Islam and Peace
Progress in Inter-Religious Dialogue
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been built in Rome for the first time in recent
history.
If the Qur’an is consulted with this point in view,
we find two main principles on which to hold
dialogues. One is derived from this verse of the
Qur’an:
Say: O People of Book, Let us come to a word
common to us and you that we will worship none
but God (3:64).
The first and foremost principle for any dialogue
held to discuss two or more religions is to strive to
find a mutual basis for peaceful co-existence.
It is a fact that finding a common ground in secular
matters is comparatively easy, for nothing is held as
sacred in secularism. On the contrary everything
acquires a sacred character in religion. That is why
it becomes the most difficult task to find a basis for
agreement in religious matters. However, despite
all difficulties, we must continue our efforts,
peacefully, irrespective of the results.
