DIALOGUE AND CO-OPERATION AMONG VARIOUS RELIGIONS

Dialogue, no doubt is a simple way of bringing people close to one another irrespective of religions and places. I appreciate and co-operate at all possible levels the dialogue and bridging between various religions. I find an injunction in The Final Testament, Holy Qur’an, chapter 3 verse 64:

“Say O Mohammed: ‘O followers of earlier revelation! Come on to a common word which is just between us and you, that we worship non but One and Only GOD, and that we shall not ascribe divinity to aught beside HIM, and that we shall not take human beings for our lords beside One and Only GOD.’ And if they turn away, then proclaim: ‘Bear witness that it is we who have surrendered ourselves unto HIM.’”

(From Holy Qur'an 3/64)

It seems to me that when we discuss with people from different religions, we have to search for common agendas. Humanity has it in all the times which effects the society at large regardless of their cast, creed and gender. In my objective studies of the Qur’an, I found that there must not be any compulsion in religious matters; however everybody has the right to speak about his religion. It is in chapter 88 verses 21 and 22:

“So O Mohammed, exhort them; your task is only to exhort: surely you are not a dictator over them.”

(From Holy Qur'an 88/21-22)

The Final Testament, Holy Qur’an guides the humanity how to develop an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence in spite of all such differences and co-operate one another for the common good of the society.

“….. And co-operate one another in virtue and piety based activities and do not cooperate in evil, enmity and envy based activities…” (Holy Qur’an, Chapter 5 verse 2)

(From Holy Qur'an 5/2)

Listening makes a person wise and interacting for good of one and all ensures of his being a God fearing, dedicated and responsible citizen of the world. Communication is the frame work and if handled gently enough, will certainly construct paths for more co-operations and make this world of ours a better place to live in harmony. If this golden formula is adopted by all, there will be a prosperous, peaceful, hatred free and terror free world.