crosscultural communication: an islamic perspective

Crosscultural Dialogue: An Interfaith-based

ApproachEmporia, Kansas

Prof. Dr. Abdelilah Salim Sehlaoui

Copyrights © 2016 Sehlaoui

Outline Introduction What is Islam’s view on Crosscultural Communication and Crosscultural

Dialogue? The holistic view of the concept of religion from an Islamic perspective. The 3 concepts of Self in Islam from a spiritual and socio-psychological

approach. The essential ingredients for achieving balance and peace in the world. The role of education in today’s world. Clarifying some concepts about Islam to facilitate a productive crosscultural

and intercultural dialogue (e.g. women status, human rights, jihad). Common behaviors and values in three world religions. Discuss how Muslim scholars all over the world condemn ISIS and ALL acts of

violence. Finally, conclude with the significant contributions of Muslim men and women

in all fields of inquiry to enrich the human civilization and crossccultural communication.

Resources


Introduction We are living in challenging times. A world of social media and information

technology as well as misinformation. Our globe has really become a small village. People can get impacted by information so

fast and so easy. Hence comes the need for a critical crosscultural communicative competence.


Islam Calls for Critical Thinking

بجهالة ﴿ قوما تصيبوا أن نوا فتبي بنبأ فاسق جاءكم إن آمنوا ذين ال ها أي يانادمين ) فعلتم ما على (6فتصبحوا ﴾

الحجرات ) (سورةEnglish meaning: O you who believe, when a wrongdoer (also means transgressor or sinner) comes to you with news, ascertain the truth lest you harm people unwittingly and then regret what you have done with repentance (Chapter 49, Verse 6). In other words, use your critical thinking and evaluate the information you receive before you can use it or share it with anybody else. This verse establishes the ethics of communication and emphasizes use of good and reliable sources when it comes to information.


Critical Crosscultural Communicative Competence

(CCCCC)What is culture?

The term culture is defined within its socio-economic and political context and as part of such a context. It is viewed as a dynamic process within a given social context in which individuals are in a constant struggle for representation and the need to have an authentic voice (e.g. Sehlaoui, 1999; 2011; Giroux, 1992; Quantz, 1992).


What is CCCCCCCCCC is a complex competence that allows an individual to communicate across cultures critically, i.e., bearing in mind the power relations inherent in any crosscultural encounter (Sehlaoui, 2011). A person who possesses this competence is able to communicate with diverse people, regardless of their beliefs, gender, origin, etc...


Crosscultural Dialogue Crosscultural dialogue can only be successful when based first on sincerity and

honesty and on a critical definition of culture. Crosscultural dialogues whether from a faith-based perspective or any other perspective

must be based on an ethno-relativist view that is open to and accepting of the other and their viewpoints. This principle is also derived from the fact that there is no compulsion in religion, according to the Islamic view.


A Call for Crosscultural Dialogue

وجعلناكم وأنثى ذكر من خلقنا\كم ا\ إن اس الن ها أي ياأتقاكم ه الل عند أكرمكم إن لتعا\رفوا وقبائل شعوبا

خبير عليم ه الل إن(Chapter 49: Verse 13)

O people! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that who has piety. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All- Aware. (Chapter 49: Verse 13)This verse clearly addresses ALL people with no exception for getting to know each other and for meaningful crosscultural communication. The criterion and basic foundation of such communication is piety which is a complex spiritual, social, and psychological competence and intelligence that encompasses so many other values such as tolerance, love, peace, respect, etc.…


The Concept of “Deen” in Islam

Deen in Arabic means all matters related to this life and the Hereafter. The word “deen” is unfortunately narrowly translated to mean religion only. Islam is viewed in much broader terms. Beyond belief in specific doctrines and performance of important ritual acts. Islam is practiced as a complete and natural way of life, designed to bring Allah (God) into the center of one’s consciousness, and thus one’s life. Essentially, by definition, Islam is a worldview focused on belief in the One God and commitment to His commandments.


The Three Concepts of Self in Islam

The Islamic view of peace offers a critical and holistic approach in achieving a balanced life that is at peace with others, the self, the Creator, the environment, and all other creatures. Based on this perspective, the concept of peace is deeply rooted in the three concepts of self as a social, psychological, and spiritual whole.


The Three Concepts of Self in Islam

The self from this perspective is divided into three levels. The third and highest level is called /annafssu al mutmainnah/ المطمئنة .(the balanced self) النفسThe second level is /annafssu allawamah/ النفس which uses a (the self-reproaching critical self) اللوامةcritical perspective towards the self and its relation to its context and one’s behavior. The role of this critical self is to reach a balance and harmony in life. The lowest self is called in Islam /annafssu al-amaratu bissu’/ األمارة بالسوءالنفس (the evil self) or uncritical and the ignorant and crossculturally incompetent self.


Striking a Balance to Achieve Peace


The Role of Education in Establishing Balance and Peace

in the World From an Islamic perspective, there are 3 major elements that are crucial in establishing such balance and peace in the world. These include:The MindThe SoulThe BodyWhen our modern schooling systems focus so much on the development of the mind and the body and ignore the soul, we end up with creating monsters or robots in societies. When we focus so much on the spiritual side without developing the mind and body, we end up with unbalanced and dysfunctional individuals and when we focus on the body and soul without the mind, we foster ignorance. When we focus on the soul and the mind, we end up with sick bodies. A holistic and functional approach to establishing peace in the world will equally focus on the three major elements.

The Role of Education in Establishing Balance and Peace in the World (followed)

Based on research in the area of functional medicine and nutrition, we know that diet besides the environment also play a crucial role in developing these three elements or in destroying them. Through a balanced educational system, we can achieve piece in the world and the enemies of peace which are: poverty, ignorance, injustice, discrimination, and racism. https://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/


https://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/

The Meaning of Islam Literally the word Islam means Peace, Purity,

Surrender, and Obedience. There are over 1,619,314,000 Muslims and

that number is growing every day.– Arabs constitute only 10%-15% of this

population. The Qur’an is the Holy book of Islam. It has

114 chapters. Some of them are entitled “Mary (PBUH)”, “Women”, “Prophet Ibrahim”, “Prophet Joseph”, “The Family of Imran (Mother Mary’s family)”, etc…


The Word SalaamThe Arabic word salaamسالم) ) means peace, secured, pacified, balanced, submitted which has the same root as the word Islam. In Islam, the individual personal peace is attained by completely submitting to the Creator. The greeting "As-Salaamu alaykum", used by Muslims, has the literal meaning "Peace be upon you".This daily greeting itself has a great significance for peace in our lives. The Muslim scholars explain, when understood correctly by Muslims and non-Muslims, this greeting is a verbal contract or covenant that states that “you and I are in a state of peace. I will not harm you neither in your presence or behind your back. I will not backbite you, cheat you, or hurt you in any form or shape.”


Women in Islam Islam liberates the human being from all

kinds of persecution and injustices. All men and women are equal in front of the

Creator. Al-Muhˆaddithaat is an encyclopedia of 40 v

olumes by Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Indian Scholar) about 8,000 women Muslim religious scholars. Check it out!


https://www.amazon.com/al-Muhaddithat-scholars-published-Interface-Publications/dp/B00EKYU3MC/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_1/162-8345851-0150032?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0196RQPG3XF482HBCB3C

https://www.amazon.com/al-Muhaddithat-scholars-published-Interface-Publications/dp/B00EKYU3MC/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_1/162-8345851-0150032?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0196RQPG3XF482HBCB3C

Human Rights in Islam Security of life and property, Security of private life, Security of personal freedom, Freedom of religion and expression, Protection from arbitrary imprisonment, Equality before the law, Rulers are not above the law, The right to participate in the affairs of state,

etc… Copyrights © 2016 Sehlaoui

The concept of Jihad in Islam A Linguistic/semantic Analysis/Jiha:d/ “struggle, hard work, ...”

/Ja:hada/ “to struggle, to work hard,…”

/mujtahid, muja:hid/ “hard-working person,...”


Jihad as a Struggle against Evil

At the personal or community levels - Perfecting one’s behavior is a type of jihad.-Studying and seeking knowledge wherever it may be is jihad.

-Providing and earning one’s living from “halal” lawful means is jihad.

-Refraining oneself from doing evil deeds is jihad and is a great type of jihad.

-Doing righteous deeds is jihad, etc…


At the Social Level Establishing Social Justice is jihad. Establishing Shura (Islamic

democracy) is jihad. Respecting Human Rights in Islam is

jihad. Fighting oppression is a type of jihad,

etc… Spreading the word of tolerance, unity,

and peace is jihad! Copyrights © 2016 Sehlaoui

Islam: A Religion of Peace1) Peace is the Cornerstone of IslamThe word “Islam” is derived from the word meaning “peace” in Arabic. Islam is a religion revealed to mankind with the intention of presenting a peaceful life where the infinite compassion and mercy of God manifests on earth. Allah calls all people to live by the moral values He sets so that compassion, mercy, peace and love can be experienced all over the world.“O You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace. Do not follow in the footsteps of satan. He is an outright enemy to you.” (Holy Quran: 2, 208)In the verse above, Islam intrinsically calls for peace and fosters a life in absolute sincerity and honesty before Allah. Therefore, it is vitally important for an individual to believe in Allah with his/her own will and aspiration, and observe Allah’s commands and advice through personal conscientious contentment.


Islam: A Religion of Peace2) Compete with each other in doing goodMuslims who share these basic values believe in the need to act together with Christians, Jews, and other faiths. Therefore, they strive to eliminate prejudices stemming from provocations by fanatics. Jews, Christians and Muslims should strive together to spread moral virtues across the world.Allah explicitly states that the existence of people from different faiths and opinions is something that we have to acknowledge and welcome whole-heartily, for this is how He created and predestined humankind in this world:“We have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would have made you a single community, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing good. Every one of you will return to Allah and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed.” (Surat al-Ma’ida, 48)“God does not love corruption”. (Chapter Al-Baqara, Verse 205)


Quran Forbids The Killing of Innocent People

“On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person, it would be as if they slew all humans: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if they saved the life of all humans. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit sins in the land” (Chapter 5: Verse 32).


Islam, Christianity, and

Judaism

Do Islam, Christianity And Judaism Have Different

Origins?


NO! The original, unchanged

revelations given to Abraham and other prophets reaching back to Adam all came from the One True God, Allah. This common origin explains their similarities in many beliefs and values.


Abraham is mentioned in the Qur'an as one of the great Prophets and was honored with the title, "Friend of Allah." Abraham and his eldest son, Ishmael, were commanded by Allah to build a place of worship, the Ka'bah, in what is today the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia.


Religious tolerance and freedom cannot be built on ignorance but rather on the understanding of commonalities and differences among world religions. Hence comes the need for initiatives such as DRAW THE CIRCLE WIDE Speaker Series and United for Peace programs that were initiated in Emporia, Kansas.


Common Behaviors and Values in the three religions

Truthfulness and honesty Kindness to others, including

neighbors, family members, parents, etc.

Giving charity/alms-giving to the poor

Social justice Tolerance


Common Behaviors and Values in the three religions

(followed) Avoiding consumption of harmful stuff

such as drugs, alcohol, etc. Prohibition of fornication/adultery Prohibition of ususry (dealing with

interest) Respect of creation and preservation and

protection of the environment


Jesus Christ (PBU) is the perfect example of teaching love for one's neighbor despite religious differences (see The Parable of the Good Samaritan).


Mohammed (PBU) was a perfect example of honesty (he was called al-amin (the truthful). He was also a perfect example of tolerance and love. He was the one who said that “The believer is the one who cannot hurt people with his/her tongue or hands”. Reported by Bukhari and Muslim.


Unfortunately, some of the followers of these three religions do sometimes the opposite.

Loving and being kind to the person is possible even if one rejects his or her religious convictions.

The Quran emphasizes the concept of tolerance in many verses as follows:



English Meaning: If it had been the Lord’s will, they would all have to believe – all who are on Earth! Will you then compel mankind against their will to believe? Quran: Chapter Yunus, Verse 99)

This is a fundamental principle in Islam. So why are their some so-called Muslims who practice something different than this? The answer is lack of education and ignorance.


English Meaning: There is no compulsion in religion. Surely truth is clear from error. (Quran, Chapter al-Baqarah, Verse 256)This verse establishes the freedom of religion in Islam. There are other verses that establish other freedoms that are parts of human right in Islam and explain the obligations and responsibilities that come with those.

ISIS is NOT Islamic and is NOT a state

According to ISIS, failure to believe in Islam is a crime deserving of death, mutilation, or slavery, in contrast to the Qur’anic injunction that “There is no compulsion in religion…” (2:256) and killing of innocent people is forbidden and is a great sin (Chapter 5: Verse 32).All actions of terrorism are anti-Islamic. Therefore, these few thousands are rejected by the one point six billion Muslims and DO NOT represent them. The same way, Robert Lewis Dear, Timothy McVeigh or others when it comes to Christianity or other faiths.


Muslim Scholars All over the World Condemn ISIS and ALL Acts of Violence

The following link contains a summary of an open letter by several hundred World Muslim scholars and leaders to ISIS leader al-Baghdadi, found at: http://www.lettertobaghdadi.com


http://www.lettertobaghdadi.com/

The Facts About Terrorism

Terrorist Attacks on U.S. Soil by Group, From 1980 to 2005, According to FBI Database


In other words,Ninety four percent (94%) of terrorist attacks were conducted by non-Muslim groups or individuals. Approximately only 2.5% of all terrorist attacks on U.S. soil between 1970 and 2012 were carried out by the so-called Muslims. This is a tiny proportion of all attacks. Between 1970 and 2011, 32% of the terrorist groups were motivated by ethno-nationalist, separatist agendas, 28% were motivated by single issues, such as animal rights, or opposition to war, etc… Only 7% were motivated by religious beliefs.


Where Do we Go From Here?

Draw The Circle Wider and United for Peace initiatives for Emporia, Kansas, other cities in the USA, and surrounding communities.

Educate people about the evil of extremism, fanaticism, and terrorism of all kind.

Unify efforts to confront fear and all kinds of phobia. Build bridges through interfaith dialog and effective

crosscultural communication. Engage the youth from all faiths and cultures in civic society. Support civic organizations that build communities for a better

world. Most importantly, teach our children love, tolerance, self-

respect, respect others, and equip them with skills, resources, and strategies that promote peace.


Historical Development of Muslim Life in America

Mohammad Alexander (1893) is the first American Muslim to come to America

Muslim came to America from all over the world.

Islam contributes to the US civilization in all fields.


Muslims in Americahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Tk8k16tFI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Tk8k16tFI

Muslims Contributions to Human Civilization

http://www.Muslimheritage.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZDe9DCx7Wk


http://www.muslimheritage.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZDe9DCx7Wk

Muslim Associations and Organizations

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) http://www.isna.net/

The Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS)

The International Institute of Islamic Thought

The Council on Islamic Education www.CIE.org

Council on American-Islamic Relations http://www.cair-net.org/


http://www.isna.net/

http://www.cie.org/

http://www.cair-net.org/

Resources and Credits Sehlaoui, A. S. (2011). Developing ESL/EFL teachers’ crosscultural communicative

competence: A research-based critical pedagogical model. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. Toronto Symphony welcomes Syrian Refugees with an Islamic song علينا البدر as طلع

background music in this presentation: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ Qs5ZJKAXsI) www.assehlaoui.com http://www.cair.com/ http://www.muslimheritage.com/ http://www.isna.net/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_violence Quran Hadiths/Sunnah/Sahih Bukhari and Muslim Bible Torah https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/terrorism-2002-2005/terror02_05#terror_05sum http://www.businessinsider.com/these-9-famous-americans-are-all-muslim-2014-10 http://www.1001inventions.com/media/video/library


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qs5ZJKAXsI