Interreligious Engagement: Learning from the Medieval Muslim Intellectual Legacy

Fadlil Yani Ainusyamsi; Muhammad Aris  Munawar; Dede  Darisman; Didih Syakir  Munandar; Husni  Husni

doi:10.32350/jitc.151.21

Fadlil Yani Ainusyamsi Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Islamic University Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9857-4667
Muhammad Aris Munawar Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Department of Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Darussalam Ciamis, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0973-6952
Dede Darisman Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Department of Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Darussalam Ciamis, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8359-4104
Didih Syakir Munandar Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Department of Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Darussalam Ciamis, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5097-2911
Husni Husni Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Department of Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Darussalam Ciamis, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9931-2754

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.151.21

Keywords: dialogue, haqiqah, ijtihad, medieval Muslim intellectual, synthesis of philosophy and theology

Abstract

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The current study aimed to analyse the concept of interreligious engagement (IE) or interfaith dialogue (ID) for the medieval period (MP), considering a global, pluralistic, and interdependent society that transcends contemporary society. The study investigated the philosophical inheritance of medieval Muslims on the issue of IE and ID. The thematic approach was used in this study. The interactions of Muslim intellectuals were taken into consideration, such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, Al-Biruni, Ibn Arabi, Al-Shatibi, Ibn Rushd, and Al-Razi with various theological and philosophical traditions, especially Judaism and Christianity. This study showed that although the term IE is unknown in the medieval Muslim intellectual tradition, nevertheless, it offers some insights. This is because this attitude maintained the notion that truth could be derived from various sources, such as from the traditions of other religions and therefore, true knowledge is, by nature, inclusive. They founded a tradition of discourse that blends rationality and revelation. They asserted that human reason and religious revelation do not oppose, however, could illuminate each other. To be sure, science and spirituality may converse and inspire each other. Interfaith discourse, such as medieval Muslim scholarship, is a movement beyond passive tolerance. It pursues common ground, respects divergent positions, and, when possible, seeks partnership in advancing mutual interests.

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