Interreligious Dialogue in Islam: Nature and Method

As a comprehensive way of life, Islam provides detailed guidance for the welfare of humanity, including fostering harmony through interreligious dialogue. This approach is crucial in promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions. In Islam, interreligious dialogue involves engaging in discussions with individuals of other faiths while upholding one's values and integrity. The Qur'an and Hadith encourage such dialogue, emphasizing its role in dispelling misconceptions and spreading Islamic teachings. The purpose of interreligious dialogue is not to dominate other religions or establish a universal belief system but to resolve conflicts born of ignorance and gain knowledge about different faiths. By facilitating open communication, Islam seeks to eliminate false beliefs, foster understanding, and create a framework for respectful coexistence. This paper has examined the nature, objectives, methods, and principles of Islamic interreligious dialogue, exploring how it has contributed to greater harmony between religious communities. The study finds that, to make dialogue effective, Islam instructs participants to follow evidence-based reasoning, give importance to verified facts, and maintain clarity in perspective. It also emphasizes conducting dialogue intellectually and rationally, prioritizing issues of consensus with sincerity, modesty, and humility to achieve the objectives of dialogue.