Peaceful co-existence between representatives of different religions is one of the fundamental Islamic principles, which is repeatedly mentioned by the Almighty Creator in the Noble Quran. Not only war, but also hostility, hatred, insult and humiliation towards followers of other religions are prohibited in Islam.
The Holy Quran draws our attention to the many ways of establishing dialogue and peaceful co-existence. These are freedom of faith and thought, respect for common principles, inadmissibility of racism, acceptance of peace offer, recognition of minority rights, recognition of God’s emissaries and scriptures, interaction in international affairs.
We continue our conversation with Deputy Director for Science at the Centre for Islamic Studies of the Academy of Sciences of the Tatarstan Republic Ilshat Mukhametzaripov, about how our contemporaries see inter-religious dialogue. We would like to remind you that last time we paid attention to the term “inter-religious dialogue” itself, peculiarities of its functioning, difficulties and advantages.
-How relevant is the study of peculiarities and necessary conditions for establishing inter-religious dialogue from a scientific point of view?
-A. Kuranovich’s work devoted to religious politics in modern Russia, is especially valuable for Russian researchers. In her opinion, Russian authorities conduct an effective religious policy at the national level, the part of which is inter-religious dialogue and harmonious co-existence of religions (especially, Christianity and Islam), which is becoming a hallmark of Russia and its “soft power”. Inter-religious dialogue is the key element of the Russian religious policy, which includes three directions: 1) the CIS countries; 2) the Muslim world; 3) international organizations (UN, UNESCO, OSCE, Council of Europe, and CIS).
At the level of the former Soviet Union countries, the Moscow Patriarchate and the Muftiates are key actors of inter-religious dialogue, especially in conflict resolution, supported by the state, including the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Russia.
-And what does Islam say about inter-religious dialogue? What is the attitude of modern Muslim researchers to it?
-A group of researchers (M. Al-Bishr, A. Al-Turkey, S. Bin Humayd, W. Baker, D. Gates, E. Kessler, etc.) have published the book "Inter-religious Dialogue: A Cross-Cultural Perspective" within the World Islamic League. The collection speaks about the recognition of religious diversity and respect for other faiths in Islam, and criticizes the theory of "conflict of civilizations" by S. Huntington.
Summarizing the information from the collection, the legitimacy of dialogue in Islam is as follows:
1) Divine predestination of diversity among humanity;
2) The duty of believers to conduct dialogue;
3) The duty to eliminate injustice on earth;
4) Ethics of conversation, ability to listen and mutual respect;
5) Examples of dialogue in hadiths about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him);
6) Recognition of the other party's right to error and misrepresentation.
The fundamental principles of dialogue, according to the group of Islamic scholars, are considered, in particular:
1) Argumentation based on reliable facts;
2) The dialogue participant’s speech should not contain contradictions;
3) Objectivity and competence;
4) Clear understanding of dialogue subject and existing differences;
5) Relativity of dialogue results.
The authors strongly condemn terrorism under the guise of religion and call for increased awareness of other religions and cultures among population.
For instance, Rector of the Malaysian Islamic College “Darul Ridzuan” A. Hasan, writes in his article that inter-religious dialogue is an inevitable response to terrorist acts, armed conflicts, inter-ethnic clashes in the modern world. He claims that Muslim people have their own approaches and methods to establish this kind of dialogue. The author calls it “the Quran method” based on respectful attitude towards other religions.
-What do representatives of other religions, such as Jews, say about the need to establish inter-religious dialogue?
-The rabbi and theologian J. Magonett’s view is very revealing here, as he thinks that the need for interreligious dialogue is caused by the formation of a “global village” when previously dispersed religious communities were in close proximity and in a different environment. He notes that distrust between communities is a significant obstacle to inter-religious interaction. For instance, a community may fear missionary activity disguised as interreligious dialogue.
According to the rabbi: 1) there is no peace between peoples without peace between religions; 2) there is no peace between religions without inter-religious dialogue; 3) dialogue between religions is impossible without studying the history of their foundation.
However, the fact that religious authors belonging to organizations recognized as terrorist and extremist ones in a number of countries often express their views on this issue should also be taken into account in the study of works on inter-religious dialogue. As a rule, such individuals use inter-religious dialogue for their own purposes: 1) to cover up their real religious-political goals; 2) to increase their own popularity; 3) to expand their propaganda activities.
-What are the most successful practices to date in inter-religious dialogue?
-A number of international organizations also pay attention to the problem of inter-religious dialogue. Thus, in 2008, there was published the Berlin Declaration on Inter-Religious Dialogue of the European Council of Religious Leaders, stating that "some of the most pressing challenges of our time - climate change, poverty, migration, marginalization of women, discrimination and terrorism - can only be resolved if we connect resources across traditional dividing lines".
The declaration states: 1) religious permeates Europe; 2) inter-religious dialogue highlights our similarities and differences; 3) inter-religious dialogue should promote respect for human rights; 4) invitation to dialogue is open; 5) inter-religious dialogue is a way of communicating with other faiths, which has the potential for transformation; 6) inter-religious dialogue affirms the identity of religious beliefs; 7) inter-religious dialogue honestly considers asymmetric power relations; 8) it contributes to interest and participation in society; 9) inter-religious dialogue leads to common action; 10) structures of inter-religious cooperation are useful during times of crisis; 11) knowledge and trust in any tradition contribute to inter-religious understanding; 12) religion occupies a natural place in the public sphere as well; 13) religious leaders, believers and authorities share responsibility for inter-religious dialogue.
Also in 2008, the Council of Europe prepared and published the material on inter-cultural dialogue, an integral part of which is inter-religious dialogue. Five approaches are offered to establish inter-religious dialogue: 1) democratic governance (respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, equality of opportunities); 2) democratic civic identity and participation in public life); 3) study of inter-cultural competences (values of democracy, peculiarities of cultures and their history, research work, family and school upbringing); 4) safe places for inter-cultural dialogue; 5) maintenance of dialogue at the international level.
The center “SALTO” (Support and Advanced Learning & Training Opportunities) booklet (“interactive guide”) of the Council of Europe of the year 2011 is dedicated to youth projects on inter-religious dialogue. It describes the definition of dialogue, its purpose and limits. It emphasizes the possibility of participation of believers, non-believers and agnostics in inter-religious dialogue. Inter-religious dialogue is considered to be inevitable because religion is an integral part of the world, people are interested in in religion in one way or another and different beliefs enrich society. It is offered to conduct role plays between teams according to certain scenarios, during which participants learn to identify and resolve inter-religious conflicts, understand their causes and threats.
The European Commission of the European Council published a brochure entitled “Good Practices of Inter-Religious Dialogue” following the 2013 conference in Graz, Austria. The brochure presents the experience of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy. For instance, lectures on different religions (Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Baha'i Faith), the creation of a "House of Prayer and Learning" for Muslims, Christians and Jews in Berlin, educational activities on inter-religious dialogue (interactive materials, lectures, conferences, games) for children and adolescents, and invitations to other communities to participate in joint events, religious festivals, first meals after fast, etc. are held at the Graz Synagogue.
Ilmira Gafiyatullina