Enter The Faith

Interfaith dialogue is necessary for Islam to progress

Yesterday was a very tiring day for one who is not used to long journey and lots of mental thingy to digress. Yet, it was worth the trouble of waking up so very early for the journey to K.K to a rendezvous down memory lane with all IIUM alumnus.

Nonetheless, what attracts me most is the talk by 'Cikgu' Sidek on Islamiphobia. It was very enlightening and inspiring. Thanks to Cikgu and the organising committee for the session. During the Q & A, one attendee inquires about the need of reciprocal approach to counter misconception which brings about Islamiphobia among the non Muslims particularly the West.

Pardon me for I may have misunderstood Cikgu's reply and intention, but to me his reply is a bit defensive and offensive at the same time. He argues that since Islam has been oppressed for ages and because during that time nobody has tried to understand the real situation encircling Islam and Muslims, there is no need for us to reciprocate to whatever befalling the West or the non Muslims. Reciprocal, according to the Brother is by condemning acts of violence on non Muslims.

I personally believe that respect and understanding is not a one way street. Everyone to gain respect needs to do the same so that respect and understanding are genuine. To cultivate wider and genuine understanding we need to act accordingly by following traditions of the Holy Prophet. He in his lifetime practises above mere human approaches when dealing with unruly behaviour of enemies of Islam. Instead of retaliating to the abuses, the Prophet acts the opposite by responding positively to the harsh treatments he receives early.

Nonetheless, in his reply Prof Sidek also stresses on the need for an open dialogue to disseminate the true face of Islam and not by resorting to violence though it is done to reciprocate what the Muslims have been forced to endure.

His idea of an open dialogue is unique considering that such proposal is a taboo in this nation. Open dialogue for some narrow minded people is an act of degrading and downgrading the status of Islam. By having an open dialogue, they aver that it is against the Federal Constitution. Being the official religion of the federation therefore Islam is above other faiths. In a sense, it is correct but to disallow an interfaith open dialogue is just like an overprotective mother. Islam is supposed to a progressive faith except for matters related to faith or Aqidah and Tauhid. As for other areas, Islam has been very accomodative since its official birth more than 1400 years ago.

Having an open dialogue with other faiths will in fact makes Islam a dynamic and progressive religion in its own stature. What will make Islam unique as compared to others is the fact that it is based on belief in one god but at the same time it does not prohibits its followers from living a life in this temporary world. Its followers are constantly reminded that one is free to do anything as long as it follows the commandments strictly. In the west, it is separation between world and religion as to them what one is doing in the privacy of his home is his rights and religion has no right to interfere. It is bewildering since they too believe in the life after death but they seem to be ignorant that to have a blissful after life, one needs to look after his life in this world hence the notion of separation between government and religion is certainly absurd in view of afterlife.

"We will enjoy what we sow in this life in the After Life"