Interreligious Engagement: Learning from the Medieval Muslim Intellectual Legacy

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.