Interfaith Dialogue in Islam

Every Muslim sect considers itself to be right. How can a simple Muslim differentiate between sects and understand them? T hinking that a sect is right is not an issue. The problem arises is when people tend to adopt extremism and think that they shall get into Paradise and the rest would be cast into Hell. Till the time a person becomes an extremist, all sects are acceptable in society. What is the best way of doing dawah work (conveying God’s word to people)? T he best way is to become a well-wisher for mankind. This should be the motto of a dayee, or a person who engages in dawah. He should be positive to the last extent, not get offended and be empty of negative thoughts for others. I once met an ultra modern person who had studied philosophy and history. He said during conversation, “If Muhammad is removed from history, what shall be lost from history?” Apparently, it was a provocative statement but I did not get provoked. I kept thinking and increased my study. After this study, I published the book, Islam: The Creator of Modern Age. The book was a result of the thinking that developed in me due to the comment made by the above person. Dawah work should be done purely on the basis of the Quran and Hadith and not on the basis of communal or national sentiment. How can people start to learn about Islam? I slam is that which you have discovered on your own. Islam is the name of marefat or selfdiscovery of truth. One must discover the creation plan of God and the laws of nature. If one only follows Islam because others have told him to do so and has not questioned or discovered it himself, then his conviction would not be of the highest quality. Do we need to preserve our Islamic identity? Identity is nothing in Islam. Islam is the name of the Quran, Sunnah and worship of God – buildings, costume and culture are different in different countries. Those who think that to