Islamic Studies Association -Recent Events

The Henry Martyn Institute in Hyderabad conducted a Summer Course on Christian-Muslim Relations from May 3 to May 10 2026. 

This course provides Christians, primarily students from institutions that prepare pastors for their churches, with a valuable introduction to Muslims in India, including their beliefs and practices, as well as the Church's perspective on interreligious dialogue, particularly in the context of Christian-Muslim relations. 

Over the span of six days, the course features multiple classroom presentations and visits to engage with Muslims at a mosque, a Sufi shrine, and scholars from the Department of Islamic Studies at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University.

The program facilitated a transition for students from merely studying Islam to genuinely understanding Muslims, shifting from a comparative approach to a relational approach, and fostering the development of inclusive language in conversations with Muslims.

At the end of the programme students gathered the fruits of the experience...

1. We learnt to understand Islam through the lens of Muslim experiences. We such approach is essential for sincere dialogue between Christians and Muslims, where dialogue has transitioned from a mere option to a critical necessity.

2. Acknowledging both shared values and differences enriches our conversations, allowing us to gain valuable insights into Muslim beliefs and practices.

3. The warmth and hospitality we encountered among Muslims inspired us to embrace diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation for their lived realities.

4. This course on Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations encourages us to celebrate our differences while cultivating a willingness to understand others as they truly are, promoting respect for their unique identities. By engaging in interreligious dialogue, we not only confront our own prejudices but also nurture humility and epistemic openness, which are vital for meaningful exchanges.

5. Ultimately, the program highlighted the importance of inclusive language and challenged preconceived notions of Islam, demonstrating that despite our differences, we can learn from one another and coexist harmoniously.

All the participants thanked the director of HMI for organising such an enriching programme. 

Joseph Victor Edwin SJ 

Henry Martyn Institute,  Hyderabad.