INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE: ISLAM

Having gone through a presentation that challenged and encouraged us, to value our role as commissioned ministers of the Word, a Word handed down from the Apostles, our immediate intent is to effectively interact with other religions in the future. However, in the space of many of this kind, we opted first for Islam. The facilitator who led us in this module of Inter-Faith Dialogue was Rev. Benedict ….

  In doing his presentation, he began with this guideline of his thought pattern:

• Definition
• Aim of this module
• Objective
• Noted Inter-faith dialogue
• Islam in Sahara Africa
• Efforts towards Inter-Faith Dialogues
• Context of Individual Community
• I.C. (Organization of Islamic Conference) Aims and Impacts

Going by a definition, “Dialogue” has two dimensions namely “dia” which means or refers to two and “logos” which signified word. Putting these together, one an exchange of words between two persons. However, “dialogue” is usually presented as a ‘communication between two or more persons’. But the fact is that dialogue is a “presentation of words between two or more persons”.  And when seen within the context of beliefs, it is a conversation (a process of exchange of ideas and information), an encounter, a sharing of mutual respect between people or groups. It can be described as a “poly-centric process of exchange of experiences, knowledge, cultures and traditions (civilizations) between people or groups”.  It can also mean “pre-organized internal discussion”.

Objective:The objective of any process of dialogue is to expand our reservoir of knowledge thus search for:-

1. Solutions in times of trouble and difficulty
2. Clarifications- Involves exchange of convictions, opinions and beliefs between representatives.
3. Peace based on mutual understanding

Goal: The goal of inter-faith dialogue is to re-discover the fraternity, for we all need fellowship. Awareness of common origin reveals that we are connected despite political, economic and cultural differences. Conflict comes as a result of suspicion.

Christian (Catholic) Position on Inter-faith Dialogue: The position of Christian inter-faith dialogue finds its meaning in charity. This charity goes beyond feelings. Remember, the Christian heritage is defined not only by biblical knowledge as truth but also by the way we relate to other people. There is need for inter-faith dialogue because it is through such dialogues that unity, truth and harmony are to be developed and integrated in relationships as humans. Thus, dialogue is a process and as a process, it should be encouraged until it yields the desired result. And in quoting St Pope JohnPaul II who said “to overcome challenges of division, there is need for honest dialogue”. (cf. Eccl. in Africa, no.49.)  It is of importance to note that dialogue is between persons and groups. Religion is about beliefs and tenets or commandments and as a result, there cannot be dialogue with any religion.

For instance, Islam as a religion holds that any non believer of Islam is an infidel and if such refuses conversion, such a person can be killed. This tenet is rooted on the concept of a word “JIHAD”. Jihad in the context of Islamic religion depicts “to fight or avoid any danger”, to shun away from any suffering. It is a call in this religion, for believers to fight against any threat to the life they have received from their Creator Allah. To constantly remind them of this, there is need therefore to invoke a prayer “HALAL”. This invocation, they believed, makes an action to be holy. When this “halal” was now introduced to religious activities, it took a different understanding, giving a mandate to fight any danger. To their interpretation, any danger, is not only an event but also, person(s) whom they perceived to resist the practice of their religion, Islam. Thus, Jihad becomes an action necessary, in fighting any danger they conceived is militating against the practice of their religion.

Islam and Sub-Sahara Africa: There are several groups who claim to be fighting one danger or another militating against the Islamic religion. For example:-

1. AL-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
2. Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS)
3. AL-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
4. Boko Haram
5. Al-Shabab
6. Taliban
7. Ansar al-Sharia in Libya
8. Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia
9. Jamaah Islamiah
10. Abu Sayyaf
11. Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis.

Efforts towards Inter-Faith Dialogue:

1. Priority to dialogue- partnership in social matters and reconciliations
2. Sharing understanding on variety of situations and experiences
3. Provide better knowledge of coran in formation of priests/religious and faithful
4. Confront honestly our misunderstandings and difficulties of other religions
5. Take initiative to promote respect, friendship, collaboration and reciprocity.
6. To be aware of politicization of religion or religionisation of politics.