Thisepisode examines the historical and semantic dimensions of translating the Holy Qur'an into Sanskrit, focusing primarily on a 1945 rendering of Sūrat al-Fātiḥa by the Hindu scholar Gunderao Harkare. The author, Cemil Kutlutürk, explores how Harkare utilised classical Sanskrit terminology and Indian philosophical concepts to express Islamic tenets such as the oneness of God, the Day of Judgement, and divine mercy. By bridging these two distinct linguistic and religious worlds, the study highlights how terms like Paramatman and dharma were employed to make the Qur'anic message intelligible within a Hindu cultural framework. Prof. Kutlutürk also provides a broader historical context, tracing the evolution of Qur'an translations in India from the ninth century through the influential efforts of the Hyderabad Nizamate. Ultimately, the research aims to foster a deeper understanding of Hindu-Muslim intellectual relations through the lens of comparative linguistics and religious studies. This academic contribution is noted for being the first of its kind within Turkish literature, offering a unique perspective on the cross-cultural transmission of sacred texts.

This episode investigates the theological and practical intersections of Judaism and Islam, with a particular focus on their shared perspectives regarding death, burial, and the afterlife. We explore traditional mourning rituals, such as the Jewish Chevra Kadisha and Islamic Ghusl, alongside various beliefs in resurrection and divine judgment. Beyond individual practices, interfaith initiatives foster peace and understanding through shared values such as charity and social action. The role of Jerusalem is examined as a spiritual focal point for both religions, illustrating how the city informs their respective eschatologies. Finally, we address contemporary challenges, including political conflict and religious discrimination, emphasizing the necessity of sustained dialogue.

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The Incommunicable Limit: Abraham’s Silence and the Paradox of Faith

In a recent article for the journal Sophia, philosopher Alexei Procyshyn offers a novel interpretation of Kierkegaard’s views on faith, specifically focusing on the character of Abraham in Fear and Trembling. Rather than viewing faith as a set of illogical beliefs, Procyshyn argues that the true paradox lies in Abraham’s absolute silence, which represents a fundamental inability to communicate the religious experience to others. This analysis identifies three distinct forms of silence—aesthetic, ethical, and religious—mapping a developmental journey where the final stage involves a singular relationship with the Divine that transcends human language. This perspective suggests that profound faith is incommunicable, presenting a direct challenge to the goals of modern interfaith dialogue which often prioritises verbal translation and shared understanding. Furthermore, the sources contrast faith with wisdom, noting that while wisdom can be taught or emulated, the isolation of faith remains unique and untransferable. Ultimately, the text encourages a greater humility and respect for the silent, lived dimensions of religious life that exist beyond the reach of explanation.

This episode explores the historical and theological evolution of Islamic sainthood, focusing on the starkly different perspectives of Ibn al-ʿArabī and Ibn Taymiyya. Ibn al-ʿArabī envisioned the perfect man as a cosmic bridge possessing mystical knowledge through divine imagination and spiritual unveiling. Conversely, Ibn Taymiyya argued for a more anti-elitist model, asserting that sanctity is defined purely by meticulous obedience to the Qurʾān and the Prophet's example.We further examine the spiritual hierarchy within Sufism and the specific role of the "seal of saints" in medieval debates. By highlighting these conflicting visions, we illustrate broader tensions between mystical metaphysics and traditionalist legalism.

This episode explores the profound theological significance of the homecoming of Ran Gvili, the final hostage returned from Gaza to Israel. The author examines how both Judaism and Islam share a deep reverence for the human body, viewing the act of proper burial as a sacred moral obligation. By comparing the Jewish concept of kavod hamet with Islamic funerary traditions, the narrative illustrates how the return of the deceased can serve as a bridge for interfaith understanding. It suggests that the same religious commitment used to honour the dead should be applied to the sanctity of life and the pursuit of peace. Ultimately, the source argues that recognising this shared humanity is essential for moving beyond cyclical conflict and collective trauma.

This podcast explores the historical significance of the Hijra, the foundational migration in Islam, by highlighting how a Christian monarch provided sanctuary to persecuted Muslims. It draws a direct parallel between these 7th-century events and contemporary struggles regarding immigration, religious nationalism, and the treatment of refugees. The author redefines modern idolatry as the pursuit of wealth and power over human dignity, while advocating for a "migration of the heart" away from prejudice. Ultimately, the source calls for interfaith solidarity, suggesting that religious communities should move beyond isolation to build a society based on justice and radical hospitality. It concludes that the legacy of the Hijra serves as a prophetic challenge for all people to protect the vulnerable and uphold shared human values.

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This episode explores the symbolism of light as a unifying metaphor for the Divine within Christian and Islamic scriptures. By examining the New Testament and the Qur’an, the author illustrates how both faiths view God as the ultimate source of truth, guidance, and moral purity. While Christianity identifies Jesus as the embodiment of light and Islam portrays God as the luminescent guide of the universe, both traditions call for an ethical life defined by justice and compassion. Ultimately, the sources suggest that "living in the light" requires believers to reject the darkness of hatred in favour of communal integrity and human dignity. Through this comparative lens, the work highlights a shared spiritual journey from ignorance toward divine enlightenment.

This dissertation by Abir Bashir Bazaz explores the negative theology and mystical poetry of the 14th-century Kashmiri saint Nund Rishi, also known as Sheikh al-‘Ālam. The text examines how his verse, known as shruks, employs a "language of unsaying" to navigate complex themes of death, nothingness, and apocalyptic imminence. By situating Nund Rishi within the broader context of Sufism and the Bhakti movement, the author highlights the saint's role in blending Islamic theology with indigenous Hindu and Buddhist concepts like Sahaja and Shunya. Bazaz argues that Nund Rishi’s focus on the ultimacy of death served as a radical social critique against the religious and political elites of medieval Kashmir. Ultimately, the research presents the Rishi Order as a unique spiritual path that addressed the political crises and socio-economic inequalities of its time through a vernacular, inclusive idiom.

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This podcast explores the profound historical alliance and spiritual solidarity between Black and Indigenous communities, particularly the Black Seminoles of Florida. By examining events like the battles along the Loxahatchee River, the author illustrates how these groups fused diverse traditions—including African libations, Native American ceremonies, and Islamic prayers—to survive systemic violence and trauma. This highlights that collective remembrance serves as a vital tool for healing, transforming shared historical wounds into a source of communal strength and wisdom. Narrative connects past resistance, such as the maroon societies of the Americas, to modern movements for interconnected liberation and justice. Ultimately,we advocate for a model of interfaith practice that prioritises liberation and mutual care over mere tolerance.

Prof. Nathan Katz focuses on the formal interfaith dialogue between the Hindu and Jewish communities, highlighting their shared values and theological intersections. He documents specific meetings where religious leaders and scholars discussed mutual respect, the rejection of proselytisation, and the preservation of sacred traditions in a modern world. He addresses the historical lack of conflict between the two faiths, noting that India has been a sanctuary for Jewish people for centuries. This discussion aim to foster global cooperation and a deeper understanding of how both religions conceptualise the divine. Ultimately, Prof. Katz records the growing diplomatic and spiritual partnership dedicated to promoting peace and cultural exchange. For more information about Interfaiths, please visit us at The East-West Foundation http://theeastwestfoundation.org/