Measuring Religious Leaders (Muslim-Non-Muslim) Understanding on Interfaith Dialogues Basic Concept & Effects to Social Relation

Abstract

Interfaith dialogue is an important platform of reconciliation method in nurturing unity and toleration among Malaysian plural society. Religious leaders should also do their part in ensuring those aspiration be achieved. Unfortunately, conflict among religion is still evident although interfaith dialogue has occurred for the past 54 years, and was implemented for almost 30 years. Surely, there must be a logical explanation on why dialogue is at failure. One possible reason is depending on those directly involved in dialogue itself, particularly the religious leaders. Basic understanding of interfaith dialogue is crucial before any party decided to involve in it. The author wishes to, (1) measure (local religious leaders) level of understanding on the basic concept of interfaith dialogue and (2) analyze the effect of those understanding to their social relations. To determine the level of understanding, the author uses the method of questionnaire while in measuring the level of understanding and the effects, the author uses Likert Scale (1-5). The author also uses Fixed Comparison Method and Matrix Analysis to analyze the collected data, whereby overall were descriptive in nature. Major conclusion that could be drawn from the study is, (1) there is a significant relation between the understandings of interfaith basic concepts with the respondent (religious leaders) social relation. (2) Level of formal education, participation in dialogue (whether as panelists, organizers etc) contributed in enhancing the understanding of dialogue basic concept. (3) High level of understanding of those basic concepts also contributes to the harmonic social relation and toleration among the respondent themselves.