Beyond Communal Coexistence: A Few Critical Reflections on Buddhist-Muslim Civilizational Dialogue

Contemporary Buddhist-Muslim relations are often shaped by ethno-religious
nationalism, selective readings of history, Islamophobia, misinformation, and
narratives of civilizational conflict. This study proposes a civilizational-dialogue
paradigm as an alternative theoretical framework for understanding BuddhistMuslim relations beyond the binary of conflict and incompatibility. It approaches
Buddhism and Islam as dynamic civilizational traditions shaped by historical
encounters, trade, migration, political accommodation, intellectual exchange,
cultural interaction, coexistence, and conflict. The study further
examines parallelism as a comparative method for identifying ethical,
philosophical, spiritual, and social correspondences while preserving the distinct
theological identities of both traditions. So, it argues that Buddhism and Islam,
despite their fundamental differences, offer important resources for reflecting on
human well-being, compassion, justice, peace, moral responsibility, and social
harmony. Therefore, the paper positions difference not as a barrier to dialogue but
as a basis for meaningful engagement and mutual learning. Beyond its theoretical
contribution, the study proposes practical applications through more balanced
representations of Buddhist-Muslim history in educational curricula,
interdisciplinary research, interfaith initiatives, and training programmes for
religious and community leaders. Ultimately, a civilizational-dialogue approach can challenge essentialist representations of Buddhist-Muslim relations, recover
the complexity of their shared history, and provide a constructive framework for
acknowledging difference, identifying ethical common ground, and strengthening
peaceful coexistence in plural societies.