Editor's Note: This is the sixth entry in a series on  "Why Muslims must engage in interfaith dialogue". The series contains excerpts from the author's presentation at the international symsposiom on “Islam and the New Era of ASEAN Countries: Unity of Worldview towards Shared Prosperity” held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on June 4-5, 2013. 

Previously: Interfaith dialogue means respecting other's beliefs and spirituality 

In dialogue we have to inquire and to learn. Asking is a key to learning. When asking questions, politeness and humility should be our guiding principle. We asked questions because we want to know his/her religion sincerely not to test his/her ability and level of understanding, nor to prove that his/her belief is wrong. This is a big NO-NO in interfaith dialogue as it creates unhealthy discussions that might lead to conflict.

Dialogue is to unfold shared meaning. Commonalities, not dissimilarities, should be the center of discussions. Theological discussions as much as possible are not the end-product of dialogue. In case of necessity, this would be done by experts from both sides with openness and respect. Integration of multiple perspectives that are common and accepted to both divides is also found in dialogue. This is to uncover and examine assumptions but not necessarily to arrive at the same explanations.

In contrast, debate is to sell and persuade. You don’t have to do this actually. In the first place religion should not be and never be for sale. Allah forewarns and condemns such kind of people and for sure will be punished in the day hereafter. Persuading is the work of the orator not the propagator (da’i). Therefore, don’t waste time thinking on how you can convince other people to believe you by employing high sounding and flattering words in your presentation or message during interfaith dialogue. You just have to talk simply, vividly, clearly and understandably. It should directly come from the bottom of your heart, with passion and sincerity.

To gain agreement on one meaning is another aspect of debate. Word is just a word but it could mean many things. My definition of a certain word might not be the same with your definition. It’s preposterous to insist and impose my own definition just to gain agreement. In dialogue, everybody is entitled to his/her own definition provided it will not infringe on others beliefs that may insult his/her religion.

Allah plainly states in the Holy Qur’an: “And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge. Thus, we have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all they used to do.” (Surah al-An’am, 6: 108)

To evaluate and select the best and to justify or defend assumptions is usually done in debate. If we have to evaluate, it’s not the religion itself, I guess, but our own conviction to what we believe in. Am I doing my responsibilities towards my family, community, country, fellow human being and above all to my Lord? Or I am just very good in criticizing others’ belief and forgetting my own? These are just some critical and vital questions that we need to consider, ponder upon and bear in mind always, for our self-evaluation. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) explicitly said: “Evaluate yourself (in this world) before you will be evaluated in the Day Hereafter.” Through self-evaluation or reflection we will be able to check our own faith and mend our way. 

Selecting the best is the main goal in debate. That is why we usually see both sides of the debating teams defending their views and assumptions logically. In dialogue, nonetheless, the burden of proof is not an end itself. What is important is you just have to be sincere in what you believe in and articulate it in a way you deem appropriate in accordance with your faith.

COMING UP: Challenges to interfaith dialogue

Alzad Sattar is Undersecretary at DepEd-ARMM, Secretary General at Basilan Ulama Supreme and Islamic Studies Professor at Basilan State College.