Interfaith Dialogue and Its Impact on International Relations

Abstract

Dialogue with people of other faiths is mentioned in various forms in the Holy Quran. This study seeks to define the concept of dialogue with people of other faiths, establish its legal basis, and to highlight the Western perspective on it, in order to clarify its practical application with non-Muslims by identifying what is permitted and what is prohibited, as well as its potential benefits and drawbacks in light of its consequences and its impact on international relations. Therefore, it is appropriate to title this study: Interfaith Dialogue: Its Concept, Legitimacy, and Impact on International Relations. In presenting this research, I adopted a descriptive-analytical methodology. After compiling the available scholarly material related to the topic of interfaith dialogue Among the most important findings of the research are: difference is an inevitable necessity, as it is part of human nature; resolving disputes through dialogue is one of God’s universal laws; dialogue is an authentic approach in the history of Islamic thought; and dialogue has etiquettes and guidelines that every participant must observe. Among the most important recommendations are: Experts should promote a culture of dialogue, moving it from theory and conceptualization to genuine interactive application, starting within the family and educational institutions and extending to international relations. Integrating a methodology for dialogue with non-Muslims into educational curricula has become an urgent necessity.