Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths

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Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths
Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths.png
Cover for the 1995 fourth edition
Editor Ismail al-Faruqi
LanguageEnglish
SeriesIssues of Islamic Thought, no. 1
Subject Interfaith dialogue
GenreConference proceedings
Published1995 (4th edition)
PublisherAmana Publications
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint [1] [2] [3] [4]
Pages103
ISBN 9780915957255
OCLC 31970376

Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths is a collection of papers edited by Ismail al-Faruqi. First published in 1982 by the International Institute of Islamic Thought, [1] the book brings together scholars from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism to explore how the three religions understand and engage with one another. The book's focus is on fostering dialogue, respect, and shared values among the Abrahamic faiths.

Contents

Background

The book compiles discussions from a meeting held at the 1979 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion in New York City. [5] Participants included scholars from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism who aimed to revive the kind of respectful interfaith dialogues that historically took place in locations such as Damascus and Cordoba. The event was organized by the Inter-Religious Peace Colloquium, later known as the Muslim-Jewish-Christian Conference. The gathering sought to identify common values while recognizing the unique perspectives of each faith. [6] [7] [8] [9]

Contents

The book is divided into three main sections, each exploring a different theme with contributions from scholars representing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The discussions examine theological perspectives, the role of the nation-state in society, and the global responsibilities of faith communities.

The Other Faiths

This section discusses how each religion views the others, examining both shared beliefs and differences. The aim is to promote understanding and reduce misconceptions that have historically strained interfaith relations.

The Nation State as a Form of Social Organization

This section examines how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam view the nation-state's role in social order. The discussions explore the relationship between religious teachings, governance, and ethical responsibilities within modern political structures.

The Faith-Community as Transnational Actor for Justice and Peace

This section explores the global role of religious communities in promoting justice and peace. The discussions emphasize the ethical obligations of faith communities to address social inequalities and work for the common good beyond national borders.

The keynote address, "The Catholic Church and the Jewish and Muslim Faiths: Trialogue of the Three Abrahamic Faiths," delivered by Cardinal Sergio Pignedoli, provides an overview of the shared values and challenges faced by the three faiths. It reflects on how these communities can work together for the common good. [19]

Themes

The book underscores the importance of interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration in addressing global challenges. It highlights how shared ethical principles among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can provide a foundation for religious communities to work together in promoting justice, peace, and social harmony. [7] [9]

Reception and influence

Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths has been praised for its contribution to interfaith studies. Reviewers have noted the depth of understanding demonstrated by contributors from all three religions. The discussions remain relevant today as efforts to foster mutual respect and cooperation among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam continue. [7] [8]

Publication history

Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths was first published in 1982 by the International Institute of Islamic Thought in Washington, D.C. This initial edition compiled presentations focused on fostering dialogue among the Abrahamic religions. [1] In 1986, a second edition was released by the same publisher, this time from Herndon, Virginia. The content of the second edition remained largely the same, with minor updates. [2]

A third edition was published in 1991 by Al Saʻdāwī Publications in collaboration with the International Institute of Islamic Thought. This edition was distributed from Alexandria, Virginia, and Herndon, Virginia, and included additional content relevant to interfaith dialogue. [3]

The fourth edition was published in 1995 by Amana Publications in Beltsville, Maryland. This edition has been cited in various discussions on interfaith relations and religious studies. [4]

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References

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  2. 1 2 Al-Faruqi, Isma'il Raji (1986). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths (2nd ed.). Herndon, Va.: International Institute of Islamic Thought. ISBN   0912463066. OCLC   17803711.
  3. 1 2 Al-Faruqi, Isma'il Raji (1991). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths (3rd ed.). Alexandria, Va.; Herndon, Va.: Al Saʻdāwī Publications; International Institute of Islamic Thought. ISBN   0912463406. OCLC   23287132.
  4. 1 2 Al-Faruqi, Isma'il Raji (1995). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths (4th ed.). Beltsville, Maryland: Amana Publications. ISBN   9780915957255. OCLC   31970376.
  5. Al-Faruqi, Ismail R. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Herndon, Virginia: International Institute of Islamic Thought. pp. 1–15.
  6. Hashi, Abdul Razak Abdulahi (August 5–7, 2008). Methodological Approach of Studying Religious Ethics of Other Faiths between Ismail al-Faruqi and Toshihiko Izutsu: A Comparative Study. International Conference on Contemporary Scholarship on Islam. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Sabri, Ahmad (2005). Understanding Isma’il Raji Al-Faruqi’s Approach to Religious Pluralism and Ethics. Kuala Lumpur: IIUM Press. pp. 18–22.
  8. 1 2 Ganaie, Ab Majeed (2024). "Faith-Based Understanding: A Trialogic Perspective within the Abrahamic Religions". Lectures: Journal of Islamic and Education Studies. 3 (2): 136–148. doi:10.58355/lectures.v3i2.82.
  9. 1 2 3 Shaharud-din, Suhaida; Khambali, Khadijah Mohd (2012). "Analisis Konsep Abrahamic Faiths dan Kaitannya dengan Pluralisme Agama". International Journal of Islamic Thought. 2 (1): 62–67. doi:10.24035/ijit.2.2012.006.
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