Draft:Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths

Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths
Cover for the 1995 fourth edition
EditorIsmail al-Faruqi
LanguageEnglish
SeriesIssues of Islamic Thought, no. 1
SubjectInterfaith dialogue
GenreConference proceedings
Published1995 (4th edition)
PublisherAmana Publications
Publication date
1995
Media typePrint
Pages103
ISBN9780915957255
OCLC31970376

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.

Background

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The book compiles discussions from a meeting held at the 1979 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion in New York City.[2] Participants included scholars from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism who aimed to revive 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.[3][4][5]

Contents

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The book is divided into three main sections, each exploring a different theme with contributions from scholars representing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The Other Faiths

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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.

Islam and Christianity in the Perspective of Judaism

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Michael Wyschogrod explores how Judaism views Islam and Christianity. He emphasizes the shared belief in monotheism while addressing theological differences that set Judaism apart.[6]

Judaism and Islam in the Perspective of Christianity

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Krister Stendahl examines Christianity's perspective on Judaism and Islam, focusing on misunderstandings and stereotypes.[7]

Judaism and Christianity in the Perspective of Islam

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Muhammad Abdul Ra'uf discusses Islam's recognition of Jews and Christians as "People of the Book." He emphasizes the common ground shared by all three religions.[8]

The Nation State as a Form of Social Organization

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This section examines how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam view the nation-state's role in social order.

The Nation State and Social Order in the Perspective of Judaism

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Seymour Siegel reflects on the significance of the nation-state in Judaism, particularly after the establishment of Israel.[9]

The Nation State and Social Order in the Perspective of Christianity

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John Raines discusses the Christian approach to governance, drawing on theological traditions.[10]

The Nation State and Social Order in the Perspective of Islam

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Ismail al-Faruqi outlines the Islamic view of governance, emphasizing the integration of ethical leadership and divine law.[11][5]

The Faith-Community as Transnational Actor for Justice and Peace

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

The Faith Community and World Order in the Perspective of Judaism

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Henry Siegman discusses the Jewish commitment to ethical values that extend beyond national boundaries.[12]

The Faith Community and World Order in the Perspective of Christianity

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James Finn highlights how Christian communities contribute to international advocacy and humanitarian work.[13]

The Faith Community and World Order in the Perspective of Islam

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Mahmoud Awan explores how the Muslim ummah promotes justice and peace on a global scale.[14]

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.[15]

Themes

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The book emphasizes 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 promoting justice, peace, and social harmony.[5][3]

Reception and influence

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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.[3] The discussions remain relevant today as efforts to foster mutual respect and cooperation among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam continue.[4][5]

Publication history

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The book was first published in 1982 by the International Institute of Islamic Thought.[1] A second edition was released in 1986, with minor updates.[16] The third edition was published in 1991 with additional content.[17] The fourth edition, published in 1995 by Amana Publications, has been widely cited in discussions on interfaith relations.[18]

References

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  1. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c Sabri, Ahmad (2005). Understanding Isma’il Raji Al-Faruqi’s Approach to Religious Pluralism and Ethics. Kuala Lumpur: IIUM Press. pp. 18–22.
  4. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c d 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.
  6. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 12–18. ISBN 9780915957255.
  7. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 19–24. ISBN 9780915957255.
  8. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 25–32. ISBN 9780915957255.
  9. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 35–40. ISBN 9780915957255.
  10. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 41–47. ISBN 9780915957255.
  11. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 48–55. ISBN 9780915957255.
  12. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 60–67. ISBN 9780915957255.
  13. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 68–74. ISBN 9780915957255.
  14. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 75–82. ISBN 9780915957255.
  15. ^ Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, ed. (1982). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths. Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications. pp. 83–89. ISBN 9780915957255.
  16. ^ Al-Faruqi, Isma'il Raji (1986). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths (2nd ed.). Herndon, Va.: International Institute of Islamic Thought. ISBN 0912463066. OCLC 17803711.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ Al-Faruqi, Isma'il Raji (1995). Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths (4th ed.). Beltsville, Maryland: Amana Publications. ISBN 9780915957255. OCLC 31970376.