THE WORD OF GOD

If the purpose of dialogue is mutual learning about each other’s religions, please explain what benefit learning about other religions can be for Muslims? In terms of theory, truth is one. But, in terms of experience, there is difference. Every person is living in different conditions, so he goes through different experiences. It will be extremely useful for people of various religions to share their experiences with each other. This will help increase one’s knowledge, and through learning from others one may be able to get ideas for better planning in various matters. If one has found the truth with the capital T, his sharing will consist in the field of experiences. And, if one is yet to reach the final goal in terms of the truth, his dialogue with others will also include learning to complete his search for the truth. Do you think it is permissible, according to Islam, for Muslims to learn about and appreciate and praise good things in other religions? Yes, learning is a continuous process. Learning has no limits. Even if you have found out the truth with the capital T, you can learn from others without losing your conviction. About myself I can say that although I am convinced that I have found the truth with the capital T, but when I listen to others’ point of view, I do so with an objective mind. This nature of mine has been greatly beneficial for me. Some Muslims see other religions as wholly deviant, ignoring or being blind to the good things that many of these religions contain. Do you think this is a proper Islamic approach? No, this is a communal approach, and not an Islamic approach. The communal approach makes one a fanatic, while the Islamic approach makes one curious about and sympathetic towards everyone, and encourages them to learn the good things from others. The Prophet has said "Wisdom is the lost property of the believer, seek it from wherever you find it. Some Muslims might feel that appreciating good things in other religions may weaken their faith in Islam. What do you feel? This kind of thinking is absolutely incorrect. Only ignorant people can speak in this manner. Islam gives you conviction. At the same time, Islam gives you what is called in the Hadith, “samaha”, that is, kindness. Islam insists on human-friendly behaviour. It does not instill any fear into its adherents that they will lose their identity by cooperating and interacting with people who hold divergent views. In fact, Islam encourages the intellectual exchange for greater learning and wisdom.