al-Hiwar ma'a Ashab al-Adyan Mashruiyyatuhu wa Shurutuhu wa Adabuhu
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- al-Hiwar ma'a Ashab al-Adyan Mashruiyyatuhu wa Shurutuhu wa Adabuhu
al-Hiwar ma'a Ashab al-Adyan: Mashru‘iyyatuhu wa-Shurutuhu wa-Adabuhu (Dialogue with Followers of Religions: Its Legitimacy, Conditions, and Etiquette) is a contemporary treatise on interfaith and intercultural dialogue by Ahmad bin Sayf al-Din Turkistani, an associate professor in the Department of Media at the College of Da‘wah and Media at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University . The work examines the Islamic legal basis for engaging in dialogue with adherents of other religions, responds to common objections against interreligious discourse, critiques Western theories of civilizational clash, and outlines the qualifications and etiquette required of a Muslim interlocutor .
Conceptual Framework and Objectives
The author begins by noting that modern telecommunications and global networks have facilitated unprecedented contact and exchange between diverse cultures and nations . He establishes the scriptural grounding of dialogue by citing numerous Quranic passages and instances from the Prophet’s ﷺ life involving discussions with the People of the Book, such as the encounters with the Christian delegation of Abyssinia and the debates with the Jewish scholars of Medina .
Conceptually, the treatise distinguishes between hiwar (dialogue) and jadal (contentious dispute): while jadal often carries connotations of obstinacy and a desire to prevail regardless of truth, hiwar represents an exchange of speech and perspectives between parties without inherent hostility . It also defines religion (din) and culture (thaqafah), noting that Islamic culture remains anchored in divine revelation rather than mere temporal customs .
The stated objectives of dialogue include:
- Understanding the counterparty’s positions and arguments while conveying the Islamic message clearly .
- Persuading interlocutors of the truth and dispelling misconceptions .
- Acknowledging shared truths and positive values, in accordance with the principle of seeking wisdom wherever it is found .
- Constructing channels of peaceful communication to prevent destructive confrontations and refuting extremist and deviant arguments .
Responses to Objections and Critique of Civilizational Conflict
The book systematically addresses six prominent doubts raised regarding the utility of interfaith dialogue :
- Confusion of beliefs: The risk of ideological confusion applies only to unqualified interlocutors; a well-grounded scholar is strengthened by testing arguments .
- Entrenchment of bias: Genuine dialogue historically yielded significant conversions and dispelled hostility .
- Incitement of discord: Proper adherence to scholarly decorum prevents polemical fallout .
- Legitimization of falsehood: False doctrines lose their veneer when subjected to open, critical scrutiny .
- Compromise on fundamental principles: Constructive dialogue does not demand doctrinal relativism or syncretism .
- Intellectual defeat of believers: Any setbacks in debate stem from poor preparation and weak presentation by individual advocates rather than flaws in the truth itself .
Turkistani also critiques Western political philosophies that reject intercultural dialogue, particularly Francis Fukuyama’s thesis on the end of history and Samuel Huntington’s "Clash of Civilizations" . He argues that Huntington’s model relies on loose definitions of civilization, selective examples, and an assumption of inevitable conflict that overlooks the positive potential of communicative exchange .
Qualifications, Limitations, and Etiquette
The treatise identifies matters that are inadmissible for dialogue, including topics beyond human comprehension, speculative questions devoid of practical benefit, settled consensus, and historical disputes regarding the Companions of the Prophet that provoke sectarian discord .
For permissible fields of engagement, the author outlines necessary qualifications for Muslim representatives:
- Firm knowledge of scriptural evidence from the Quran and Sunnah according to the understanding of the early generations (al-Salaf) .
- Familiarity with legal theory (usul al-fiqh) and the higher objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al-shariah) .
- Detailed comprehension of the subject under discussion and the opposing party's arguments .
- Dedication to truthfulness without sycophancy or flattery (mudahanah) .
- Sincerity in seeking the truth, maintaining composure, and applying structured logical arguments grounded in intuitive, shared premises .
In addition, the work enumerates essential rules of etiquette (adab), such as adhering strictly to the designated topic, defining ambiguous terms, prioritizing core issues over minor points, maintaining polite speech to de-escalate tension, showing patience during persuasion, and listening attentively without interruption . The author illustrates this active listening through the Prophet's ﷺ patient reception of Utbah ibn Rabi‘ah's proposals before replying with verses of Surah Fussilat . The work concludes by referencing the extensive heritage of classical Islamic literature dedicated to the ethics of disputation and theological debate, estimating that over 150 works were authored on the subject .
Answer updated