Editor's Note: This is the third 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: "Impacts of interfaith dialogue"

The impact of interfaith dialogue is happening in the communities. Take for instance the case of two barangays in the island of Malamawi, Isabela City, Basilan Province: Sta. Barbara, a Christian community and Carbon, a Muslim community. A shooting incident happened between the two barangays. Both sides incurred casualties.

Those who figured in the incident belonged to different faiths, but the root cause of the problem has nothing to do with religion. In fact, it was all about drugs. Unfortunately, the issue accelerated into a religious one, instigated by bigotry.  The Isabela City police chief at that time sought the intervention of the Inter-Faith Council of Leaders (IFCL-Basilan) to pacify the issue. IFCL applied shuttle negotiation to pacify both sides and, with the help of Almighty Allah, brought resolution to the conflict.

IFCL-Basilan is comprised of committed and respected servant Muslim and Christian leaders. They envision a culture of dialogue, path to peace, deeply rooted in one’s faith, in God’s Love and love for the neighbors in the society. We put emphasis on ‘servant leaders’ because we believe only servant leaders, whether Muslim or Christian, are willing and committed to serve the people rather than be served. These servant leaders adopt dialogue to achieve peace mandated by his/her own faith as a sign of love of God and love of neighbor in the community. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), in Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Iman, Hadith 45, said: “None of you has faith until you love for your neighbor what you love for yourself.” In the same vein, Jesus Christ (Peace be upon him) also said: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22: 39 / Mark 12: 21

IFCL-Basilan has the following objectives: 1) To reach out to our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters for them to experience, to live and promote, respect and understand the culture of dialogue, path to peace; 2) To build and strengthen linkages among Muslims, Christians and other living faiths who are willing to journey together and become an inspiration for young generation in the context of Basilan province; and 3) To establish harmonious relationship for sustainable peace and development in Basilan. 

In so doing, religious leaders fundamentally and intrinsically play a big role by being united for a common cause regardless of religious affiliation. As Hans Kung declared, “there will be peace on earth when there is peace among world religions.” Fr. Bert Layson echoed this brilliant idea by saying: “We can only have peace in the world when there is peace among religions. But we can only have peace among religions when there is authentic dialogue among peoples. And there can only be authentic dialogue among peoples when there is respect for one another. Dialogue seems to me to indicate two groups facing each other, but I like to think of us all side by side facing the world and its problems.” 

Indeed, local and community leaders are the key to peaceful coexistence and development in the society. They are the fountainheads of the society in terms of good relationship and community development. They are the mirrors of the constituents. Their actions and deeds as well as their decisions are highly regarded by the community. Having them as participants in dialogue will undoubtedly encourage their people to do the same.

Religious and political leaders must join together and work hand-in-hand to achieve sustainable peace and development in the community through dialogue. Within the context of multicultural and diverse countries or communities like Mindanao in particular and the Philippines in general, this is the way to go.

NEXT: Interfaith dialogue key to resolving the Mindanao conflict

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