Interfaith Dialogue from an Islamic Perspective

Engaging with people of other faiths is deeply rooted in the Quranic framework. The Quran addresses the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) directly: "Say, O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you, that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him" (Quran 3:64). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly interacted with Jews, Christians, and polytheists, engaging them in conversation, establishing treaties, and finding common ground while maintaining the clarity of Islamic monotheism.

Quranic Principles

The Quran establishes several principles for interfaith engagement. First, there is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2:256). Second, Muslims are commanded to argue with the People of the Book "in a way that is best" (Quran 29:46). Third, religious diversity is part of Allah's will: "If your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community" (Quran 11:118). Fourth, Muslims should cooperate with all people on matters of common good: "Cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression" (Quran 5:2). These principles allow for respectful engagement without compromising Islamic beliefs.

Historical Examples

The Prophet's Constitution of Madinah (Sahifat al-Madinah) established a multi-religious community with shared civic obligations and mutual protection, while preserving each group's religious autonomy. The Prophet received Christian delegations, including the Christians of Najran, allowing them to pray in his mosque. Umar ibn al-Khattab's covenant with the Christians of Jerusalem (the Pact of Umar) guaranteed their religious freedom and the safety of their churches. Throughout the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman periods, Muslim societies generally maintained functioning multi-religious communities, with documented examples of intellectual exchange between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish scholars.

Guidelines for Contemporary Dialogue

Muslim scholars have outlined conditions for beneficial interfaith dialogue. It must not lead to compromise on Islamic fundamentals, particularly Tawhid. Participants should have solid knowledge of their own tradition. Dialogue should seek common ground on shared moral and social concerns without creating a false impression that all religions are equally valid paths to salvation (the Quran is clear: "Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam," Quran 3:19). The goal is mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation for justice, not theological syncretism. As the Quran says to the People of the Book: "And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims to Him" (Quran 29:46).