Beyond communal coexistence: a few critical reflections on Buddhist-Muslim civilizational dialogue

Mohamed Shafeen, Mohamed Ashath and Mohamed Fouz, Mohamed Zacky (2026) Beyond communal coexistence: a few critical reflections on Buddhist-Muslim civilizational dialogue. Mishkath Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 01 (01). pp. 59-86. E-ISSN 3121-5408

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Abstract

Contemporary Buddhist-Muslim relations are often shaped by ethno-religious nationalism, selective readings of history, Islamophobia, misinformation, and narratives of civilizational conflict. This study proposes a civilizational-dialogue paradigm as an alternative theoretical framework for understanding BuddhistMuslim relations beyond the binary of conflict and incompatibility. It approaches Buddhism and Islam as dynamic civilizational traditions shaped by historical encounters, trade, migration, political accommodation, intellectual exchange, cultural interaction, coexistence, and conflict. The study further examines parallelism as a comparative method for identifying ethical, philosophical, spiritual, and social correspondences while preserving the distinct theological identities of both traditions. So, it argues that Buddhism and Islam, despite their fundamental differences, offer important resources for reflecting on human well-being, compassion, justice, peace, moral responsibility, and social harmony. Therefore, the paper positions difference not as a barrier to dialogue but as a basis for meaningful engagement and mutual learning. Beyond its theoretical contribution, the study proposes practical applications through more balanced representations of Buddhist-Muslim history in educational curricula, interdisciplinary research, interfaith initiatives, and training programmes for religious and community leaders. Ultimately, a civilizational-dialogue approach can challenge essentialist representations of Buddhist-Muslim relations, recover the complexity of their shared history, and provide a constructive framework for acknowledging difference, identifying ethical common ground, and strengthening peaceful coexistence in plural societies.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Buddhist-Muslim relations; civilizational dialogue; parallelism; shared ethics; interfaith dialogue; historical interaction; social cohesion; religious plurality
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP170.8 Universality of Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP188.16 Wasatiyyah. Moderation In Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BQ Buddhism
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies (Effective: 5th Feb 2014)
Depositing User:	Dr Mohamed Ashath
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2026 12:26
Last Update:	14 Oct 2026 12:26
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5596
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131705
Indexed In:	UNSPECIFIED

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