THE PHILOSOPHY OF CONFLICT AND POLITICAL DIALOGUE IN THE HOLY QUR’AN: THE MOSES (A.S.)–PHARAOH NARRATIVE IN HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the dialogue between the Prophet Moses (A.S.) and Pharaoh in the Holy Qur’an. To do so, the researcher studied the verses that talked about the story of Moses (A.S.) and Pharaoh. The study tried to shed light on the methods and techniques that Moses (A.S.) used to talk with Pharaoh and the mechanisms that Pharaoh used to resist and oppose Moses (A.S.). This type of Quranic dialogue shows the capability that religious discourse can have to encounter and challenge dictators and tyrants and to dig and promote concepts of social justice and human integrity. The study shows that peaceful methods of religious discourse and dialogue can be used to interact with politics to achieve the goal of changing the status quo. The dialogue between the Prophet Moses (A.S.) and Pharaoh can be a good example to be followed by those who seek change in the political situations and seek to mobilize people against the unjust rulers. The study suggests including this dialogue and other ones in educational curricula and in the literature of the movements who seek to make change in the regimes and in the society because good words can capture minds. It also suggests studying other types of dialogue in the Holy Qur’an and also to have comparative studies in other religious books.