Religious debate in Al-Andalous as one of the main features of the dialog between cultures and faiths

Abstract

This article treats the religious debate between the followers of the Abrahamic religions which took place in Al-Andalous. Taking into the considerations the historical narrations and the writings left by the arguing scholars, we could find out to what great extent the Muslims respected the opinions of view of people with a different belief. This was due to the value of tolerance which Muslims had long strived to spread for since the first days of the annexation. It was also due to the freedom of expression which was granted to all sects and religious denomination. This debate between Muslims and people of other faiths led to the publication of various argumentative books in which the arguing scholars attempted to defend their faiths and refute the faiths of their counterparts. What was worth noting was that the publications of the people of the Book hugely lacked solid evidence. It was only characterized by its attempt to defame and smear Muslims and their beliefs. Muslims at that time were obliged to respond to them, but with logical and rational arguments. That debate created a very mature scientific dialog. It was carried out in an atmosphere of tolerance most of the time, yet some abuses used to be committed by the arguing scholars. However, that was not a routine. It was an exception