Book: Journeying with Muslims: Listening, Praying and Working Together

Journeying with Muslims book launch

A little booklet titled Journeying with Muslims: Listening, Praying and Working Together by Cardinal Michael Louis Fitzgerald, published by Islamic Studies Association, New Delhi was released by Emeritus Professor Akhtarul Wasey of the Jamia Millia Islamia in a program jointly organized by Indialogue Foundation (New Delhi), Indian Social Institute (New Delhi) and Islamic Studies Association (New Delhi) on 3 September 2022.

Journeying With Muslims explains the titles of the Suras in the Holy Quran, indicating the text from which they are taken, to help Christian readers discover and contemplate their spiritual wisdom. The author, Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald, is one of the foremost Catholic scholars in the field of Christian-Muslim relations. He served in the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue as Secretary (1987 - 2002) and then President (2002- 2008).

While speaking on the launching of the book, Prof Wasey thanked Cardinal Fitzgerald for offering this wonderful text. He further said that in Journeying with Muslims, the Cardinal proposes Christians could accompany their Muslim brothers through reading and reflecting on the passages of the Qur'an without compromising their identity as Christians. Since the holy Qur'an lies at the heart of Islam, this little book helps Christians to enter heart-to-heart dialogue with Muslims. This idea comes from his long association with the Muslim world, his deep knowledge of Islam and Muslims and his deep commitment to his Christian Faith.

While Dr Denzil Fernandes SJ, the executive director of Indian Social Institute called upon the listeners to explore the common areas of convergence between these two great faiths to work together for justice and peace in the world. The Secretary General of Indialogue Foundation Mr. Behzad Fatmi pointed out: "Interfaith dialogue is a must today; dialogue is the first step in establishing a healthy society. Dialogue avoiding the polemical arguments, gives precedence to common points, which far outnumber polemical ones".

Joseph Victor Edwin SJ, the secretary of Islamic Studies Association pointed out that the Catholic Church on her part affirms that she rejects nothing that is true and holy in various religions. The Church eagerly learns from the 'true and holy' from other religions. Further, the Catholic Church urges Christians to familiarize themselves with the national and religious traditions of co-citizens. Concerning Islam, the Catholic Church situates Islam as the first great non-biblical monotheistic religion. The Vatican Council document Lumen Gentium (16) affirms that "the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Muslims, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind". Noting that Christians and Muslims adore the one, merciful God is a significant statement to make considering the stiff polemical exchanges between them in the past.

He further said despite such openness on the part of the Catholic Church towards Muslims, many Christian faithful, including some sections of the clergy and religious, in India are not only ignorant of Muslim faith but also unfamiliar with the teachings of the Church on the subject. The many unfounded prejudices against the Holy Qur'an create fear and suspicion in the hearts of many Christians. In this context, Journeying With Muslims will hopefully make a significant contribution in helping Christians develop a better understanding of Islamic beliefs. Professor Ravi Nandan Singh conducted the proceedings. Around 50 people attended the event that included several students from Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi) and Vidyajyoti (New Delhi).