FINDING COMMON GROUND

Promoting Friendly Atmosphere

Say, “People of the Book, let us come to a word common to us, that we shall worship none but God and that we shall associate no partner with Him and that none of us shall take others, besides God, for lords.” (3: 64)

THE Quran describes an important principle for social life in the above words. What has been termed common word in the Quran—meaning common ground—is an essential principle for the conduct of social life.

The right way to begin any task involving social interaction is to find common ground between the concerned people, and then begin to operate within that frame of reference. This method is both practicable and effective.

There is no exhaustive list of types of common ground, for common ground cannot be arrived at by theorizing. It must be determined on the basis of the practical aspects of individual situations. No other procedure can be effective.

The point to be taken into consideration is the compulsions of the individuals involved and the current circumstances. Only then can it be determined what can serve as the common ground between the parties concerned.

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Finding common ground is a matter of practical wisdom, and not a product of any ideology.

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For instance, a single religious ideology could have become common ground for many different groups. But the present age is one of secularism. Now, what would be more effective would be to find common ground of a secular nature. Without this, our efforts will be infructuous so far as the various other people are concerned. It is essential to have a common ground so that whatever work is in hand may be initiated and brought to fruition. Finding common ground is a matter of practical wisdom, and not a product of any ideology.