What is Interfaith?

Interfaith is about interactions, dialogue, and cooperation among people of different religious faiths or beliefs. It fosters understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration among individuals or communities that follow other spiritual traditions. Its purpose is to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence by exploring common values and addressing differences respectfully. In today's multicultural and diverse world, it's a significant approach to building bridges and reducing conflicts based on religious diversity.

The concept of interfaith dialogue became a more organized movement in the modern era. Here's an overview of its historical development:

In the past, people in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, and Greece interacted through trade, conquest, and migration. These interactions often exposed them to diverse religious ideas..

For instance, during the Abbasid rule (8th–13th century), Islamic scholars translated Greek, Persian, and Indian philosophical and religious texts. They interacted with Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Buddhists in places like Baghdad, Andalusia, and India.

Thinkers such as Al-Farabi, Averroes (Ibn Rushd), Al-Biruni, and Dara Shikoh engaged in philosophical and religious discussions across faith lines.

In the 19th century, interfaith became a movement.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions (1893) was its preamble. Held in Chicago, this was the first formal interfaith gathering. Religious leaders from Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others shared beliefs and sought understanding.

The rise of global communication, immigration, and multicultural societies encouraged interfaith efforts. The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) of the Catholic Church promoted dialogue with Jews, Muslims, and other religions.

Organizations such as the World Conference of Religions for Peace (founded in 1970), the United Religions Initiative (founded in 2000), and the World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relations emerged in the 21st century.

The focus is on peacebuilding in conflict zones (e.g., Christian-Muslim dialogue in Nigeria, Jewish-Muslim dialogue in the West), Social justice, and humanitarian cooperation.

Environmental activism and violence against minorities and unarmed people are its latest concerns.

While challenges remain—such as religious extremism, political misuse of religion, and deep-rooted prejudices—interfaith work continues to be a powerful tool for unity in a diverse and divided world. It is not a movement to create a single religion or promote proselytization. It is to show respect to others.