Interfaith Dialogue: A Form of Dawah
By Miriam Mohamed
Chicago, IL
Allah states in the Holy Qur’an in Surah Al-Isra, verse 70:
“Verily We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them provisions and privileged them above many of Our creatures with a marked preference”.
In the previous verse, Allah informs mankind that he has honored the sons of Adam by making them in the most perfect form, physically and intellectually, being able to distinguish what is good and what is harmful in both worldly and religious aspects. We are also blessed with being able to travel on land and sea while being provided agricultural produce, fruits, meat, milk, and all kinds of bountiful provisions of food. Allah has also blessed humans with fine clothes and they are preferred above His other creations with a marked preference, meaning overall living beings and other creations, even angels.
Moreover, this Qur’anic verse reveals that Allah does not differentiate between the children of Adam based on their religious faith, He has blessed all regardless of faith or lack thereof. In another verse, Allah states:
“There is no compulsion in religion: the correct way has become distinct from the erroneous. Now, whoever rejects in taghut (false gods, idols, devils) and believes in Allah has a grasp on the firm, unbreakable handle. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256)
Yet the arrogance within the children of Adam does divide us. Many of history’s bloodiest battles and “holiest’’ wars were because of religious differences and affiliations. With many significant challenges facing our entire planet, it is ever more important for us to be working together on common causes. Interfaith efforts bring people of different religious faiths together for conversations. These conversations can take an array of forms and possess a variety of goals and formats. These dialogues can unlock the power of religious traditions and provide inspiration, and guidance. But most importantly, they allow for people of other faiths to interact with Muslims who are the ambassadors of Islam.
Since most non-Muslims have not had the opportunity to read the Holy Qur’an or learn about the Sunnah, life or sayings of our beloved Prophet Muhammed, peace and blessings be upon him, interfaith activities through local organizations are crucial to introducing Islam in its true form to those who have not been blessed with guidance of Islam.
The interfaith dialogue attempts to harmonize the religious groups in such a way that their common features such as brotherhood, love, compassion, tolerance, and mutual respect can be shared. Interfaith dialogue promotes intercultural values and peace-building initiatives to lay the foundation for peaceful coexistence, common purpose, and brotherhood. As Muslims, it is our religious obligation to participate in interfaith dialogue and interfaith efforts especially while residing in countries where Islam is in the minority and often misunderstood.
Whole Family Efforts
Interfaith dialogue and activities are also beneficial to our children. As parents we should always strive to leave a positive impact on our children and in the world in which they will live in. Participating in interfaith activities allows our children to engage in a positive manner with people of other faiths. These engagements help defy all stereotypes and to counter the negative narratives that are seen on all forms of media and in politics.
Members of interfaith organizations and coordinators of these activities encourage volunteers to work together without compromising their beliefs to accommodate the other. This is a valuable lesson to our children and an opportunity to instill the love of Islam and appreciation of our religion while building a foundation of respect for others’ connections to Allah Almighty.
A majority of these activities are family-friendly and are a common action for a common good. Some good examples include visiting senior centers, donating and volunteering at local charities, collection and drop offs of essential items for local homeless people, habitat builds, and community clean-ups.
Environmental work in the community is another example of an extraordinary opportunity to engage with folks of various faiths. Collaborating and cooperating to care for our common home emphasizes the significance that the earth is for people of all faiths and it is essential that all work in partnership to be vicegerents as Allah has determined before the creation of Adam, peace be upon him. Allah says in the Qur’an,
“Behold, thy Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I am going to place in the land a vicegerent.’”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:30)
As dignitaries of the Earth, we have been entrusted to promote mutual respect, strengthen relationships, and build ties of communication and cooperation but most importantly to serve a common good in making a positive change and impact on our communities and in the world.
Rowan Williams, an Anglican Bishop and theologian, said it best, “In the context of interfaith encounter, we need to bring to the surface how our actual beliefs shape what we do – not simply to agree that kindness is better than cruelty.”
We ask Allah the Almighty to guide us in our efforts in representing Islam. May He accept our good deeds and forgive our transgressions. Ameen.
(Miriam Mohamed is a mother to seven children and a granny to two cats! She loves trying new things and learning cool facts. She has taught in an Islamic school setting, has experience assisting children with special needs, and enjoys volunteering and being a part of the community. Miriam lives in Chicago with her beautiful flowering cherry tree and big family.)
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