Interfaith Dialogue in Islam

M uslims should be able to revive the Islamic spirit by reading the Quran in a language they would understand. I was once travelling with a Muslim who used to carry a pocket Arabic Quran and used to keep reading it as and when he got time. He told me that he had been doing this for fourteen years. I asked him what he thought was the gist of the Quran. He said that he read the Quran for receiving reward and not to derive meaning by studying it. This is generally the case of those who read or recite the Quran. To tell Muslims that they must read the Quran so that they understand its meaning would inculcate the spirit of Islam in them. How to keep our belief alive at all times? T he concept of iman, or faith, that people generally have is wrong. They think that the mere recitation of the kalimah (Islamic creed) gives a person iman. This is a wrong concept. Iman is another name for discovery of the truth. When you observe and study the universe, reflect on the creation and ponder over the phenomena of nature, you are led to the discovery of the Creator. This realization is really faith. This is such a significant event that it transforms your entire personality. Imagine if you are able to observe the solar system from space! This would be a very compelling scene – so many planets are orbiting around the sun – in the middle there is the tiny earth where we have our tiny houses. This will be a mind-boggling thought! Iman, or faith, is another name of discovery of the Creator and His creations. When this happens, the personality of such a person will be completely transformed. His belief will remain alive at all times as he has discovered it himself. Dissent quickly leads to violence and terrorism. Is dissent advantageous in religion? T he biggest shortcoming of present Muslims is that they have lost tolerance. They do not know how to engage in a peaceful discussion on any issue. Muslims only know how to debate, if any issue emerges. Issues of difference should make way for peaceful discussion. How should we strive to understand the undeclared meaning of the verses of the Quran? T he Quran has its own style. The Quran is not narration of history nor is it a novel. The truth is that the Quran is a book of wisdom. In the language of wisdom, some things are between the lines or undeclared. Thus you have to reflect to understand the message that lies between the