THE NEED OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE IN 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

Since the beginning of the universe, religion is a key element of the society across the globe because religion is the collective forces that binds and provide the satisfied explanations regarding the metaphysical queries and force to the members of society. Therefore, it has played the crucial role in the nourishment and development of the core religions. In fact, despite of the universality or relativity between religions the diversity of religious principles, faith, practices and other cultural elements are manifested in numerous states or nations which is one of the significant factor of spreading the religious bigotry sectarianism sentiments among the masses of the society. Even in contemporary modern and advanced era, it is distressing that people are still conflicting with each other on religious basis. The people are being killed; divided and their holy places are occupied and tear down just because of the religious differences and practices. In this context, if we talk about Pakistan so it is the sacred state with religious and cultural diversity. In spite of this the sectarian and religious beliefs, practices, and teaching of other sects and religion is not acceptable at any level in our society which, led hazardous and anarchy situations in the society because in Pakistan sectarianism is being promoted by the political and religious authorities in order to established their political regime and authenticity. Unfortunately, the imam or religious scholars could not play their significant and effective role in condemning such religious violence and exploitations and took part in stressing and promoting the violent behavior by teaching the narrow point of view and brainwashing of their students and followers. The diverse religious beliefs, principles and practices are really a cause of confusion, disorganization and alienation among the masses regarding adherent which belief, principle and traditions. In such hazardous situation there is need of the interreligious dialogue to protect the humanity and to comprehend the diverse religions and their belief structure as well. In this article researcher will yield a brief historical background and introduction of the interreligious discourse, after that author will talk about the need and significance of interreligious dialogue in 21st century. The content will be helpful to understand the discourse between world’s core religions and will be beneficial to eliminate the biasness and misinterpretation regarding the other religious beliefs and practices. Here it is significant to understand the benefits of this discourse such as inception of fairness and world harmony, to escape communities from disintegration, the safety of human rights and the ethical values of diverse religions across the world