THE CULTURE OF DIALOGUE
Islam prescribes the practice of shura, or mutual consultation and discussion for family, social, and national life. This can lead to mutual learning and intellectual development. Moreover, such mutual consultation can be useful for promoting more harmonious relations between adherents of different religions.
Dialogue is a significant aspect of the culture that the Quran seeks to promote. This is mentioned thus in the Quran: “They conduct their affairs by mutual consultation” (42:38). This verse indicates that Muslims should base their dealings on dialogue and mutual discussion.
The debate is quite different from the dialogue. Debate is conducted between two parties, each of which tries to prove its claim of superiority over the other. In contrast, the essence of dialogue is mutual learning without seeking to put the other party down. There are also two or more parties in authentic dialogue, just as in a debate, but no party tries to establish its supposed superiority over the other. Instead, each tries to learn from the other. Each seeks to increase their knowledge and insights through the mutual sharing of experiences. Dialogue is a healthy practice, whereas debate is a kind of unwanted intellectual wrangling.
The practice of consultation (shura) was common among the Companions of the Prophet of Islam. For example, Umar bin al-Khattab, the second Caliph, reported that he used to learn from everyone. This means engaging in serious dialogue with people he met was a general habit. He would thereby learn something new to enhance his wisdom and knowledge.
There is great benefit in the mutual discussion, as everyone can gain new knowledge or experience. Moreover, when one conducts a serious dialogue with another, both people benefit from the process. Both enrich their minds and progress on the path of intellectual development.
The Quranic word shura is generally considered a political term, but it need not be confined to only the political realm. ‘Political shura’ may be a way of proceeding in some Muslim societies, but this is only an occasional occurrence. On the other hand, in the non-political spheres, shura or consultation should be part of Muslim daily life. It is good to develop the habit of mutual consultation in family, social, and national life. It leads to intellectual development for everyone. In the course of this process, one learns from others. Mutual learning takes place. One presents what one has discovered or thinks and listens to and benefits from what the other person has to offer from their discoveries in life.
Such consultation and mutual exchange are useful for promoting more harmonious relations between adherents of different religions.
