June 10 – International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations

The International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations is an opportunity for people of all nations, cultures, and faiths to reflect on the sacred value of human diversity. From the perspective of Islam, dialogue is not merely a social necessity, but a spiritual and ethical obligation rooted in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) and his purified progeny (p).

Diversity as a Sign of Divine Wisdom

The Holy Quran recognizes diversity as a deliberate sign of God’s creation and wisdom. It declares: “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Surely in that are signs for people of knowledge” (30:22).

Far from being a cause for division, differences in language, ethnicity, and culture are reminders of our shared origin and the vastness of divine creativity. The Quran emphasizes that all human beings possess inherent dignity: “We have certainly honored the children of Adam…” (17:70).

Dialogue as a Quranic Ethos

The Quran not only affirms the equality of all people but also actively encourages the study of past civilizations to draw moral and spiritual lessons from their histories: “Travel through the earth and observe how was the end of those before you…” (30:42; see also 6:11, 16:36, 27:69). Such verses inspire believers to reflect on earlier civilizations, appreciate the diversity of human experiences, and engage with others in pursuit of shared values such as justice, truth, and compassion.

Prophetic Teachings on Human Equality and Dialogue

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) repeatedly emphasized that human value is not based on ethnicity, race, or status, but on piety and righteousness: “All people are from Adam, and Adam was created from dust. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or a white over a black, or a black over a white—except by piety” (Tuhaf al- ‘Uqool, p. 34). This narration establishes that racism and tribalism have no place in Islamic values. It is a call to humility, mutual respect, and an inclusive worldview—essential for genuine dialogue among civilizations.

Similarly, Imam Ali (p) emphasized the unity of the human family in his letter to Malik al-Ashtar: “People are of two types: either your brother in faith or your equal in humanity”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 53). This foundational statement by the first Imam in Shīʿa Islam not only encourages empathy and justice for all, but it elevates the ethical principle that humanity precedes identity. This is an ideal basis for cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Imam al-Sadiq (p) said:“Be a call to us [Ahl al-Bayt] without your tongues… Let people see in your piety, striving, prayer, goodness… and righteousness” (Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, p. 78). Here, Imam al-Sadiq (p) urges believers to become living examples of virtue and constructive engagement. The best form of da’wah (inviting others to truth) is through one’s ethical conduct—especially in pluralistic societies where actions speak louder than words.

Moving Toward a More Just and Ethical Global Civilization

The teachings of Islam, particularly within the Shīʿa tradition, stress the importance of engaging with others through wisdom (ḥikmah), beautiful preaching (mawʿiẓah ḥasanah), and reasoned argument (mujādalah bi-llatī hiya aḥsan)—as stated in the Quran: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best…” (16:125). As the world faces polarization, conflict, and cultural misunderstandings, the values embedded in these verses and narrations offer a path forward rooted in compassion, justice, and mutual understanding. In an era when certain parties and groups, in pursuit of short-term interests and at the expense of the common good, both theoretically and practically promote unilateralism and the notion of a ‘clash of civilizations,’ it is imperative—out of global concern and human solidarity—to reaffirm multilateralism, dialogue, and mutual understanding among civilizations.

Interfaith dialogue—whether at the highest levels among global religious leaders, in mid-level engagement among scholars and clerics, or through grassroots interactions among believers—constitutes a vital dimension of dialogue among civilizations. These multi-level encounters help foster empathy, bridge cultural divides and affirm shared spiritual and ethical values. Based on this theoretical foundation and practical necessity, I.M.A.M. actively participates in such dialogues and stands ready to collaborate meaningfully and purposefully with religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society actors.

Let this day be a renewed invitation for communities of faith—particularly Muslims—to lead in inter-civilizational dialogue with humility and purpose, seeking not only tolerance but also mutual enrichment and collective moral advancement.