A Very Distressing Thought

[Ansar Al-Haq]

One of the more enlightened members pointed out something very important for myself. This forum of interfaith dialogue has transformed into one of interfaith debate. This is not what should be happening. In a world alreadly falling from divisions, building bridges means the acceptance of others.

For this to happen, I would like to open a new chapter in our discussions where we do not debate our beliefs but discuss them with the intent on bringing our faiths together.

We need to think of ways to help christians and muslims (and all other faiths) understand eachother better. We nned to be at the forefront of securing trust between ourselves.

May God help us to do this.

I was hoping that we could discuss some ways to dialogue here and people could bring in points from their experience.

Peace

[Ratatosk]

Salaam,

When examined at face value, interfaith issues are, or perhaps could be, a veritable cornucopia for debate and in the worst cases animosity, if one is so inclined. My experience, however, tells a different story. At a closer look, all sentient beings of faith are, in very much their own way, searching for the same thing; repose, tranquility, peace. A place that their souls and hearts can call something as pathetic as 'home'. If one takes that stance, it is quite easy to see us all as the very same thing; seekers. Truth seekers of the same flesh and blood, the same thoughts, the same questions, the same insecurities and assuredness. In that (quite idealistic) sense, I have the hardest of times even noticing any difference betwixt us all.

I sincerely believe that the questions and issues and matters that are discussed on this a-here forum are timeless issues, issues of all people, of all faiths. Let us be civil and understanding in our search for the truth. Crikey, we might even learn something if we approach the issue with an open heart. Compassionately. Awake.

(This must be the most idealistic post I've posted so far, but I really, really do believe what I've written is true.)

peace out

[Ansar Al-Haq]

Thanks Br. Ratatosk.

[mule]

Ansar Al-Haq,

building bridges means the acceptance of others

What do you mean?

We need to think of ways to help christians and muslims (and all other faiths) understand eachother better. We nned to be at the forefront of securing trust between ourselves.

I understand Islam. Why should I give you trust?

mule

[Ansar Al-Haq]

Mule, you think you understand Islam but it is clear from the misconceptions you have that you don't. You have a very elementary understanding of Islam.

I don't claim to have a solid understanding of Christianity, because I am always willing to learn more. And the more I learn about other religions merely cements my belief that Islam is the straight path.

i am not asking for you to trust me. I am asking all muslims and christians to build a bond of trust between us and unite to fight the evil in the world.

Peace

[Ansar Al-Haq]

We should focus on simmilarities:

The Ten Commandments Confirmed In The Quran

The Ten Commandments

0) (Exodus 12: 1-17 & Deuteronomy 5: 6-21)
0) Confirmation in the Quran (Chapter: Verse)

1. Thou shall not take any God except one God.
1. "There is no God except one God" (47:19)

2. Thou shall make no image of God.
2. "There is nothing whatsoever like unto Him" (42:11)

3. Thou shall not use God's name in vain.
3. "Make not God's name an excuse to your oaths" (2:224)

4. Thou shall honor thy mother and father.
4. "Be kind to your parents if one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not a word of contempt nor repel them but address them in terms of honor." (17:23)

5. Thou shall not steal.
5. "As for the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands, but those who repent After a crime and reform shall beforgiven by God for God is forgiving and kind." (5:38 - 39)

6. Thou shall not lie or give false testimony.
6. "They invoke a curse of God if they lie." (24:7) "Hide not the testimony" (2:283)

7. Thou shall not kill.
7. "If anyone has killed one person it is as if he had killed the whole mankind" (5:32)

8. Thou shall not commit adultery.
8. "Do not come near adultery. It is an indecent deed and a way for other
evils." (17:32)

9. Thou shall not covet thy neighbors wife or possessions.
9, "Do good to your parents, relatives and neighbors." (4:36) Saying of the Prophet Muhammad (P) "One of the greatest sins is to have illicit sex with your neighbors wife".

10. Thou shall keep the Sabbath holy.
10. "When the call for the Friday Prayer is made, hasten to the remembrance of God and leave off your business." (62:9)

[mule]

I think that those ten are about all we have similar. The punishments even differ.

I think Islam is much too lenient.

[Yahya Sulaiman]

Ansar, what you're proposing is important to a certain extent, but you must remember also that dawah is a great virtue and generally cannot be practiced without debate being involved. Christians, of course, believe the same thing, only substituting the word "witnessing" for "dawah".

[Ansar Al-Haq]

Debates are very good at producing a lot of heat, but very little light. I'm for light. I'm for dialogue.

[mule]

Not many want light. I remember a member Lucas that was very good at dialog. He asked the very hard questions in a very respectful way. When I answered questions about the trinity he actually appeared to think about what my doctrines actually taught. I think he is one of the Muslims that I was most impressed with. One of the nicer people Ron has had on the boards.

[syedhs]

Debates are very good at producing a lot of heat, but very little light. I'm for light. I'm for dialogue.

Yes, I truly agree with this. The problem of winning a debate is it doesn't mean he has more meaningful argument or something like that. Many other factors contribute together and debating over religion issues could be very fruitless.

[Ansar Al-Haq]

Br. Syedhs is absoloutely correct. Winning a debate just invovles some skills that don't necessarily make the winner right. Deception, interpretation of facts, there are all kinds of factors in a debate. All a debate really proves is who is a better debator.

[Ratatosk]

Salam,

All a debate really proves is who is a better debator.

Indeed, and if that is not a selfish motive, I don't know what is.

[Yahya Sulaiman]

I refer you to my comment about this issue of winning debates which I made in the similar thread which Vaj started.

[Eric H]

peace mule

I understand Islam. Why should I give you trust?

If people don’t trust each other then no progress can be made in building relationships. So what happens next?

Peace

Eric