OFFSTONE JAN EDITION 2026

50 mutual understanding, fostering religious harmony, and establishing cooperative relations across faith boundaries. From an Islamic perspective, engagement in such dialogue is not merely a modern accommodation but is deeply rooted in the Qurānic worldview and the Prophetic tradition ( Sunnah ). This article analyzes interfaith dialogue as a tool for peace- building through the lens of Islamic guidelines, positing that its principles offer a normative framework for ethical global communication conducive to peace. Islamic Theological and Ethical Foundations for Dialogue The Islamic paradigm for dialogue and engagement between followers of religions is established based on theological and ethical principles derived from its primary sources. This framework transforms dialogue from a passive activity into an active, purpose-driven instrument for peace-building. First, the Qur’anic doctrine of universal humanism provides the fundamental rationale for dialogue. The verse, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another ” (Qurān, 49:13), is pivotal. The call to “know one another” ( li-ta’ārafū ) is an injunction toward mutual recognition and understanding, framing diversity as a divine intention to be explored through communicative encounter rather than a threat to be eliminated. This knowing is the antithesis of ignorance, which Islam identifies as a primary source of conflict and prejudice. Second, the Qurānic recognition of religious diversity and freedom of belief establishes a normative space for dialogue. Verses such as “ There is no compulsion in religion ” (Qurān, 2:256) and “To you your religion, and to me my religion” (Qurān, 109:6) explicitly reject coercion in matters of faith, thereby mandating a communicative relationship based on consent and mutual respect. Furthermore, the acknowledgment of a shared prophetic heritage with the “People of the Book” ( Ahl al-Kitab ) creates a theological basis for finding common ground. The Holy Qurān instructs Muslims to engage with them in the “best manner” (Qurān, 29:46), which classical and contemporary scholars interpret as a call for discourse marked by wisdom, graciousness, and reasoned argumentation. Third, Prophetic models provide a practical blueprint for using dialogue as a peacebuilding tool. This is evidenced by historical precedents such as the Constitution of Medina and Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) principled engagements with Christian, Jewish, and polytheist communities, which collectively established a pluralistic social contract. By enacting core principles, such as respect, hospitality, and the affirmation of shared belief,