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. ----- 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 ------ 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 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism