Here is the English abstract of Mohammad Hadi Shahab (Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Kalam, University of Birjand, Iran)'s presentation at the 6^nd pre-con meeting of the conference “Imam Reza (PBUH) and Interreligious Dialogue" which was held in  University of Birjand, Iran on  December 4, 2023.

Epistemological Foundations of Interreligious Dialogue

Undoubtedly, one of the crucial issues in contemporary religious life is the movement towards unity and oneness. This matter becomes more significant when we consider the consequences of divisive conflicts and biased disputes among religions and sects throughout history. In this context, interfaith and inter-sectarian dialogue can play a pivotal role. A crucial point in this regard is that such dialogue can be truly beneficial when the parties believe in a common epistemological foundation. The concept of monotheism, besides being the basis for many virtues and beliefs, can also play a role as a shared epistemological foundation in such dialogues. Nevertheless, the issue of monotheism should be approached with rationality, steering clear of illusions and imagination, as the two origins of all human conflicts. If dialogue is realized within this rational and monotheistic framework, it can guide us toward achieving unity and oneness.

Translator: Mahdi Qasemi