Islam And Civilizational Dialogue

The central theme of the book is Islamʹs past, present and future dialogues with other cultures and civilizations. Islam has made a positive and major contribution to the development of the idea of a universal human civilization and to the enrichment of global human culture through its constructive civilizational engagement with the rest of the world. The author argues that, on the basis of its past achievements, Islam has both the necessary sense of civilizational mission and sufficient spiritual and intellectual means to conduct a world-wide conversation not only with its sister religions in the Abrahamic family, namely Judaism and Christianity but also with Far Eastern religions like Confucianism, Buddhism and even Shintoism in the pursuit of a truly universal civilization and a global ethics based on shared spiritual, moral and ethical values. -- Back cover.

The interaction between the Muslim World and the West stretches back centuries and although the points of conflict are well known, the exchange of knowledge and cultural awareness cannot be under-estimated and their impact on both civilizations is palpable. Recent historical events have once again focused attention on perceived points of conflict and their associated negative connotations and the resultant criticisms and stereotypes of the West and Islam in general. By reaching back to the past we can sometimes find a way to pursue a more peaceful future, and past examples of cooperation and co-existence between the West and the Muslim World – if the historical context and perspective of these periods is taken into account – can offer a path to mutual understanding and respect. If we take the positive from the past and promote what we hold in common today, then the noise of extremism will always be held at bay. In order to examine these issues and provide an in-depth overview of the relationship between the West and the Muslim World, the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) held a Symposium under the title “Islam and the West: A Civilized Dialogue,” on May 16–17, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, hosting a group of distinguished experts from various academic, political and educational backgrounds in conjunction with the School of Policy and International Affairs at the University of Maine, United States. This book comprises a valuable collection of the papers presented at the Symposium. It identifies how relations between the West and the Muslim World have developed; where mutual interests meet and diverge; and prospects for peaceful co-existence. This book draws on the in-depth knowledge and varied opinions of its contributors who share a wealth of experience in all facets of inter-cultural awareness, European and Islamic history, contemporary international relations, media and education, and includes experts native to the Muslim World and the West as well as those who have chosen both regions as their adoptive homes.

Many today warn that the Muslim world and the West are on a collision course. The depth and intensity of animosity expressed by Bin Laden and his al-Qaeda followers led some to ask, “Why do they hate us?” The temptation for some American government officials and political commentators was to condemn and dismiss, to explain away anti-Americanism as irrationality, ingratitude, jealousy of US success or hatred for the American way of life. This approach fails to get at real issues. As governments respond to the threat of global terrorism, must be balanced by evidence that establishes a direct connection of guilt and by strikes that are focused rather than wide-ranging and indiscriminate. A disproportionate response runs the risk of a backlash in the Middle East and the broader Muslim world – as well as among American and European Muslim citizens – that erodes the goodwill of many and reinforces an image of a superpower again placing itself above international law. The war against global terrorism should not justify a gradual erosion of important principles and values at home or become a green light to authoritarian regimes in the Muslim world to increase repression. There is also a need to adopt a more balanced policy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If foreign policy issues are not addressed effectively, they will continue to provide a breeding ground for anti-Americanism, hatred and radicalism, the rise of extremist movements, and recruits for the Bin Ladens of this world. Short-term foreign policies that are necessitated by national interest must be balanced by long-term policies and incentives that pressure our allies to promote a gradual and progressive process of broader political participation and power sharing.

"Global Civilization" emerged from a series of conversations between two peace advocates of Japanese and Iranian origin. It covers the encounters between Buddhist and Islamic civilizations from the 7th century to the present. For all their cultural differences, Buddhism and Islam share a surprising number of intrinsic similarities. The topics discussed include such diverse subjects as the nature of religious faith today, global ideological terrorism, religious fanatacism and universal human rights. Ikeda and Tehranian, two important representatives of their respective faiths, propose dialogue as the most effective method of conflict resolution at interpersonal, intra-national and international levels. It is a call for tolerance, for dialogue and for peace.

Papers presented in a seminar held from Oct. 4-6, 1997 in Islamabad.