A successful dialogue needs to have certain goals before it starts. These are some of suggested objectives for a successful one:
1. Dialogue between civilizations will remain one of the prominent means that introduce our religion (Islam) to the whole world. In July 2008, a historic interfaith dialogue conference was initiated by King Abdullah to solve world problems through concord instead of conflict, through the world Conference on Religion, which called on the true believers of the world’s leading faiths to defeat extremist viewpoints, find common cause and foster a spirit of peace.
2. Nations are diverse so that people may know one another and communicate among themselves. Communication is the transfer of a concept or message from sender to receiver and dialogue is one of the advanced and important means of communication between people. With a clear concept in mind and a noble message to promote, you conduct a dialogue.
3. A man asked three builders busy working: “What are you doing?” The first one answered: “I am doing a mean work just for my sustenance.” The second one replied: “As you see, I am building a wall." The third builder said: “I am constructing the most magnificent monument in the city.”
Which of the three answers is yours?
Last but not the least, I am calling on all of you ladies and gentlemen to make sure you adopt a bright and optimistic perspective when you participate in any dialogue or event in order to feel the greatness of your efforts.
— Dr. Mohsin Shaikh Al-Hassan is a Saudi writer.
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