Speaking in the 18th preliminary session of the Fifth International Imam Reza Congress, Dr Mahdi Ghasemi, a grand scholar from Mashhad seminary and a researcher of Comparative Studies of Faiths, said: “There are two perspectives on the type and method of negotiations; first, the one based on the faiths themselves, which investigates the content of religious books, knowing other religious contents well”.

“The second hinges upon the social life of, and knowing the followers of a faith, which paves the way for dialogue and negotiation”, added he.

The scholar pointed to “knowing the other side, using a rational method, and avoiding prejudice” as important factors from Imam Reza’s perspective to keep in mind while negotiating with the followers of other faiths.

“Adopting a rational method in negotiation is more efficient, even with biased parties”, continued Ghasemi.

The Islamic scholar said that Imam Reza resorted to religious dialogue as an effectual way of promoting Islam.

He concluded his remarks by stressing, “In religious dialogues, we have to aim at promoting faith, not merely prevailing over the other side”.