Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths

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Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths
Editor Ismail al-Faruqi
LanguageEnglish
SeriesIssues of Islamic Thought, no. 1
SubjectInterfaith dialogue
GenreConference proceedings
Published1995 (4th edition)
PublisherAmana Publications
Publication date
1982
Media typePrint
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 gathers scholars from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism to explore how the three faiths interact and understand each other. The book emphasizes fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and shared values among the Abrahamic faiths.

Contents

Background

The book is based on discussions from the 1979 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion in New York City. [2] The event brought together scholars from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, aiming to rekindle interfaith dialogues once common in places like Damascus and Cordoba. Organized by the Inter-Religious Peace Colloquium (later renamed the Muslim-Jewish-Christian Conference), the gathering focused on identifying shared values while respecting the distinct beliefs of each faith. [3] [4] [5]

Al-Faruqi’s active role in interfaith programs was part of a broader tradition of Muslim scholarly engagement in comparative religious studies, aimed at promoting religious diversity and mutual respect. [6] This historical approach, rooted in classical Islamic scholarship, valued comprehensive dialogue with other faiths. [7] His innovative work laid the groundwork for modern trends in religious pluralism and comparative studies, influencing academic discourse and institutions. [8] His involvement in initiatives such as the Inter-Religious Peace Colloquium highlights his dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. [9] [10]

Contents

The book is divided into three sections, each exploring different themes through contributions from scholars representing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The Other Faiths

This section explores how each religion views the others, highlighting both shared beliefs and differences. It aims to foster understanding and reduce the misconceptions that have long strained interfaith relations.

Islam and Christianity in the Perspective of Judaism

Michael Wyschogrod examines how Judaism views Islam and Christianity. He highlights shared beliefs in monotheism while addressing theological differences that set Judaism apart. [11]

Judaism and Islam in the Perspective of Christianity

Krister Stendahl discusses how Christianity perceives Judaism and Islam, focusing on common stereotypes and misunderstandings. [12]

Judaism and Christianity in the Perspective of Islam

Muhammad Abdul Rauf discusses Islam’s recognition of Jews and Christians as "People of the Book" and emphasizes the common ground shared by all three religions.

The Nation State as a Form of Social Organization

This section examines how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam view the role of the nation-state in social order. [13]

The Nation State and Social Order in the Perspective of Judaism

Seymour Siegel discusses the significance of the nation-state in Judaism, particularly after the establishment of Israel. [14]

The Nation State and Social Order in the Perspective of Christianity

John Raines reflects on Christian traditions of governance and the relationship between religion and the nation-state. [15]

The Nation State and Social Order in the Perspective of Islam

Ismail al-Faruqi presents the Islamic view of governance, focusing on the integration of ethical leadership and divine law. [16] [5]

The Faith-Community as Transnational Actor for Justice and Peace

This section discusses the role of religious communities in promoting global justice and peace.

The Faith Community and World Order in the Perspective of Judaism

Henry Siegman explores the Jewish commitment to ethical values that transcend national borders. [17]

The Faith Community and World Order in the Perspective of Christianity

James Finn discusses how Christian communities contribute to international humanitarian efforts and advocacy for peace. [18]

The Faith Community and World Order in the Perspective of Islam

Mahmoud Awan discusses the role of the Muslim ummah in promoting global justice and peace. [19]

In his keynote address, titled "The Catholic Church and the Jewish and Muslim Faiths: Trialogue of the Three Abrahamic Faiths," Cardinal Sergio Pignedoli outlines the shared values and challenges the three faiths face. [20]

Themes

The book stresses the importance of interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration in addressing global issues. The themes explored in the book reflect the ongoing complexity of interfaith interactions, as noted by scholars who observe that interfaith activities are often influenced by existing religious and social power structures. [9] It highlights how the shared ethical principles of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can serve as a foundation for promoting justice, peace, and social harmony. [3] [5] The work also echoes traditional Islamic perspectives on engaging with other monotheistic traditions, demonstrating the continuity between classical and contemporary approaches in religious scholarship. [10]

Reception and Influence

Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths has been praised for its contributions to interfaith dialogue. Reviewers have noted the depth of understanding among the contributors from each religion. [3] The book's emphasis on promoting mutual respect and shared values aligns with broader discussions on the challenges faced by minority religious groups in interfaith dialogues, which have historically occurred within frameworks influenced by Protestant dominance. [9] The book's relevance continues today as efforts to foster mutual respect and cooperation among the three faiths persist. [4] [5]

Publication History

The book was first published in 1982 by the International Institute of Islamic Thought. [1] A second edition followed in 1986 with minor updates. [21] The third edition was published in 1991 with additional content. [22] The fourth edition, published in 1995 by Amana Publications, has been widely cited in discussions on interfaith relations. [23]

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References

  1. 1 2 Al-Faruqi, Isma'il Raji (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Washington, D.C.: International Institute of Islamic Thought. p. 88. OCLC   11470804.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. 1 2 3 Sabri, Ahmad (2005). Understanding Isma'il Raji Al-Faruqi's Approach to Religious Pluralism and Ethics. Kuala Lumpur: IIUM Press. pp. 18–22.
  4. 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 .
  5. 1 2 3 4 Shaharud-din, Suhaida; Mohd Khambali, Khadijah (2012). "Analisis Konsep Abrahamic Faiths dan Kaitannya dengan Pluralisme Agama". International Journal of Islamic Thought (in Malay). 2 (1): 62–67. doi: 10.24035/ijit.2.2012.006 .
  6. ↑ Smith, Jane I. (2004). "Muslims as Partners in Interfaith Encounter". In Bukhari, Zahid H.; Nyang, Sulayman S.; Ahmad, Mumtaz; Esposito, John L. (eds.). Muslims' Place in the American Public Square: Hope, Fears, and Aspirations. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press. pp. 165–167. ISBN   9780759106130.
  7. ↑ Gul, Andleeb (2019). "Current Trends of Muslim Academia in Comparative Religions". Government College University, Lahore: 53–70.
  8. ↑ Abdul Rahman, Tasnim. "New Trends in Religious Study (Religiouswissenchaft): As Developed and Proposed by Al-Faruqi". World Applied Sciences Journal. 30: 15–18.
  9. 1 2 3 Hicks, Rosemary R. (2024). "Interfaith Endeavors: Building Alliances in Times of Crisis". Religious Pluralism, Secularism, and Interfaith Endeavors. Cambridge University Press. pp. 165–169.
  10. 1 2 Yousif, Ahmad F. (2017). Studies in World Religions: An Introduction to Monotheistic Traditions (2nd ed.). Bandar Seri Begawan: UNISSA Press. ISBN   9789991765464.
  11. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 12–18. ISBN   9780915957255.
  12. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 19–24. ISBN   9780915957255.
  13. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 25–32. ISBN   9780915957255.
  14. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 35–40. ISBN   9780915957255.
  15. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 41–47. ISBN   9780915957255.
  16. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 48–55. ISBN 9780915957255.
  17. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 60–67. ISBN   9780915957255.
  18. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 68–74. ISBN   9780915957255.
  19. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 75–82. ISBN   9780915957255.
  20. ↑ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 83–89. ISBN   9780915957255.
  21. ↑ Al-Faruqi, Isma'il Raji (1986). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths (2nd ed.). Herndon, Va.: International Institute of Islamic Thought. ISBN   0912463066. OCLC   17803711.
  22. ↑ 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.
  23. ↑ Al-Faruqi, Isma'il Raji (1995). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths (4th ed.). Beltsville, Maryland: Amana Publications. ISBN   9780915957255. OCLC   31970376.
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