OFFSTONE JAN EDITION 2026

49 PEACE-BUILDING THROUGH INTERFAITH DIALOGUE: DEVELOPING AN ISLAMIC FRAMEWORK FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATION By: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Mihlar Abdul Muthaliff mihlar@usim.edu.my The author is an associate professor at USIM. He holds a doctorate in comparative religion and usul al-dīn from IIUM. A prolific writer and researcher, he analyses religions from an Islamic perspective in his published work and contributes actively to international academic journals and conferences. ABSTRACT In an era marked by globalized communication and persistent conflict, effective peace-building has become paramount. This article explores interfaith dialogue as a critical mechanism for peace-building within the global communication context, examining its foundations and operational principles from an Islamic theological and ethical framework. It argues that Islamic teachings provide dynamic guidelines for dialogue, emphasizing shared values, ethical communication, and the pursuit of universal justice as essential components for sustainable peace. Introduction The contemporary world is characterized by an unprecedented degree of interconnectedness, facilitated by digital media and global communication networks. Ironically, this very hyper- connectivity frequently serves to amplify sectarian and religious tensions, as digital platforms become breeding grounds for misrepresentation and fragmentation. When violent conflicts possess religious dimensions, effective peacebuilding necessitates a long-term process dedicated to addressing root causes and fostering just, peaceful societies. Hence, interreligious dialogue emerges as a vital form of communicative action aimed at building