Interfaith Dialogue in Islam

One has to study oneself to know which interpretation is correct. There will never be compulsion in this matter – that is, never will it become absolutely clear as to which interpretation is right and which is wrong. One will have to do deep study to understand this. Only in physical sciences are there no such differences, but there will be differences in social sciences or humanities. In physical sciences, mathematics provides certainty. But in the field of humanities, there would always be subjectivity. Should religious figures give public or political comment? N o, they should not. Politics is not the subject of religious figures. Religious figures have a different domain of expertise, and so they should comment only on what they have knowledge of. According to you, in the present situation what is the most important fatwa or comment that should be made by the ulema? I think they should unanimously say that violence, in every form, perpetrated by Muslims should immediately be put to an end. If some verses of the Quran were for only a specific time or age, how can the Quran be meant for every generation? T he teachings of the Quran and every other book have to be re-applied according to changing situations. This is applicable to every book and constitution. In the matter of belief, there will be no change. However, in the matter of application there can be temporary modifications. What is the Islamic way – debate or peaceful dialogue? T he way of Islam is peaceful dawah or dialogue, not debate. A believer should never engage in a debate. Islam does not make you a debater, but rather a dayee, that is one who peacefully conveys the message of Islam to others. Can women travel without mahram?