1. Book Profile
Title: Dialogue: Its Etiquette and Applications in Islamic Education.
Author: Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Maqamsi (a Saudi academic and researcher specializing in Islamic education and curricula).
Publisher: King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue.
General Subject: Islamic Educational Thought / Communication and Dialogue Skills.
2. Central Idea and Objective
The book addresses the concept of dialogue not just as a daily communication tool, but as a foundational educational value in Islamic thought. The book aims to:
Establish a culture of dialogue and acceptance of the other's opinion based on the Holy Quran, the Prophetic Sunnah, and Islamic educational heritage.
Provide a practical guide for educators and teachers to employ dialogue within educational and family environments.
Promote values of tolerance, moderation, and distancing from fanaticism and extremism in discussions.
3. Key Themes and Contents
The book typically covers several main chapters including:
Foundations of the Concept of Dialogue: Defining dialogue and differentiating it from argument and debate from an Islamic perspective.
Etiquette of Dialogue: The ethical and psychological rules that a participant in dialogue should adhere to (such as sincerity, humility, good listening, self-control, and respect for the other party).
Dialogue Principles in Sharia: Reviewing examples of dialogues in the Quran (prophets' dialogues with their people) and the Prophet's methods in persuading and guiding companions.
Educational Applications: How society (home, school, mosque, media) can transform dialogue into a daily practice and behavior to build a balanced personality in the youth.
4. Cultural and Educational Importance
This book is considered one of the pillars and foundations upon which the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue relies in spreading dialogue culture and strategies in Saudi society. It is highly beneficial in preparing training materials for teachers and trainers, due to its integration of Sharia theory with contemporary educational application.