muslims. It can pave the way for good relations between the two.