Here is the English abstract of Dr. Saeed Reza Ameli (Professor, Department of Social Communication Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)'s presentation at the 2^nd lecture of the pre-con lectures of the international conference on “Imam Reza (PBUH) and Interreligious Dialogue" which was held online on  January 3, 2024.

The Reality of Dialogue and Genuine Dialogue in the Civilizational Perspective of Imam Reza (PBUH); Honesty, Truthfulness, Respect for Others, and Avoidance of Verbal Violence

The reality of dialogue and genuine dialogue are intertwined. Genuine dialogue consists of various components of cognitive, action-oriented, and emotional types. In genuine dialogue, it is necessary to adhere to certain principles and avoid certain matters. Some of the most important principles are: the principle of paying attention to others, the principle of question-centered dialogue, the principle of fairness and creating a fair environment, the principle of valuing and respecting others, the principle of avoiding derogatory language, and the principle of the authenticity of dialogue. These principles individually and collectively encompass a network of other matters. Seeing and hearing the other, understanding the emotional states of the other, finding oneself in the mirror of the other, avoiding cognitive disarray, leading dialogue to social health and elevation, avoiding colonial communication, avoiding verbal violence and behavioral excitement, avoiding superiority, and avoiding the destruction of the structure of dialogue through things like considering truth as relative are some of these matters. In the context of dialogue, it should be noted that genuine dialogue is not a utilitarian or symbolic act. In the context of interfaith dialogue and in light of the life and practice of Imam Reza (PBUH), these aforementioned principles find their true meaning. In an interfaith dialogue, distinctions between minority and majority, denying the rights of others, and homogenizing people in religious beliefs are among the most important matters to be avoided.

Translator: Mahdi Qasemi