Bissmeallah W Salato W Salamo Cala Rasool Allah
Ama Bacad Asalaam calaikom warxmatuAllah wbaraktuh
{{{{What type of dialogue SHOULD we be having with non-Muslims?}}}}}
We are ordered to call non-Muslims to the way of Allah, and this is in the best of their interest and thus da'wah (calling) to Allah is the best advice given to them. One of the great ways of da'wah is to deal with them justly and to call them to Allah in the best way, which is based upon good knowledge.
The Noble Qur'an 29:46
And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islâmic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong, and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilâh (God) and your Ilâh (God) is One (i.e. Allâh), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims)."
The above ayat calls the believers to argue with the People of the Book in a way that is better, i.e. inviting them to Allah with His aayaat (verses, proofs, evidences, etc.), using the clearest indicative words which proves the objective and to avoid being harsh save with such of them as do wrong. [See Tafseer ibn Jareer At-Tabaree for this aayah as well ibnul Qayyim's Madaarijus-Saalikeen (Beirut, Lebanon: Daarul-Fkir, checked by Muhammad Haamid Al-Fiqee, n.d.] vol. 1, pp. 445-446. ]
It is not a call for interfaith dialogue. It is a call for a common word between them and us. This word has been defined by Allah, most High, in the following Aayah:
The Noble Qur'an 3:64
Say (O Muhammad Peace and Blessings be upon him): "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims."
Muslims are not to compromise the basics of his/her deen. It also does not mean that Muslims should indulge with the kuffaar in any aimless dialogue such as: "Tell us how you pray and we will tell you how we pray," as done by some people who engage in such dialogue. The real issue is: Who deserves to be worshipped Alone?
They worship idols, images, men, etc. We worship the true God of all creation. So we call them with the right knowledge to abandon shirk and to submit to Allaah in tawheed. The best manhaj (methodology) of da'wah is that exemplified by the Prophet Peace and Blessings be upon him when he sent Mu'aath ibn Jabal r.a. to the "People of the Book" in Yemen. The first thing he Peace and Blessings be upon himcommanded him to do is to call them to tawheed and belief in Muhammad Peace and Blessings be upon him as His Messenger. Then he told him:
"If they obey you to do so, then inform them that Allah has enjoined upon them five salawaat [prayers] in every day and night [in twenty-four hours], and if they obey you and do so, then inform them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay sadawa [zakaat] from their properties and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to poor among them." [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, vol. 2, no. 478. Also reported by Muslim]
The efforts to gain the friendship of the Jews and Christians are useless, as they will never be pleased with the Muslims until the Muslims follow their religion.
The Noble Qur'an 2:120
Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ) till you follow their religion. Say: "Verily, the Guidance of Allâh (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism) that is the (only) Guidance. And if you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ) were to follow their (Jews and Christians) desires after what you have received of Knowledge (i.e. the Qur'ân), then you would have against Allâh neither any Walî (protector or guardian) nor any helper.
Fe Aman Allah
