INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE PROTOCOL

The Necessity of the Koran in a Globalizing World

Asfarudin Asthma

This book analyzes various different perspectives regarding the ways or principles of
building general protocols for dialogue between religious communities, considering that
inter-religious meetings often lead to positive interactions but are also fraught with the
possibility of exchanging grudges and counter-productive consequences. To move towards a
protocol for inter-religious dialogue that is mutually respectful and honest, that is mutually
beneficial and enlightening, this research study uses the Al-Qur'an as a reference source to
determine the authoritative nature of dialogue and its guiding principles. The verses chosen
regarding this matter are QS 29:46; QS 6:107-8 and finally QS 3:64, because of its relevance
to relations between Muslims and non-Muslims. The aim is to provide reflections on the
further implications of these interpretations in encouraging better interreligious understanding
between Muslims and their dialogue partners in today's globalized world.

This book concludes that from a contemporary perspective, most pre-modern

interpreters allude to the broad implications of these verses for interreligious dialogue, but
there are also those who tend to downplay the sinister potential of these verses. Yet most
Muslims recognize that their own history and traditions compel them to engage in honest and
respectful dialogue with the People of the Book (especially Jews and Christians). Therefore,
the constellation of verses studied in this chapter can provide a contemporary interpretive
stimulus for the emergence of true pluralism in the ethical and moral thinking of Muslims in
relation to other religions and societies. In fact, based on the author's survey of pre-modern
and modern interpreters, it also shows that through faithful reading of these selected verses of
the Qur'an. the author can draw on broad scripture-based protocols for conducting respectful
and beneficial interfaith and intrafaith encounters that are well suited to our times.

Based on the author's analysis, this article is a counter argument to Hans Kung's
statement that there is no world peace without the peace of religion. The goal is for world
peace where people come from diverse religious backgrounds or beliefs
Unity in Diversity, inter-religious dialogue is institutionalized and funded by the government.
For example. Inter-Religious Communication Forum (FKUB) or Center for Religious
Harmony (PKUB) which aims to build dialogue between religions.