YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The remedy for ignorance is asking questions. (Prophet Muhammad)
The spirit of enquiry is the hallmark of an open society and the above saying of the Prophet aptly illustrates this principle. A culture of curiosity and open-mindedness will foster development in any society by motivating its members to learn enthusiastically and enrich their knowledge. This is because awareness of one’s ignorance is half of knowledge, as it becomes a stepping-stone to seeking and finding answers. A questioning mind is like a flowing river that is replenished with fresh thoughts and ideas and continues on its journey.
If the purpose of intercommunity dialogue is to understand each other and to learn from each other—does it mean only understanding each other’s religions, or also each other’s economic, social, political conditions and problems? In other words, do you think such dialogue should be theological or sociological or both?
Social issues are common in nature. When you carry out discussions on social issues, it means you are trying to share with others. In matters of social issues, you are giving others something and at the same time, taking something from others. Discussion on social issues is our common worldly requirement. Here, the formula of the well-known social thinker Jeremy Bentham is applicable: “The greatest good for the greatest number.” That is, many people sit together to discuss issues of society and whatever jointly emerges from the discussions shall be adopted for all.
However, the arena of religion is quite different. Religion is the subject of truth. In the matter of religion, if it is believed that everything is the truth, then that would be tantamount to negation of the truth. Truth, on account of its very nature, requires oneness. Truth is one that is the truth with the capital T. Every individual is required to seek the truth, and to find out the truth which according to his finding is the truth with the capital T. Without making this kind of finding he will live in confusion. But, at the same time the other fact of life is that everyone is living in a society. Thus, one should adopt the formula of better social living, that is, mutual respect without discrimination. If one doesn’t adhere to this principle, there will result violence and bloodshed in the society.
We have to, therefore, differentiate between social issues and religious issues.
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.
Often, in interfaith dialogues, participants hesitate to voice their critique of the beliefs and practices of the other that they have differences with, out of politeness or because they do not want to alienate or antagonize their dialogue partners. Do you think this is the right approach to handling the issue?
Yes, this approach is right. As a principle, it is right, but if the participants are ready to hear something more, then, they are allowed to speak on other aspects of the theme. All these things depend upon the result. If the result would be positive then it can be adopted, otherwise not.
