INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE

This verse of the Quran tells us that no one is an enemy. Everyone is potentially a friend. This is so because everyone is born with the same nature. From this Quranic principle, we learn that the beginning of any dialogue should not be marked by any sign of frustration about the possible outcome. The right approach is to display a hopeful attitude and at the very outset to, suppress any tone which would suggest low expectations of success. In this regard, another verse of the Quran is as follows: “Say: “O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you that we worship none but God.” (3: 64) We learn from this verse the subject of discussion, when a conversation is being held between two parties. That is, the beginning of a dialogue should not be started with a controversy. Instead, a common ground should be sought on which the discussion should begin. The sequence of the discussion, therefore, should be from agreement to difference of opinion and then back to agreement. In Islam, the formula for social peace, social harmony and inter-faith dialogue is based on peaceful co-existence as has been given in the following verse of the Quran: “You have your religion and I have mine.” (109: 6) In other words, the principle of dialogue given by Islam is, 'Follow one and respect all', or the method of ‘mutual respect’. As per the teachings of Islam, while respecting others, we have to welcome differences wholeheartedly without any reservation. It is hatred, which has to be eliminated, and not difference of opinion. People may have their differences in belief, religion, culture, etc., but while following their religion, they have to have mutual respect for others and discover a common bond between them, which shows them all to be human beings. When dialogue takes place between two parties on a controversial subject, it is essential that an amicable atmosphere be maintained. If media belonging to both the parties set about arousing animosity, and people on both sides are engaged in spreading antagonistic feelings, an unfavourable atmosphere will be created that will make no fruitful dialogue possible. It is a fact that the result of dialogue is not solely dependent upon the atmosphere of the immediate surroundings, but depends rather upon the external environment.