Islam the Religion of Dialogue

Islam the Religion of Dialogue

The book includes translations of the introductions of all of the five Arabic editions of the book. The introduction of the first Arabic version mentions the significance of dialogue: “after God had willed to create man… and made His plan public to the angels. The dialogue started by posing the question about the nature of man, his roles, and his negative and positive aspects.”

It is a summary of Islamic characteristics and basis of dialogue in Islam. The word itself is derived from the Greek word “dia” which means seeing things from the other’s lens. The book also explains how dialogue and dispute come about; clarifying that argument is an intrinsic quality of human nature, and that our life is a constant search for the ultimate truth. However, some types of arguments are rejected. After all, the main objective of dialogue in Islam is to show man the ultimate truth. In addition, at one point, man must practice the art of debate so as to defend the idea he is preaching.