Muslims' Participation in Interfaith Dialogue: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Existentially, human beings are willingly moving toward world in which every religious tradition has contribute positively in mutual understanding, coexistence, and the well-being of others. Wilfred Cantwell Smith (1) said that to be a Christian in the modern world, or a Jew or an agnostic, is be so in a society in which other men, intelligent, devout, and righteous, are Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus. (2) In such a circumstance, the need for between people of different convictions is obvious. The prudence and enlightened expediency, occasioned by the shrinkage of world, demands that human beings should strive for better mutual understanding with their neighbors through dialogue. In this way, a culture of appreciation of others' loyalties, ideals, and values can also be developed. Muslims are waking up the necessity of continuing with adherents of other convictions and persuasions. In so doing, they are not only responding an important need of the hour, but they are also engaging in a task that seems be manifestly in keeping with the spirit of their religious traditions. However, there are challenges in their active participation and contribution the movement of dialogue. The question that this essay hopes address is whether there are resources within the Islamic traditions that can help transform those obstacles into opportunities. I begin with a brief description of from an Islamic perspective. Following this overview, I shall move into the sources explore the legitimacy and importance of interfaith within al-Qur'an, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, (3) and interpretations of both classical and contemporary scholars. Based on this, the final sections will engage the tradition search for solutions overcome the obstacles successful interfaith dialogue. The conclusion will suggest possible strategies for bringing Muslims more fully into interfaith dialogue. I. Basic Concepts of Interfaith Dialogue A. Definition of Dialogue The term dialogue has many meanings and uses, depending upon the context and the disciplinary perspective. We might mean it literally, religiously, philosophically, anthropologically, etc. The term is derived from the Greek verb dialegomai, which refers an action through which we can reach the logos (the idea) in philosophical terms. According Socrates, dialegomai' takes the form of question and answer, which is carry a directly toward reaching a decision or settlement. (4) The English verb to confer is very close this meaning in its basic use such as to give, to meet, to exchange views, or to negotiate. According Plato and Aristotle, the meaning remains generally the same, with the emphasis on treating something or conferring. For Philo, meant conversation or speech. (5) In a religious context, this term implies the idea of about the reality of divine truth. It is in this sense of the word reasoning that the verb is used in Acts 17:2, wherein Paul is said reason with the Jews from the scriptures for three Sabbaths. The same meaning of dialegomai, is implied in Acts 17:17; 18:4, 19; and 24:12. The following text of Acts better characterizes this usage: he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the market place daily with those who happened be there. (6) Vjekoslav Bajsic, (7) while drawing attention toward the anthropological dimension of this term, wrote in 1972 that has the power of forming togetherness... By attributing importance the partner from the beginning, I change my problems and [the other's] problems into problems. Certain interests reveal themselves as our interests while community is being created through common action. Therefore one may define as a of man with man about the essential matters. …

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