27 february 2025

Interreligious Dialogue: A Path Toward Mutual Understanding

Reflections on the Lecture by Brother Amir Jajé, OP

On February 18, 2025, the Catholic University of Madagascar in Antananarivo hosted an exceptional lecture delivered by Brother Dr. Amir Jajé, OP. A specialist in interreligious dialogue, Vice-Rector of Domuni Universitas, and Director of both the Arabic-language programs and the Institute for Religious Studies, Brother Jajé offered a profound and engaged reflection on the possibility of dialogue with Muslims in today’s world.

The audience—comprising students, seminarians, and intellectuals—listened with keen attention to this thought-provoking presentation, which left no one indifferent. Through an approach grounded in both experience and intellectual rigor, the speaker addressed the challenges and opportunities of Christian-Muslim dialogue, emphasizing the necessity of renewed engagement—clear-sighted, respectful, and committed.

A Necessary but Demanding Dialogue

Recognizing and Accepting Differences

At the outset, Brother Jajé underscored the delicate nature of interreligious dialogue. When a religion seeks to assert itself as the sole absolute and universal truth, it can lead to misunderstandings, tensions, and rejection. Authentic dialogue, far from being a doctrinal confrontation, requires mutual recognition of differences. It is neither about denying these divergences nor making them insurmountable barriers, but rather about acknowledging their existence while seeking pathways to understanding and collaboration.

One of the major challenges lies in the theological contrast: Christianity is founded on the mystery of the Incarnation, while Islam upholds the absolute transcendence of God. This structural opposition is not merely theoretical; it has profound implications that often render theological dialogue complex. However, as Brother Jajé pointed out, this difference does not make dialogue impossible—quite the contrary.

A Dialogue of Understanding, Not Conversion

The objective of interreligious dialogue should not be to persuade but to understand. It is not a tool for conversion, but a means of mutual enrichment, where each participant learns to see the world through the other’s perspective without renouncing their own faith.

A common misconception is that dialogue occurs between religions as abstract systems. In reality, it is people—men and women with their histories, doubts, and hopes—who engage in dialogue. This deeply human approach must guide every interfaith exchange.

The Conditions for a Fruitful Dialogue

The Importance of Presence and Commitment

For genuine dialogue to take root, presence is essential. It is not enough to speak about dialogue; it must be lived. This requires attentiveness to the other’s culture, social realities, and aspirations. History has often seen religious communities coexist without truly engaging with one another, living in separate spheres defined by mutual mistrust and ignorance.

The first step toward meaningful dialogue is to break down these barriers and approach the other with an open mind. Welcoming the other does not mean seeking to change or assimilate them, but rather recognizing their inherent dignity.

Mutual Respect and Genuine Listening

Mutual respect is a fundamental prerequisite for overcoming past wounds and envisioning a future of collaboration and peace. The Second Vatican Council, through the Nostra Aetate declaration, emphasized the importance of moving beyond historical conflicts to promote justice and freedom together.

Authentic dialogue requires humility and self-questioning. Too often, discussions turn into monologues where one side seeks to instruct while the other passively listens. Yet, every genuine encounter is based on reciprocity—each party has something to learn from the other, even if it means reconsidering certain long-held beliefs. Brother Jajé stressed that dialogue should not be seen as a threat but as an opportunity to deepen one’s own faith by engaging with the faith of others.

The Challenges of Interreligious Dialogue

Overcoming Barriers

Despite its necessity, interreligious dialogue is often hindered by various obstacles. Deep-seated mistrust, shaped by centuries of opposition and conflict, remains a significant challenge. Prejudices persist on both sides, frequently preventing true understanding. Additionally, the fear of proselytism complicates dialogue, as it is sometimes perceived as a veiled attempt to impose one’s faith on the other. The speaker emphasized that the intention must be clear from the outset: dialogue is not about conversion but about creating a space for open and honest exchange.

Moreover, interfaith dialogue should not be confined to theological and philosophical discussions. It must also engage with concrete realities and the shared challenges of modern societies, such as combating inequality, seeking justice, and promoting peace. In this sense, dialogue is not just about coexistence—it is about journeying together toward a common future by highlighting shared values and working to implement them in society.

A Commitment for the Future

In a world marked by religious tensions and conflicts, Brother Jajé’s lecture reaffirmed that interreligious dialogue is not merely an ideal—it is a necessity. It is not an end in itself but a path to be pursued, with its uncertainties and challenges, yet also with the conviction that a more fraternal humanity is possible.

The audience’s reactions attested to the profound impact of this message. Many expressed their desire to deepen their reflection and take concrete steps toward fostering dialogue. Brother Jajé concluded his lecture with a powerful reminder: in the face of division, it is not enough to denounce intolerance—we must build bridges where walls too often stand. This challenge, though complex, is within reach for all who dare to embrace openness and respect.