Interfaith Dialogue in Islam

The other aspect of Islam is where there is possibility of interpretation, for example, the Quran says about those who come to perform the pilgrimage in Makkah: Call mankind to the Pilgrimage. They will come to you, on foot, and on every kind of lean camel, by every distant track. (Quran 22:27) In earlier days, people used to tread on camels but after the development of aviation, people started using aeroplanes. This is a reinterpretation of the above Quranic verse, which is allowed. However, no one gets the permission to interpret arbitrarily – this will have to be preceded by deep study which only a scholar (alim) is qualified to do. A common man can interpret in nonbasic matters of religion or matters which do not constitute the core of religion. In matters which are fundamental to religion, we have to listen to the scholars. Muslims break idols and cite what had happened during the days of the Prophet – is this justified? N o, this is not at all justified. The demolishing of Bamyan statues and the propaganda to demolish the Pyramids are all examples of extremism. According to Islam, there is no one except God that you should worship but if someone else worships others, you cannot go about killing them or harming their deities. Haram (the Kabah, and Makkah and Madinah in the extended sense) is an exception and is a preserved sanctuary where any encroachment is prohibited. Thus no idols are kept in this area. But what is applicable to this area is not a general rule that can be applied elsewhere – the idols in the rest of the world do not have to be broken down. Mahmud Ghazanvi broke down the idols of the Somnath Temple, which according to me was an un-Islamic act. At the time of the caliph Umar, Muslim rule extended to Palestine and a written treaty was signed between Umar and the rulers of Palestine. One of the clauses of the treaty read: Christian churches will not be broken down. (Tarikh al-Tabari, vol. 3, p. 609) This injunction is permanent and applies to all religions. Is it Satan or us who are responsible for our sins? A ccording to religious belief in Islam, Satan has a role to play. A person’s mind has ego and desires. Each desire is an entry point for Satan wherefrom it enters. When Satan enters one’s mind, the Quran says: When any evil suggestion from Satan touches those who fear God, they are instantly alerted and become watchful. (Quran 7:201)