DIALOGUE IN ISLAM

One purpose of dialogue is to resolve controversial matters through negotiations rather than confrontation.

Dialogue is fully in accordance with the teachings of Islam. The Hudaybiyyah Peace Treaty in Islamic history is a great example of a successful dialogue. After the Prophet emigrated to Madinah, relations between Muslims and non-Muslims in Arabia deteriorated considerably. Several battles and skirmishes ensued, and walls of prejudice and hatred barred the two from coming closer to each other. Finally, peace could only be established at Hudaybiyyah, near Makkah, in 628 C.E., through peaceful negotiations between Prophet Muhammad and non-Muslim Makkan leaders. Such dialogue has great relevance in our times, too.

If dialogue is to succeed, it should not take the form of polemics. Representatives should not become spokesmen of only their respective communities during the discussions. What should be uppermost in their minds are the vaster interests of humankind and the paths of progress and harmony for all. All parties should commit themselves to differentiating between issues and non-issues. While presenting their position, they must also be willing to concede to others. While taking from others, they must also be willing to give.

True dialogue is not a meeting of rivals. Rather, it should be considered a brotherly meeting of two or more individuals or groups. In true dialogue, participants seek to rise above the victory-defeat psychology. The aim of such dialogue should be to solve problematic issues, not to aggravate them. The feeling at work behind a dialogue should be one of reconciliation, not rivalry.