DIALOG ANTARA AGAMA DALAM KONTEKS ILMU PERBANDINGAN AGAMA MENURUT PERSPEKTIF ISLAM

Abstract

Undoubtedly, inter-religious dialogues modelled on the West are greatly influenced by the Christian ecumenical concept. This paper intends to present inter-religious dialogues from the comparative religions perspective and within the Islamic framework. Both ḥiwār dīnī and jidāl as mentioned in the Qurʾān are conceptually consistent with the kind of dialogue carried out with tasāmuḥ and maḥabbah which enables every individual to interact in harmony. It is also part of the tawḥīd vocation in ensuring dialogue sustainability while simultaneously strengthening religious beliefs. Also encouraged is the dialectical approach, as well as analysis of religious phenomena, which is to be done during dialogues. All the aforementioned shall render the dialogue participant open-minded in finding a common ground and avoiding biasness towards other religions. Hence, the streamlining of both the ethics stemming from tawḥīd and the application of the comparative religions methodology, as argued herein, shall help participants in interreligious dialogue realise a harmonious and meaningful dialogue.