In a world increasingly affected by prejudice, misunderstanding and conflict, multi-faith dialogue has become the need of the hour. In this important mission, Islamic Studies can play a significant role.
Islamic Studies is not confined to the study of religion alone. It is a broad and interdisciplinary academic discipline connected with history, philosophy, law, ethics, sociology, culture, civilization and contemporary issues. Its global recognition reflects its vast scope. The subject is taught and researched at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University (USA), the University of Oxford (UK), McGill University (Canada), SOAS University of London, the University of Chicago (USA), Leiden University (Netherlands), AMU, JMU, and many other universities and centres across the world.
Among its many dimensions, the role of Islamic Studies in promoting multi-faith dialogue is particularly relevant today. Dialogue does not mean compromising one’s faith; rather, it encourages people of different religions to understand, respect and learn from one another. It promotes mutual understanding, strengthens peace, protects religious freedom, enriches communities and helps reduce prejudice, stereotypes and conflicts.
India, home to diverse religious traditions, has a rich legacy of religious and cultural pluralism. Significantly, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while recently addressing a large gathering at the District Sports Stadium, Pulwama, emphasised the importance of multi-faith dialogue and called for its promotion.
In this context, Islamic Studies can play a key role in Jammu and Kashmir, where multi-faith and inter-faith perspectives occupy an important place in the subject’s syllabus. Departments of Islamic Studies across the Valley are actively engaged in promoting this perspective through teaching, discussion and research.
However, despite its global relevance, Islamic Studies requires greater attention in our own educational system. At the +2 level, the subject is facing a serious decline and is, in many places, on the verge of extinction.
The need of the hour is to revitalise and promote Islamic Studies at the higher secondary and college levels. It should be given wider academic space across Jammu and Kashmir and, wherever feasible, offered as a Major, Minor, Multidisciplinary Course (MDC) and Skill Enhancement Course (SEC).
Islamic Studies is not merely the study of a religion, it is also a study of civilization, ethics, coexistence and human understanding. At a time when society needs bridges rather than barriers, strengthening this discipline can help transform diversity from a source of division into a source of enrichment.
Email: gnbilal25@gmail.com
