Knowing the ‘Other’
By
Jamal Rahman, New Age Islam
1 June 2021
By Getting
To Know And Bond With Those Who Are Different From Us Is Really Important
Main
Points:
1.
Knowing the other is the best way to overcome any tendency to demonize
or dehumanize other people.
2.
Connecting with one another on a human level creates the space for us to
co-operate on issues that are dear to both of us: projects of social justice,
earth care and other interests.
----
Why is it
important to come to know the ‘other,’ someone who is different from us—be it
in terms of ethnicity, religion, political orientation, or other
affiliations?
First of
all, we know from experience and our study of history that knowing the ‘other’
is the best way to overcome any tendency to demonize or dehumanize other
people.
Second, if
we do this work of heart-to-heart connection with the ‘other,’ then no matter
what differences exist—whether in religion, politics or culture—they will no
longer loom as a threat.
Third, once
we connect with one another on a human level, it creates the space and the
capacity for us to collaboratively focus and co-operate on issues that are dear
to both of us: projects of social justice, earth care and other interests.
It is
generally the case that people who have very negative views of another religion
or community do not personally know even one practitioner from that religion or
community. On the other hand, a positive view of another religion often comes
hand in hand with personally knowing at least one or more persons from that
religion or community. So, this work of establishing connections at an
interpersonal level is critical: it takes conscious effort to create personal
bonds between people of different religious or community backgrounds.
In this
regard, I would like to quote this saying of the 13th century sage Jalaluddin
Rumi, who exclaimed, “O God! You have created this ‘I’, and ‘us’ to play a
game of adoration with Yourself.”
We should
play this game more often! By engaging in this delightful game, by getting to
know and bond with others who are outside our “tribe,” we fulfil God’s purpose
for creating diversity among human beings.
----
Based in
the USA, Jamal Rahman is a popular speaker and author on Islam, Sufi
spirituality, and interfaith relations.
Along with his Interfaith Amigos, he has been featured in The New York
Times, CBS News, BBC, and various NPR programs.
Jamal is co-founder and Muslim Sufi Imam at Interfaith Community
Sanctuary and adjunct faculty at Seattle University. He travels nationally and internationally,
presenting at retreats and workshops.
Jamal’s passion lies in interfaith community building and activism.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/pluralism-community/d/124915