On a Monday morning, anticipation filled the amphitheater of the Theological Institute of the Society of Jesus, commonly referred to as ITCJ, Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jésus, as students gathered for a long-awaited session on Islam. This was more than an academic exercise—it was an opportunity to broaden our hearts and minds, enhancing our understanding of a faith that is intricately woven into the fabric of our society. As residents of Côte d’Ivoire, where Islam is the predominant religion, this session was especially relevant. Our daily interactions—with fellow citizens on public transport, in marketplaces, and in neighborhoods filled with mosques—made it crucial for us to move beyond misconceptions and toward genuine interfaith engagement.
Shattering Misconceptions, Embracing Understanding
The facilitator opened the session with a striking challenge: “Let us avoid being satisfied with one version of a story; half-truths are more dangerous than pure and simple ignorance!” These words set the tone for a transformative learning experience. We realized that much of our perception of Islam had been shaped by hearsay and selective narratives. The session called us to open our minds, question biases, and seek authentic knowledge about a faith with which we share so much.
As we delved into Islamic teachings, we were struck by the profound commonalities between Christianity and Islam. To our amazement, revered Christian figures such as the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and Jesus hold an honored place in the Islamic tradition. A whole chapter of the Quran, Sura 19, is dedicated to Mary, and we learned that Muslims believe that Jesus will return for the final judgment. Moreover, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes God’s mercy, a theme central to the Christian faith as well. These discoveries left many of us in awe, challenging preconceived notions and strengthening the bridge of understanding between our faith traditions.
A Dynamic and Transformative Learning Experience
The week-long session was not a mere lecture—it was an interactive, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging encounter. Group discussions, personal reflections, short films on interreligious dialogue, and Q&A sessions made the experience truly immersive. The facilitator, Fr. Norbert Litoing, SJ, was patient and generous with his time, even offering further discussions outside of class hours. His approach allowed us to explore Islam not just as a subject of study but as a living faith tradition with which we are called to engage meaningfully.
The impact of this session became even more evident a month later, during ITCJ’s two-day colloquy on Synodality. The event featured an interfaith panel with an Imam and a Pastor, offering insights from their respective religious traditions. Interestingly, most of the participants’ questions were directed to the Imam, reflecting a newfound eagerness to learn about Islam. The shift in curiosity and engagement underscored how powerful this session had been—it had planted a seed of openness that continued to grow.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Dialogue
Though it lasted only a week, this session on Islam was a life-changing experience. It challenged us to rethink our assumptions, recognize the shared values that unite us, and commit to fostering interfaith dialogue in our daily lives. Personally, it ignited a deeper desire to study Islam further and remain open to the wisdom found in other religious traditions.
As Fr. Norbert concluded, he left us with a powerful metaphor:
“Instead of absolutizing the well, let us rather focus on the water that is found in that well!”
May this wisdom continue to guide us as we seek to build bridges, cultivate understanding, and work toward a more peaceful and interconnected world.
By Alvin Mulinge, SJ