By France Marie

New Delhi, Nov 22, 2025: As part of my one-year Theology program at Vidyajoti College of Religious Studies, I enrolled in an introductory course on Islam.

Before this academic engagement, my understanding of Islam had been shaped largely by second-hand narratives—particularly those conveyed through the media—which often presented distorted or incomplete representations. My classmates expressed similar sentiments, revealing that many carried unexamined assumptions or inclinations.

Initially, I questioned the relevance of studying other religions within a Christian theological program. However, as the course progressed, I came to appreciate the pedagogical and ecclesial importance of such study. Knowledge, I realised, facilitates understanding, and understanding opens the path to genuine love and respect.

This learning process enabled me to align my outlook with the teaching of the Church, which “rejects nothing of what is true and holy in other religions” and invites Christians, while witnessing to their own faith and way of life, to acknowledge, preserve, and encourage the spiritual and moral truths found among non-Christians, as well as their social life and culture (NA 2).

A significant component of the course was a visit to a dargah, organized by Jesuit Father Joseph Victor Edwin, the tutor of the course, whom some of us call ‘Muslim Father.’ As I entered the dargah, the words of Vatican II resonated deeply: “together with us they adore the one merciful God.”

This prompted a sincere desire within me to understand how this shared orientation toward the Divine is lived out within the Islamic tradition. At the dargah, we engaged in dialogue with a sufi teacher who received us with notable hospitality and openness. He explained essential aspects of Sufi belief and practice and responded to our questions with clarity and patience.

I was particularly struck by the profound sense of submission to God—tawhid and taslim—that permeates the life of devout Muslims. This submission is expressed not only in prayer and ritual but also in ethical practice, fasting, charity, and simplicity of life.

I was surprised by the numerous convergences between Islamic and Christian belief and practice. Muslims, like Christians, affirm the Resurrection, the final Judgment, and the necessity of prayer and vigilance. Their emphasis during Ramadan on being spiritually prepared for the Day of Judgment closely parallels the Christian exhortations to “watch and pray” (Mt 25:13; Mk 13:33).

Additional similarities—resembling, in some respects, the practices of the Missionaries of Charity—include a structured rhythm of daily prayer, a deep reliance on Divine Providence, a commitment to humility among those in leadership, and sustained acts of charity, particularly toward the vulnerable. Their culture of hospitality was especially evident during our visit.
Toward the end of the encounter, I asked the younger sufi about the challenges Muslims face in the current socio-political context of India, including experiences of persecution. His response reflected remarkable serenity and trust in God. His confidence was reminiscent of the Pauline assurance: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31).

As we walked around the place, I tried to take in every detail—the attitude of those praying and singing, their reactions toward us, and the atmosphere as a whole. My identity as a Missionary of Charity influenced the encounter. The curiosity and respect shown by our hosts highlighted the importance of simple presence in interreligious dialogue.

This encounter significantly transformed my understanding of Islam and encouraged me to deepen my own Christian discipleship. A Sufi teaching states that anyone who meets a Sufi should leave as a better person. Mother Teresa expressed a similar conviction regarding Christians; she used to say that they need not change their religion, but they must walk away better persons.

So, I pray that everyone who meets a Christian may walk away a better person, even if they don’t belong to our same faith—may they feel welcomed, understood, and above all, loved and accepted. I hope that such encounters may continue to foster mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to what is true and holy.

(Sr France Marie is a member of the Missionaries of Charity.)