The pan-muslim center for dialogue that is currently proposed by King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz is something that has been in the works in one form or another, for quite some time. The implied commitment to improved dialogue and unity is plainly coherent with the ideas put forward in sacred texts.
For instance, the Prophet’s Hadith states, “A good ruler is the one who unites people while an evil ruler is the one who divides them.” King Abdullah’s call for the new center for dialogue comes to us from Makkah, the spiritual center for all Muslims. The center’s location in the Saudi capital of Riyadh highlights the importance of this center for its citizens, but the significance extends to the entire Muslim world.
On a philosophical or idealistic level, there can be few arguments against such a center for dialogue; but on a human level, of course the idea is prone to arousing those very fears that encourage discrimination and defense against the influence of the “other”.
The profound differences in belief, interpretation and practice of Muslims in various countries raise the spectrum of xenophobia – the very force that the proposed dialogue attempts to overcome.
It all comes down to the centrality of the Muslim faith in all our lives. If we are able to give it an importance above all else — especially above any insecurities arising from our differences — it presents an unshakeable foundation for constructive dialogue between us. Of course, it is the very importance of our religious life and practices that may lead us to over-emphasize the differences among us.
To the extent that modes of practice are important, even vital, to establishing and maintaining our proper orientation toward all that is sacred, it is very natural that we might fear the outside influence that may threaten to lead us away from it.
Such apprehension is not small-minded or shameful. On the contrary, defense of our practice and way of life is a high virtue. But it need not quell inclusive dialogue. It need not, and it will not — in the presence of one key component: tolerance.
Tolerance, in order for it to do its work, has to be mutual. In fact, in a cross-cultural dialogue such as the one being proposed, it must be collective, even universal. It implies absolute mutual support for the beliefs and practices of others.
Nobody is here to change anybody’s faith, or anybody’s practice of that faith. Finding our common ground as Muslims entails an absolute commitment to that concept of mutual tolerance.
For Saudi Arabia, these objectives are particularly compelling. The size and diversity of our country, with representatives from various sects of Islam, suggests a high need for tolerance and co-operation. Saudi Arabia is the first nation to put forward this concept of open and mutual communication. It is critical that we set the correct tone.
The success of a center for dialogue in Riyadh can become the key to a much wider dialogue, potentially involving representatives from all of the world’s cultures and religions. Tolerance implies an absolute expectation of respect for our own practice, as well as the obligation to extend that respect to others. Saudi Arabia now has the unique opportunity to practice and demonstrate these values.
