Interfaith Dialogue and Quranic Interpretation for Harmony in India
By Dr
Uzma Khatoon, New Age Islam
27 March
2024
Introduction
This article delves into the importance of interreligious
dialogue in Islam, examining the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the practices of early
Muslim leaders like Umar. It underscores Islam’s advocacy for dialogue,
justice, and religious freedom to foster peaceful coexistence among diverse
faiths. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to identify root causes of
conflicts and propose reconciliation strategies. Interfaith harmony offers hope
in today’s tumultuous world, promoting acceptance and peace, especially in
diverse nations like India. Embracing diversity and nuanced Quranic
interpretation can lead to a more inclusive society based on mutual
understanding.
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Islam's
Interfaith Approach
The term
"dialogue" originates from the Greek "dialogos," combining
"dia" meaning "through" and "logos" meaning "word,"
signifying communication "through word." It involves conversation and
consultation among individuals or groups to share knowledge and achieve mutual
benefits. Unlike debate, which aims to win, dialogue focuses on understanding
the other party, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation, especially in
interreligious contexts. Islam recognizes and embraces diversity as part of
Allah's divine plan for humanity's greater good, promoting peace, harmony, and
mutual respect among individuals of different faiths.
Islam,
recognizing the inherent diversity in the world, asserts that this diversity is
part of Allah's divine plan for the greater benefit of humankind. The Quran
acknowledges this diversity, stating:
"If
God willed, He would make you one community" (Al-Qur’an 5: 48).
Muslims are
urged to coexist with those who do not share their religious beliefs in love,
cooperation, and mutual understanding. Central to Islam is the promotion of
peace and harmony, exemplified by the Muslim greeting "Assalam u Alaikum"
(peace be upon you) (Tirmidhi, 1998, p. 349), and the Prophet Muhammad being
described as "mercy for the entire world" (Al-Qur’an 21: 107).
Islam
underscores the legitimacy of all divine revelations and prophets, advocating
faith in all the prophets as a fundamental belief (Al-Qur’an 4: 136; 4: 164).
It views itself as the continuation of previously revealed religions,
acknowledging all previous prophets, including Noah and Abraham, as prophets of
Islam (Al-Qur’an 10: 72; 3: 67). The inclusiveness of Islam is further evident
in its recognition of the rights and dignity of people of other faiths. The
Prophet Muhammad's actions exemplify this inclusivity, as he demonstrated
compassion towards people of different faiths and refrained from imposing Islamic
laws on non-Muslims in Madinah (Tirmidhi, 1975, p. 328). Islam advocates for
interreligious dialogue as a means to promote understanding, acceptance, and
cooperation among people of diverse religious backgrounds. Through dialogue,
Muslims strive to uphold the principles of peace, harmony, and mutual respect,
in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the practices of the Prophet
Muhammad.
How
Modern Quranic Interpretation Promote Harmony In India
In the
diverse and dynamic landscape of India, the need for a modern Quranic
interpretation is paramount. India stands as a melting pot of cultures,
religions, and identities, where pluralism and diversity are not just cherished
values but the very essence of its identity. However, amidst this rich tapestry
of diversity, there exist challenges and tensions that threaten social harmony
and unity. Here I will explain to you with two examples how Modern Quranic
Interpretation will bring harmony in the country.
Promoting
Inclusivity and Unity in the Ummah
In India,
our diversity is our strength, but sometimes it's hard to keep everyone united.
A modern way of understanding the Quran, our holy book, can help bring us
together. By focusing on the things, we all have in common and the teachings of
the Quran that encourage unity and respect for everyone, we can build a
stronger sense of togetherness as a nation. Identity politics, where people
focus on what makes them different, can cause problems and make things worse.
But if we look at the Quran in a new way, we can see that it teaches us to
treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter what religion they follow.
This can help us all feel more connected as part of one big Indian family.
The Quran
also reminds us that we all come from the same place and are all equal in the
eyes of God. It says that we were all created from the same soul and that we
should treat each other like brothers and sisters. So, by understanding and
following these teachings, we can build a more peaceful and united society for
everyone in India. Quran says:
"He created you (all) from a single
person: then created, of like nature, his mate; and he sent down for you eight
head of cattle in pairs: He makes you, in the wombs of your mothers, in stages,
one after another, in three veils of darkness. such is Allah, your Lord and
Cherisher: to Him belongs (all) dominion. There is no god but He: then how are
ye turned away (from your true Centre)?" (Quran 39:6)
The Quran
talks a lot about the "Ummah," which means a group of people
who share the same religious beliefs. It started as a community led by a
prophet and later included all followers of Islam. The idea of Ummah grew over
time, spreading to different places through conquests and being led by leaders
called caliphs. This shaped how Islamic communities were governed and managed.
Prophet Muhammad brought together early Muslims by teaching them about Islam.
The Constitution of Medina strengthened this unity by focusing on religious
connections rather than family ties. It welcomed Jewish tribes into the
community, showing how important inclusion was. Anyone who recognized Muhammad
as their leader could be part of the Ummah, regardless of their religion. The
Ummah was diverse, including people from different ethnicities, genders, and
social backgrounds. An Ummah is, therefore, a religious community that was not
initially limited to Islam but referred to ethnic groups such as the Jewish,
Islamic, or Christian people who were guided by a prophet. Muhammad encouraged
inclusion by creating a system of brotherhood and sisterhood based on Islamic
principles.
Today,
globalization has changed how we see the Ummah. Better communication between
Muslims worldwide has made the Ummah stronger. But globalization also brings
new cultural influences that might challenge Islamic values. Technology has
also changed how we understand and practice the Ummah, giving us new ways to
connect and learn about our religion. To understand the Ummah in the modern
world, we need to think about how it adapts to change and deal with the
challenges of staying united in the 21st century.A modern way of understanding
the Quran aims to bring people in a country together by making them feel like
they belong. By focusing on the Quran’s teachings about unity, cooperation, and
respecting each other, this approach can help build a strong and inclusive
nation where our differences are seen as strengths, not reasons to separate us.
Countering
Extremism and Radicalism:
In recent
years, India has witnessed instances of religious extremism and radicalization,
which pose a threat to its secular fabric and social harmony. These terrorist
groups, like Al Qaeda, Al Shabab, Boko Haram, and ISIS, believe in violent
methods to establish their version of Islam. They use the Quran to justify
their actions, even though they twist its teachings. They carry out attacks
that harm innocent people, claiming they’re fighting for Islam. But in reality,
they’re causing chaos and suffering. A modern nationalist Quranic
interpretation can serve as a potent antidote to extremist ideologies by
promoting a message of tolerance, moderation, and coexistence
The Quran
strongly opposes terrorism and extremism. It condemns these actions as
spreading mischief and disorder. The Quran even prescribes harsh punishments
for extremists, such as death or banishment. Despite this, these extremists
continue their violent acts, targeting innocent civilians. They misuse Quranic
verses about war to justify their actions, but they can’t explain why they hide
and attack fellow Muslims, including children.
The Islamic
perspective on jihad and the formation of groups (Jamaats) for
collective action. It asserts that according to Islam, only the state has the
authority to declare and conduct physical warfare (jihad) and establish Islamic
laws. Non-state actors forming parties for such purposes are forbidden. The
Quranic verse cited defines the scope of a Jamaat for peaceful invitation to
good and guiding people, emphasizing peaceful means. such ideologies can lead
individuals to justify violence, including suicide bombings, as martyrdom, but
ultimately resort to hypocrisy when faced with reality to protect their own
interests.
The Quran
unequivocally condemns terrorism and extremism, equating them with the concept
of mischief (Fasad). It highlights how modern terrorist organizations engage in
bloodshed while claiming to pursue societal reform, despite invoking Quranic
references to appear pious. The Quran prescribes severe punishments, including
death, amputation, or banishment, for extremists. These extremists, banished to
remote areas, launch attacks on innocent civilians. They justify their actions
by misinterpreting wartime verses, likening themselves to the Muslims of the
Prophet's era. However, they fail to explain why they live in hiding and target
fellow Muslims, including children, if they claim to act in the interest of
Islam.
The fact is
that they are the mischief-makers mentioned in the Quran. The Quran has made it
clear that Allah does not like mischief-makers and killers of innocent people
or perpetrators of injustice.
"He does not like the
transgressors":(Al
Araf:55)
"And do not kill one another. Indeed,
Allah is to you merciful. And whoever does that in aggression and injustice
then we will drive them into a Fire."(Al Nisa:29-30)
"If two groups of the believers fight each
other, seek reconciliation between them. And if one of them commits aggression
against the other fight the one that commits aggression until it comes back to
Allah's command."(Al Hujurat:9)
Conclusion
Interfaith
dialogue helps people from different religions talk, understand each other, and
work together. This is important in countries like India where many religions
live together. Lately, there have been some problems between religions, showing
the need for talking more and understanding each other's religious texts, like
the Quran. India needs to focus on interfaith dialogue and understanding
religious texts better. This will help make society more peaceful and
inclusive, where people of different religions can live together respectfully
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Dr. Uzma Khatoon is a PhD from Department of
Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University and taught there between 2017-18.
URL: https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/interfaith-quranic-interpretation-harmony-india/d/132011
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