Muslims and Dialogue: The Value of Inter-Convictional Approaches in ‘Coming to Common Terms’

by Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor – [ Journal of Dialogue Studies Vol 10 ]

Abstract

This paper reflects on the concept of inter-convictional approaches in relation to Muslims and dialogue particularly in Western, British contexts and considers what is gained when the lens ‘inter-convictional’ is used in dialogue. It draws on ethnographic and qualitative data to explore ideas of lived experience and inter-convictional dialogue in relation to Muslims and dialogue, in the UK. Ethnographic data from a variety of research projects is used in case studies of Muslim and non-Muslim dialogians ‘coming to common terms’ around three areas – Muslim women’s agency; dialogue on university campuses; and Muslim-heritage children’s faith needs in the British care system. This paper argues for enhanced societal reflection on what is shared in the ‘everyday’ and the ‘ordinary’ to enable a sociological, theological, and lived ‘coming to common terms’ through dialogue. Thus, this paper posits a new paradigm for dialogue, one that is predicated on lived experience and empathy.