The art of dialogue and respect for differences
God created man different in his nature, understanding, and experiences, so that this difference would be a gateway to integration, not conflict, and to acquaintance, not conflict. However, the absence of the art of dialogue between people turns difference from a blessing into a curse, and from an opportunity for growth into a reason for quarreling and division. Hence, education in dialogue and respect for the other opinion is an urgent necessity for building a balanced human being, a conscious society, and a strong nation. Social balance does not mean being like everyone, but rather dealing with respect with those who do not resemble you. He said. God Almighty:Go to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed.*So speak to him softly, perhaps he will remember or fear.(Taha: 43, 44).
Young people,Dialogue is not just an exchange of words. Rather, it is the art of listening before speaking, and understanding the other before judging him. It is an educational skill that is built from childhood, and requires continuous training and long patience. God Almighty said:Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.﴾ [An-Nahl: 125]. The verse establishes a sophisticated dialogue approach based on wisdom, gentleness, and choosing the right approach, even when there is disagreement. Because disagreement is a universal and legitimate law, continuing in creation until the Day of Judgment, and if God had willed, He could have made people one nation, but His wisdom required diversity in thoughts and minds. God Almighty said:And if your Lord had willed, He could have made people one nation, and they would still be divided.([Hud: 118], disagreement is not a defect, but rather the defect lies in mismanaging disagreement, and in transforming it into rivalry, exclusion, or condescension.
The Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, was a complete school of dialogue. He listened calmly, answered wisely, and did not insult someone who disagreed or mock a questioner. Consider the story of the infidels of Quraysh when they gathered to agree on a man who would speak with the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, to persuade him to abandon his calling. They agreed on Utbah ibn al-Rabi’ah. When he went to the Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace, he spoke threateningly and encouraging, until he fell silent, and the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, did not interrupt him. May God bless him and grant him peace. He did not silence him, but rather listened to him. Then he said: “You have finished, Abu Al-Walid.” Then he offered him his invitation and read to him verses from the Book of God, until he was moved and said: That is enough for you. This great story teaches us that calm dialogue defeats arrogance, changes convictions, and brings about true transformation, without shouting or insulting.
O blessed young man,Dialogue does not mean giving up the truth, and respecting the other’s opinion does not mean accepting all of his opinions. Dialogue does not eliminate constants, but it improves their presentation and presents them with rationality and compassion. Imam Al-Shafi’i, may God have mercy on him, said: “My opinion is correct and may be wrong, and the opinion of others is wrong and may be correct.” This golden rule educates the soul in intellectual humility, prevents cognitive arrogance, and opens the door to learning from others.
Youth are the groups most in need of dialogue. Because they are living in the stage of forming ideas and identity, but when the young man is met with oppression and ridicule, he ignores his interlocutor and begins to search for his voice in other places that may not be intellectually or morally safe. However, when he finds someone who listens to him and dialogues with him with respect, he feels psychologically safe, develops critical thinking, learns to control emotions, and acquires the skill of expression without aggression. Thus, dialogue turns from a tool of discussion into a means of education and personal building.
My young brother,The art of dialogue and respect for difference is not an intellectual luxury, but rather an educational and moral necessity, and a pillar of psychological and social stability. How much our families, schools, and educational platforms need to revive this art! Let us raise a generation that has a strong argument, broad-minded, firm in values, and refined in style.