Guidelines for Interfaith Dialogue
In terms of Islamic understanding, interfaith dialogue is a
conversation between individuals or groups of different faith. The objective of
dialogue is to seek acceptance and understanding of any difference in opinion
and conviction, to learn and increase knowledge about each other. It is
important to remember that dialogue is not about elimination of differences
that exist, or seeking to defeat or silence others by seeking their weaknesses.
As narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari, The Prophet (saas) said: "Souls
are like recruited troops. Those who get to know one another will develop
mutual understanding, and those who are strangers to each other are more likely
to dispute."
- Be polite and gentle and avoid harshness
Prophet Muhammad (saas) was
well-known for his politeness as Allah (SWT) praised his gentleness and
politeness:
"It is a mercy of Allah that you
dealt gently with them. If you had been severe or hard-hearted, they would have
broken away from you. So pass over (their faults), ask for (Allah's)
forgiveness for them, and consult them in affairs (of importance). Then, when
you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, for Allah loves those who
put their trust (in Him)." (3: 159)
- Speak softly
When Moses and Aaron (peace be upon
them) were to invite Pharaoh to Islam, Allah told them to use a gentle form of
speech:
"But speak to him mildly;
perchance he may take warning or fear and respect (for Allah)." (20: 44)
- Do not speak ill of others or their religion
In order to avoid conflict, avoid direct
criticism of other people or their religion:
"Do not revile those whom they
call upon besides Allah, lest they, out of spite, revile Allah in their
ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. They will
return to their Lord in the end, and then We shall them the truth of all that
they did." (6: 108)
- Suppress anger and be forgiving
The Quran advices Muslims to
forgive and avoid offensive words:
"those who spend (freely) whenever
in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) people,
for Allah loves those who do good." (3: 134)
- Be patient
In the Quran, "Allah is with those
who patiently persevere" can be found many times.
- Equal and humane treatment
The Quran stands for the equality
of races for all people is equal in front of Allah.
- Smile and laugh gently
Avoid bored or indifferent
expression, instead maintain a cheerful appearance. The Prophet (saas) said:
"Smiling at you brother is an act
of charity." (Narrated in Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
"To bring a smile to another face's
is a charity." (Narrated by Muhammad ibn Isa al-Tirmidhi)
- Pay full attention to the person
speaking
Listening with high attention is a
good adab and emphasized by action of the Prophet (saas) when a man came to him
and started talking directly to him just when he was about to lead a prayer,
and the Prophet (saas) listened attentively until the man finished.
It is crucial to understand
cultural manifestations of how people pay attention to each other. The Quran
taught Muslims to keep their gaze down (24: 30) when talking to members of the
opposite gender, but this action is considered offensive in the West. For instance,
once a non-Muslim woman complained to an imam that Muslims would never look at
her when she was talking to them, and led her to think that they were racist. She
thanked the imam after he explained the reason. In the West, it is advisable to
look directly yet modestly at members of opposite gender to create better
relation.
- Be alert in public
Look alert and avoid hypocrisy of
pretending to be listening. Outward behavior is important. As narrated in Sahih
al- Bukhari, the Prophet (saas) disliked public yawning, so he suppressed his
own need to yawn and encouraged others to do the same, or at least to cover
their mouth while yawning and suppress any sigh or other yawning noises.
- Give others to chance to speak
Speak to the point and seek permission
to speak, and do not interrupt those who are talking, for these are what the
Prophet (saas) did himself.
- Be ready to help and volunteer for
community work
This includes any sort of volunteer
work in helping all segment of humanity.
"Serve Allah, do not join any
partners with Him, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need,
neighbors who are near and who are strangers, the companions by their side, the
wayfarer" (4: 36)
- Be punctual
Punctuality is part of Islam.
"When you perform (congregational)
prayers, celebrate Allah's praises, standing, sitting down or lying on your
sides. But when you are free from danger, set up regular prayers for such
prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times." (4: 103)
- Dress clean and properly
According to Sahih Muslim, the
Prophet (saas) said that cleanliness and purity are half of a Muslim's faith. Allah
(SWT) commanded the Prophet (saas) to keep his clothes clean:
"O you wrapped up (in a mantle),
arise and deliver your warning, glorify your Lord, and keep your garments free
from stain." (74: 1-4)
By practicing these guidelines, interfaith dialogue would go
well and efficiently, thus displaying the beauty of adab in Islam.
Source: "Interfaith
Dialogue: A Guide for Muslims" by Muhammad Shafiq and Mohammed Abu-Nime, 2007.
